Destination Development Specialist 

Location: Brookings, SD

Status: Full-Time • Exempt • Benefits Eligible

Work Schedule: Primarily 8am–5pm, with occasional evening and weekend involvement

Reports to: Director of Destination Development   

 

Help Showcase Brookings as a Place People Want to Visit, Gather, and Invest

Brooking Regional Growth Alliance is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening community vitality, and growing tourism across the Brookings region. Through strategic partnerships, events, and outreach, we enhance quality of life and position Brookings as a vibrant place to visit, live, work, and invest.

We’re looking for a Destination Development Specialist who is energized by relationship-building, event services and support, and community impact—and who enjoys being at the center of activity that brings people to our region.

About The Role

The Destination Development Specialist plays a key role in growing tourism and event activity by recruiting and supporting meetings, conventions, and special events. This position works closely with hotels, venues, event organizers, and local businesses to create positive visitor experiences that drive economic impact.

If you enjoy juggling projects, building partnerships, and seeing your work come to life through successful events, this role offers variety, visibility, and meaningful community impact.

What You’ll Do

Event Development & Support

  • Recruit, retain, and support meetings, conventions, and special events that benefit the Brookings community
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for event organizers—from initial inquiry through execution
  • Coordinate logistics and provide hands-on event support to ensure smooth, successful experiences
  • Help develop strategies to attract new events and grow existing ones

Sales & Revenue Generation

  • Promote Brookings as a premier destination for meetings, events, and group travel
  • Identify and secure new business opportunities that generate event-related revenue
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with hotels, venues, attractions, and local partners
  • Track event outcomes and performance to demonstrate return on investment

Community & Partner Engagement

  • Serve as a key liaison to hotels, venues, and hospitality partners
  • Lead outreach efforts to engage stakeholders and promote tourism opportunities
  • Coordinate and host site visits and bus tours showcasing Brookings’ assets to prospective groups

Grants & Administration

  • Manage the Destination Development grant program, including application review, recordkeeping, ROI analysis, and reporting
  • Identify grant opportunities that support tourism, events, and community development
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align grant activities with organizational priorities

What We Are Looking For 

  • Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 1–3 years of experience in event planning, tourism development, sales, community engagement, or a related area
  • Demonstrated success in event coordination, business development, or grant-related work
  • Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and collaborate across teams and sectors
  • Familiarity with hospitality, tourism, or community development trends is a plus
  • As part of our hiring process, final candidates will complete a standard post-offer background check

What We Offer

Salary Range: $45,000 to $54,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support our team members both professionally and personally. Benefits may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-supported retirement plan
  • Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Flexible work environment, with occasional evening or weekend event support
  • Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization making a visible impact in the community  
  • As part of our hiring process, final candidates will complete a standard post-offer background check

Ready to Apply?

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Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
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