Development Officer - TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

Development Officer, Tourism Sustainability

Location: Kilfinane

Responsible For: The Development Officer - Tourism and Sustainability will be responsible for the implementation of sustainable and regenerative tourism development initiatives across the Ballyhoura region, working with community groups, accommodation providers, networks and public / private stakeholders. The Development Officer will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region by supporting sustainable tourism actions, culture and heritage initiatives, community-led tourism efforts, food tourism initiatives and regional collaboration.  

Reporting to: Line Manager as appointed by the CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG

Key responsibilities will focus on driving innovative tourism development by means of some or all of the following:

Strategic Development & Coordination

• Drive and implement sustainable and regenerative tourism initiatives, including the actions set out within the Ballyhoura Destination & Experience Development Plan.
• Coordinate and implement actions set out within the Ballyhoura Sustainability Action Plan.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and other agencies including but not limited to, Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment, Ballyhoura Failte, Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities.
• Provide administration and tourism development support to Ballyhoura Failte.
• Participate in and support transnational projects.
• Contribute to the development of outdoor recreation tourism within Ballyhoura, liaising internally with the RRO and BHE.

Community & Business Engagement

• Provide information and support to tourism business, community groups to access and participate in appropriate tourism, sustainability, cultural, heritage programmes, initiatives and activities.
• Assist in the development and delivery of community tourism, heritage and cultural initiatives, including training, governance, business planning and funding advice.
• Support the growth of unique tourism initiatives, e.g. food tourism, festivals and events, community heritage etc.
• Promote and expand the membership of the Ballyhoura Sustainable Tourism Network.
• Help communities understand their role in tourism and recognise their contribution to visitor experience and the regions tourism development.

Tourism Product Development

• Develop innovative, sustainable tourism products in collaboration with tourism providers.
• Develop the skills and capacity within the management, staffing and governance structures of local tourism and heritage networks and other special interest groups.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance local experiences.
• Design and implement themed itineraries (e.g., food, heritage, wellness).
• Facilitate bundling and cross-promotion of services.

Communications & Events Support

• Align with the communications and marketing team on messaging and promotions.
• Maintain tourism events database and support flagship events.
• Represent Ballyhoura at tourism events and workshops.

Project Development, Monitoring & Funding

• Submit tenders and proposals for funding for and on behalf of Ballyhoura Development and other interested parties / stakeholders.
• Assist entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs and community groups in making funding applications to relevant programmes and bodies.

Company Operational

• Monitor outputs, sustainability indicators and impacts through data collection, reports, case studies and by any other means which may be required by the company and/or programmes in keeping with the Company's requirements and for presentation to the Board.
• Participate in and comply with all company actions and activities relating to continuous improvement, such as the Q Mark, the Governance Code and any other continuous improvement processes implemented by the company;
• Understand, be aware of and comply with all company policies and procedures;
• Attend any compulsory training organised by the company, and participate in other training events or courses relevant to your role.
• Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive**.**

Person Specification

• Self-starter, self-motivated and results driven
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Creative and innovative
• Flexible: Willing to work evenings/weekends.
• Eager to Learn and pursue new opportunities

Terms & Conditions

• Initial 1 year fixed-term contract
• Salary based on experience.
• 23 days annual leave + time in lieu.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in tourism, marketing, heritage, cultural or related field.
• 3+ years in a tourism, heritage, cultural or marketing development role.
• Excellent communication and content writing skills
• Strong digital marketing and IT skills.
• Experience in event and project management.
• Full clean driving licence required.

Ballyhoura Development is an equal opportunities, inclusive employer. Canvassing will disqualify.