POSITION OVERVIEW

The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that aims to protect and restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration. 

The BDEC is a key component of the marketing team and reports directly to the Marketing and Development Director.  The BDEC is responsible for driving earned revenue and corporate support through strategic partnerships, tour sales, and successful event execution. This role blends relationship-based sales, community engagement, and operational coordination to expand the organization’s visibility, revenue streams, and mission impact.

This position serves as a key ambassador for the organization, cultivating partnerships, increasing participation in boat and kayak eco-tours, and leading the planning and execution of revenue-generating events.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, tourism partners, and sponsors.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow earned revenue through corporate partnerships, group bookings, sponsorships, and cross-promotional opportunities.
• Represent the organization at networking events, chamber meetings, and community gatherings to increase visibility and build relationships.
• Track partnership outreach, proposals, and outcomes to support long-term growth and retention.

Boat & Kayak Eco-Tour Sales

• Drive sales and bookings for boat and kayak tours, including public tours, private charters, group outings, and corporate experiences.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to increase tour participation during peak and off-peak seasons.
• Manage relationships with hotels, NSB Visitors Bureau, SEV Chamber of Commerce, HOAs, and other partners to increase referrals and group bookings.
• Monitor sales performance, trends, and customer feedback to inform pricing, promotions, and new offerings.

Event Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute organizational events, including fundraising events, donor engagement opportunities, community programs, and partner events.
• Manage event logistics, including timelines, vendors, sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer and staff coordination, and on-site execution.
• Collaborate with development and marketing to support event sponsorships, promotion, and attendee engagement.
• Evaluate event success through attendance, revenue, and engagement metrics, and recommend improvements for future events.

Marketing & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with staff to support promotion of tours, events, and partnerships through digital, print, and community channels.
• Contribute content ideas, partnership highlights, and sales messaging that support broader marketing and fundraising goals.
• Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the organization’s mission, values, and brand.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of sales, partnerships, and event outcomes in CRM and booking systems.
• Prepare regular reports on revenue performance, partnerships, and event metrics for leadership.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and goal setting related to tours, partnerships, and events.

Financials/Budgets

• Work with the Director to develop, implement, and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual marketing budgets in conjunction with the annual operational budget.
• Work with staff to reconcile monthly, quarterly, and annual marketing event financials.        

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of MDC’s mission and the organization's strategic vision.
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations.
• Attend internal staff meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
• All other duties as assigned by the Marketing & Development Director.

WORK HOURS

40 hours a week in a highly active office.  The schedule can vary, but a typical schedule is 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.  Evenings and weekends will be required for event execution. 

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• College preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar position is preferred
• Computer Skills:  Microsoft Office Suite

ESSENTIALS THAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL 

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Ability to multitask!

Ability to take initiative.

Positive attitude.

Superior attention to detail.

Ability to work well and collaborate with others.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Highly organized.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to remain stationary part of the time at a computer.

• Needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Continually operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.

EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS

Many MDC operations involve being on, in or near water.  Additionally, chemicals are used for various laboratory tests, in aquaria, and in restoration work.  All safety protocols must be followed.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.