Tourism & Main Street Director

Location: Livingston, Tennessee (Chamber office-based; some schedule flexibility available)

Reports to: President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce (daily operations); Overton County Tourism Advisory Board and Main Street Board (program oversight)

Classification: Full-time, exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Tourism & Main Street Director leads two complementary and interconnected efforts on behalf of the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Livingston: promoting Overton County as a premier travel destination and guiding the revitalization of Livingston's historic downtown commercial district. Each function represents approximately half of the role's focus and responsibilities.

On the tourism side, the Director serves as the county's primary advocate and strategist for visitor attraction, working with state partners, local stakeholders, and regional media to grow Overton County's tourism economy. On the Main Street side, the Director oversees the ongoing accreditation and programming of Livingston as a Tennessee Main Street Community, building on existing courthouse revitalization efforts and driving forward a preservation-centered approach to downtown development.

This is a highly visible, relationship-driven role that requires someone who is equally comfortable presenting to a county commission, pitching a travel writer, and rolling up their sleeves to coordinate a community event.

TOURISM RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director serves as the lead for all tourism development and promotion for Overton County, working in coordination with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) and other state and regional partners.

• Develop and execute an annual tourism marketing plan that grows leisure travel and drives visitor spending across Overton County.
• Manage Overton County's tourism brand in alignment with the Tennessee Destination Brand Starter Kit and TDTD guidelines.
• Plan and implement research-based advertising campaigns across print, digital, and social media channels.
• Develop relationships with regional and national travel publications, tour operators, travel writers, and media outlets; design and conduct familiarization tours as needed.
• Oversee the county tourism website, social media accounts, and all visitor-facing content, including tourism guides, maps, and promotional materials.
• Monitor SEO performance, web traffic, and campaign analytics to inform strategy and demonstrate return on investment.

Partnerships & Community Relations

• Cultivate active relationships with hotels, restaurants, attractions, and hospitality businesses throughout the county.
• Represent Overton County at regional and statewide tourism events, conferences, and industry gatherings.
• Coordinate with the Chamber President to provide timely and accurate information to local and regional media.
• Coordinate with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) and the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association (UCTA) to align county strategies with regional and state tourism goals.
• Serve on local and regional committees that advance tourism and economic development goals.
• Coordinate special events that attract visitors and support the local tourism economy.

Data & Reporting

• Gather, analyze, and present annual tourism data and economic impact reports to the Tourism Advisory Board, Chamber board, and local government partners.
• Develop and manage clear key performance indicators to track program effectiveness and guide investment decisions.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly and annual tourism board reports.
• Identifyand pursue tourism-related grant opportunities at the state and federal levels, including TDTD programs.
• Manage grant reporting, compliance, and documentation requirements for all active tourism funding.

The Director manages Livingston's Tennessee Main Street program, ensuring ongoing compliance with accreditation standards and advancing a comprehensive, preservation-centered approach to downtown revitalization.

Accreditation & Program Management

• Ensure Livingston maintains accreditation as a Tennessee Main Street Community, meeting all annual reporting and performance benchmarks set by Main Street Tennessee.
• Build upon existing courthouse revitalization funding to develop and execute a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan organized around the four Main Street pillars: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
• Coordinate the activity of all Main Street committees, ensuring clear communication, volunteer engagement, and consistent implementation of work plan items.
• Manage all administrative requirements of the Main Street program, including budget tracking, record keeping, and required reporting to Main Street Tennessee and the National Main Street Center.

Economic Development & Design

• In collaboration with the Main Street board and local government partners, develop downtown economic development strategies that leverage historic preservation as a foundation for growth.
• Assist property owners and tenants with building improvement projects through consultation, contractor referrals, design guidance, and identification of appropriate financing mechanisms.
• Track and report economic indicators, including business retention, new business openings, job creation, and building reinvestment.
• Maintain a data system documenting physical changes, building inventories, and photographic records of downtown development over time.

Promotion & Community Engagement

• Develop and coordinate downtown promotional events, business recruitment efforts, and community activities that drive foot traffic and foster a vibrant downtown culture.
• Work closely with local media to ensure strong coverage of Main Street activities and milestones.
• Conduct ongoing public education and outreach to build community appreciation for Livingston's historic assets and the Main Street program's goals.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with downtown merchants, property owners, local government officials, and community organizations.
• Work directly with downtown businesses and hospitality operators to improve visitor readiness, including customer service, wayfinding, hours of operation, and overall visitor experience.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and Main Street programming.
• Prepare grant applications and manage compliance and reporting for awarded funds.
• Plan and execute fundraising initiatives to support Main Street programming, including sponsorship development, donor cultivation, and partnership-based funding strategies that reduce reliance on public dollars over time.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's or associated degree in tourism, marketing, business administration, public administration, economic development, historic preservation, communications, political science, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Experience

Strong candidates will bring demonstrated experience across several of the following areas:

• Tourism promotion, destination marketing, or hospitality management
• Downtown revitalization, Main Street programming, or historic preservation
• Economic development, small business development, or community developmentGrant writing and administration
• Digital marketing, social media management, and content strategy
• Budget management and financial reporting
• Building and maintaining partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively before public bodies, media, and community audiences
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and with limited resources
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong project management skills with the ability to carry multiple initiatives from concept to completion simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with digital tools, website content management, and social media platforms
• Familiarity with Overton County, the Upper Cumberland region, and Tennessee's tourism and economic development landscape is a significant plus

WORK CONDITIONS & SCHEDULE

This position is based at the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce office in Livingston, Tennessee. While some schedule flexibility is available, regular in-office presence is required to effectively serve the community and manage program responsibilities. The role involves evening and weekend commitments for events, public meetings, and community activities, as well as periodic travel for conferences, grant-related visits, and statewide program participation.

This position is offered under a written employment contract with a minimum two-year initial term. The Director shall receive a minimum of 90 days' written notice or severance pay, except in cases of termination for cause.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via email to The position will remain open until filled.

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