Chief Executive Officer

White Spot; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association seeks a strategic and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization and support local tourism. Candidates should possess post-secondary education in Tourism Management or Business Administration and a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience. This full-time, in-office position offers competitive compensation and benefits, along with opportunities to make a significant impact in the Kootenay region's tourism landscape. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to the provided email address.

Benefits

Comprehensive extended health and dental package

4 weeks paid vacation per annum

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the Kootenay Rockies region including communities, organizations, government and businesses.
• Minimum 5 years’ demonstrated leadership and management experience within a similar organization.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, and strong knowledge and understanding of Board Governance practices and not for profit framework.
• In-depth experience and knowledge of sustainable tourism concepts, actions and trends.
• Experience with crises communication, emergency preparedness and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the organization to ensure it meets all deliverables of the Shared Cost Agreement with Destination BC.
• Acts as KRT’s primary spokesperson, participates in public speaking opportunities and attends community events.
• Oversees all KRT operations and provides effective leadership to the organization.
• Develops and maintains a strategic communications program that effectively shares the vision of KRT.
• Champion advocacy efforts on behalf of the region’s tourism industry.

Education

Post-secondary education in Tourism Management or Business Administration (Masters preferred)

Job description

On behalf of our client, the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRT), Chemistry Consulting Group is pleased to lead the Executive Search for an experienced and visionary leader to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. KRT is a Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO) representing the tourism industry in southeastern British Columbia. Established in 1978, KRT operates as a not-for-profit society governed by an independent board of nine business leaders from across the region. The head office is located in Kimberley, BC.

KRT is primarily funded through a cost-sharing agreement with Destination BC, the provincial Crown corporation responsible for tourism. The organization’s main focus is to support and deliver services and programs to tourism-related businesses throughout the region.

The dedicated and passionate team at KRT is deeply connected to the rural communities they serve. They work tirelessly to support local tourism operators and take pride in showcasing the unique and transformative experiences of the Kootenay Rockies to visitors, partners, stakeholders, and residents.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a committed team and collaborate closely with key players across British Columbia’s tourism sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

The ideal candidate is a skilled leader with experience building lasting and constructive partnership networks. This individual will be a strategic thinker, a motivator and be able to lead the association’s work into the future. A depth of understanding and knowledge of the Kootenay region tourism sector is critical to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

Leadership

• Lead and direct the organization to ensure it meets all deliverables of the Shared Cost Agreement with Destination BC and work with Destination BC to develop the annual regional operations plan
• Ability to lead the implementation of the KRT strategy in consultation with the Board of Directors
• Acts as KRT’s primary spokesperson, participates in public speaking opportunities and attends community events to build KRT’s profile
• Foster a positive and productive working environment for the KRT staff
• Demonstrate ability to lead through uncertainty and respond effectively to crises, including public health, economic, and environmental challenges in today’s complex and evolving tourism landscape
• Represent the region in various settings including with the Ministry, Destination BC and various other organizations and circumstances

Operations

• Oversees all KRT operations and provides effective leadership to the organization
• Develops and maintains a strategic communications program that effectively shares the vision of KRT with key stakeholders
• Manages all financial and risk mitigation components of the organization
• Strategically manages human, financial and information resources, understanding the business implications of decisions and strives to improve organizational performance
• Organizes and participates in Board meetings to report on the status of programs and projects, to present matters requiring the approval of the Board
• Ensures human resources and operational objectives contribute to the realization of the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the organization as defined in the strategic plan

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Champion advocacy efforts on behalf of the region’s tourism industry
• Represent the region at relevant forums, events, and meetings
• Travel the region meeting with stakeholders, industry groups and business leaders
• Actively support educating the public and stakeholders on the value of tourism
• Gauge stakeholder needs and ways to support their organizations and businesses
• Maintain and grow the Association’s membership through proactive outreach and engagement strategies
• Identifies business opportunities, fosters relationships with key industry partners, and develops strategies to enhance brand visibility and service offerings
• Develops relationships with key stakeholders within the Indigenous communities in the region

EDUCATION & RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Tourism Management or Business Administration (Masters preferred) or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• In-depth knowledge of the Kootenay Rockies region including communities, organizations, government and businesses
• Minimum 5 years’ demonstrated leadership and management experience within a similar organization
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, and strong knowledge and understanding of Board Governance practices and not for profit framework
• In-depth experience and knowledge of sustainable tourism concepts, actions and trends
• Experience with crises communication, emergency preparedness and risk management

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to interpret data and market intelligence to guide decisions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and superb written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• In-depth knowledge of tourism marketing principles, trends
• Expert level knowledge of destination development and management principles, and knowledge in the local, provincial and international tourism industries
• A deep understanding of Indigenous tourism and reconciliation efforts
• Comprehensive knowledge industry funding models including MRDT, Destination BC, visitor services and various grant streams
• Solid human resource management skills and knowledge to build a high-performing team
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Must possess a current valid BC driver’s license and have access to a vehicle for travel

WE OFFER

• Comprehensive extended health and dental package
• 4 weeks paid vacation per annum
• Full Time permanent position
• This position is in office Monday to Friday to lead the team (potential hybrid model)

Kootenay Rockies Tourism is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We are also committed to providing workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities, ensuring you have the support needed to perform your best work both during the hiring process and throughout your employment with us.

TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please respond by email to [e-mail]. Please indicate you are applying for KRT – Chief Executive Officer in the subject line. Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your experience and qualifications, as well as outlining why you are interested in this position.