Director Economic Development and Tourism

Durham Region (The Regional Municipality of Durham); Whitby; On-site; CAD 161,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham Region is seeking a Director of Economic Development & Tourism to guide strategic initiatives, foster partnerships and drive investment across the region. You will lead a diverse team and oversee budgets and performance metrics in a role reporting to the Commissioner of Community Growth & Economic Development.

This leadership position emphasizes advancing diversity, equity and inclusion while coordinating with eight local municipalities and provincial partners to grow economic

Qualifications

• Degree in business, commerce or related equivalent with education and experience.
• Progressive experience leading teams in economic development, tourism and marketing.
• Knowledge of real estate and land use planning principles.
• Experience developing and implementing multifaceted plans and budgets.
• Strong leadership and organizational excellence in program delivery.
• Political acuity addressing regional issues.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Time management and ability to plan complex projects with diverse parties.
• Ability to identify risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Creativity in developing equitable, accessible, and sustainable solutions.
• Municipal experience plus private sector activity is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership and strategic advice on economic development, marketing and tourism issues.
• Seek opportunities to strengthen relationships internally and at local, national and international levels.
• Lead planning, development, coordination and implementation of strategies, campaigns and events.
• Coach, guide and mentor a team in business development and investment attraction, marketing and tourism.
• Oversee the division's human resources and staffing.
• Develop, implement and track measures to demonstrate outcomes.
• Foster innovation and change management within the division.
• Support the Region's commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion, including Indigenous communities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Risk management

Creativity

Strategic planning

Education

Degree in business, commerce or related equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Director, Economic Development & Tourism

Connected communities. Connected to you. Durham Region is one of Canadas fastest growing areas. With a population of over 800,000 people in some of Ontarios most beautiful settings, Durham is geographically, culturally and economically diverse. Featuring large urban centres, smaller towns and villages that support both bustling urban activity and a prosperous rural and agricultural base, Durham Region is connected, caring and welcoming. As Durham transforms

and evolves, it is a place where the natural environment is respected while prosperity is created for all, through major infrastructure investments, access to a specialized talent pool, world-class educational institutions, and an enterprise driven business community. Working closely with eight local area municipalities, senior governments, Indigenous community representatives, industry

partners, community groups and post-secondary institutions, the Economic Development and Tourism division coordinates regional economic development activities, advances investment readiness, and supports long-term economic success through industrial tax base growth, employment land development, and strategic economic initiatives. As a natural relationship builder and persuasive communicator who inspires others, this is your opportunity to bring your

creativity, energy, enthusiasm and innovation to this key leadership role.

Reporting to the Commissioner of Community Growth & Economic Development, the Director of Economic Development and Tourism will:

• Provide vision, leadership, strategic advice and act as a key resource to internal and external partners on all economic development, marketing and tourism issues and activities
• Seek opportunities to build and strengthen relationships internally and at the local, national and international level
• Lead the planning, development, coordination and implementation of strategies, campaigns and special events that build awareness and celebrate the Regions diversity and growing potential among various audiences
• Coach, guide and mentor a team tasked with business development and investment attraction, marketing and tourism, the Business Advisory Centre Durham, agriculture and rural economic development
• Oversee the human resources of the division to ensure a strong staff complement with a variety of technical and professional skills
• Develop, implement and track various measurements and metrics to demonstrate the value of economic development activities and outcomes
• Foster innovation and champion change management, creating an environment that embraces improvements to existing services and delivery methods
• Actively support the Region's commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion, including enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities
• Ensure solid fiscal stewardship and general administration of the division

The ideal applicant will possess:

• A degree in business, commerce or related equivalent combination of education and experience
• Progressive experience leading teams in economic development, tourism, and marketing
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of real estate and land use planning principles
• Experience developing and implementing multifaceted plans and budgets
• Strong leadership skills that exemplify and foster organizational excellence in the delivery of programs and services
• Political acuity with a demonstrated ability to address organizational and regional issues
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Efficient and proven organization and time management skills with an ability to prioritize and plan complex projects with a wide range of parties in a flexible manner
• Ability to identify risks and develop mitigation plans
• Creativity in developing equitable, accessible, and sustainable solutions
• Municipal experience plus significant activity in the private sector would be an asset

Management & Exempt Salary Grade 10

- Salary: $160,824 to $201,030 per annum

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.