Executive Director

The Hood River Chamber of Commerce, doing business as Visit Hood River (VHR), is seeking a qualified, dynamic, and innovative Executive Director to lead the organization’s destination management, tourism marketing, and community business development programs in Hood River, Oregon.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here already, or have only dreamed about making Hood River your home, this is your chance to live and work in this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hood River is just one hour east of Portland and adjacent to the stunning Columbia River Gorge.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of VHR, balancing strategic leadership, operational management, community advocacy, and destination stewardship. The role requires a leader who can work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, public partners, tourism stakeholders, and the broader Hood River business community to strengthen the region’s visitor economy and quality of place.

• Manages and administers policies, procedures, and programs approved by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for promoting the community as an attractive travel destination and enhancing the Hood River public image as a dynamic place to live and work.
• Directs the internal staffing and human resources operations of VHR to include applicant screening, hiring, salary guidelines, determination of job functions, delegation of work assignments, evaluation, discipline, and termination.
• Directs the work and agreements with all outside contractors hired to support the VHR mission and deliverables.
• In conformance with measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and related strategies of the yearly marketing plan and strategic roadmap, supports the team that develops annual advertising programs, official vacation planner, social media, public relations programs, podcasts, and website enhancements.
• Provides oversight for the solicitation of new partnerships and membership renewals and assists in developing partner policy and dues structure.
• In conjunction with the Board chair, develops agendas for engaging Board meetings and provides brief reports on the status of pertinent projects and programs.
• Prepares an operating budget for approval by the Board of Directors, presents the approved budget to City Council, and initiates Board review of new programs or program changes that may affect the operating budget.
• Partners with Board leadership to support governance, board development, committee engagement, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Generates and strengthens community support for VHR’s mission, city brand, and public service by maintaining a visible public presence, making public appearances, and serving on volunteer boards and committees that support tourism and the broader community.
• Maintains positive working relationships with partner DMOs throughout the Hood-Gorge regional destination management footprint, as well as statewide partners including Travel Oregon and the Oregon Destination Association.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities which may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

• Leadership experience in travel, tourism, hospitality, events, or an adjacent industry is required. Destination Marketing Organization, Convention and Visitors Bureau, or Chamber of Commerce leadership experience is preferred.
• The position requires graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with a major emphasis in a related field; or equivalent progressively responsible work experience within the travel, tourism, hospitality, event, or adjacent industries.
• Ability to build and sustain a high-performing, collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent.
• Experience managing the marketing and communication functions for a medium-sized business, not-for-profit organization, or public entity.
• Fiscal experience managing a budget is required, with a preference for experience identifying and implementing alternate sources of funding.
• The Executive Director is expected to bring strong business acumen and working knowledge of contemporary management practices,…