What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sports Tourism Director - Visit Manhattan, Kansas position at Manhattan Area Chamber Of Commerce?
Sports Tourism Director – Visit Manhattan, Kansas
Position Title: Sports Tourism Director
Organization: Visit Manhattan, a division of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Reports To: Executive Director of Visit Manhattan
Supervises: Sports Sales Manager; Sports Service Coordinator
Position Overview
The Sports Tourism Director leads Visit Manhattan’s sports tourism strategy and oversees the sports tourism team. This position is responsible for strengthening Manhattan’s position as a premier sports destination by attracting, supporting, and retaining sporting events that generate economic impact and elevate the visitor experience.
In addition to cultivating relationships with sports rights holders and event organizers, the Sports Tourism Director provides leadership, direction, and mentorship to the Sports Sales Manager and the Sports Service Coordinator to ensure coordinated sales, service, and event support efforts across the sports portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Sports Tourism Development
- Create and execute a comprehensive sports tourism strategy to grow events, enhance visibility, and drive economic impact.
- Recruit new tournaments, competitions, and sports conferences while strengthening relationships with existing partners.
- Identify opportunities in emerging or niche sports markets that align with Manhattan’s competitive advantages.
- Attend sports tourism conferences, tradeshows, and sales missions to secure new business.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and mentor the Sports Sales Manager and Sports Service Coordinator to ensure aligned goals, strong performance, and exceptional service delivery.
- Plan and direct activities, from sales outreach and bid preparation to on-site servicing and post-event review.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing sports culture.
Sports Board Leadership
- Serve as primary staff leader of the Visit Manhattan Sports Advisory Board.
- Develop meeting agendas, guide strategic discussions, and maintain productive engagement among board members.
- Lead long-range sports tourism planning focused on facility needs and enhancements that improve Manhattan’s competitiveness for future events, event recruitment strategies, and community-wide sports development.
- Ensure board recommendations and strategies align with Visit Manhattan’s mission and tourism goals.
Marketing & Promotional Support
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create sports marketing materials, digital content, and promotional campaigns.
- Provide input for bid books, sports-focused website content, printed collateral, and social media storytelling.
Data, Reporting & Economic Impact
- Oversee sports tourism reporting, including lead tracking, booking data, economic impact analysis, and event performance metrics.
- Monitor sports tourism trends and provide insights for Visit Manhattan’s decision-making and strategic planning.
Preferred Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree is required in sports management, business, tourism/hospitality, marketing, or related field.
- Required 3–5 years of sports tourism, event management, or sports sales experience.
- Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
- Experience with destination marketing organizations, sports tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, or tourism agencies preferred.
- Familiarity with sport’s governing bodies, event rights holders, or athletic venue operations preferred.
- Experience with CRM systems and economic impact tools preferred.
- Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for event support.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
Core Competencies
- Strategic leadership and vision
- Team development and coaching
- Community collaboration and advisory board management
- High-level relationship building
- Hospitality-driven service mindset
- Creative problem-solving and initiative
- Strong organizational and communication skills
About Visit Manhattan
Visit Manhattan is the destination marketing organization for Manhattan, Kansas—The Little Apple®. A division of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Manhattan drives tourism, meetings, sports, and events that contribute to economic vitality and community pride. With top-tier university athletics, versatile sports facilities, and vibrant local amenities, Manhattan offers an exceptional environment for athletes, families, and fans.
Contact Visit Manhattan Director Marcia Rozell with any questions, marcia@manhattan.org