Director of the City of Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau

Organization: City of Hays / Hays CVB

Location: Hays, KS | 2700 Vine Street

Pay/Salary: $86,000 – $96,000 (Starting range) + Comprehensive Benefits

Job Type: Full-time | Executive/Management

Job Summary

The City of Hays is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). This role is responsible for the overall administration and management of the CVB, with a primary focus on marketing the City of Hays and its unique attractions to regional and national audiences.

The Director leads efforts to increase visitation, overnight stays, and economic impact while serving as the primary liaison between the City, local tourism partners, and the hospitality industry. As the head of the CVB, you will oversee a dedicated team and manage the operations of the Hays Welcome Center, ensuring our community remains the premier regional hub for Northwest Kansas.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing: Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and promotional strategies to highlight Hays’ cultural events, historic landmarks (including the Sternberg Museum and Historic Downtown), and recreational opportunities.

• Operational Management: Direct the daily operations of the CVB and the Hays Welcome Center; oversee department budgets, financial reporting, and performance metrics.

• Staff Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate CVB staff to ensure high-quality program delivery and exceptional visitor services.

• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for the tourism industry, local business owners, and community organizations (e.g., Downtown Hays Development Corp, Hays Arts Council).

• Event Recruitment: Lead initiatives to recruit conventions, sports tournaments, and group tours to the city, coordinating with local hotels and venues to maximize local economic benefit.

• Public Representation: Represent the City of Hays at regional and state tourism conferences and serve as a spokesperson for the city’s tourism initiatives.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Experience: 3–5 years of related professional experience in tourism, marketing, public relations, or hospitality management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Tourism Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field is highly preferred.

• Skills: Exceptional communication, public relations, and marketing skills. Proficiency in budget management and strategic planning is essential.

• Residency: Per City of Hays policy, this position requires the employee to reside within the city limits of Hays within six (6) months of hire.

• Other: Valid Kansas driver’s license and the ability to work after hours or weekends for special events as needed.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Life Insurance and KPERS Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the City of Hays Employment Portal. Link: www.HaysUSA.com/CVB

Priority Deadline: March 22, 2026

Estimated Start Date: June 8, 2026