REGIONAL DIRECTOR, NORTH AMERICA

World Travel & Tourism Council; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global travel organization is seeking a Regional Director for North America to lead their membership growth and engagement strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior-level experience in the Travel & Tourism sector, strong commercial acumen, and a proven track record in business development. Responsibilities include managing relationships with Members, securing sponsorships, and enhancing WTTC's presence in the region. This role involves collaboration with government stakeholders and requires an established network at the executive level.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level experience within the Travel & Tourism industry.
• Established network of senior industry executives across North America.
• Experience engaging with government stakeholders is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver WTTC’s commercial and membership strategy across North America.
• Manage relationships with Members and drive engagement.
• Secure sponsorship revenue aligned with organisational objectives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial judgement

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Education

Degree in Business, Marketing, or International Relations

Job description

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism.

WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses.

Alongside our Council Members and Board of Vice-Chairs, OpCo and Executive Committee representatives from our Member organisations, WTTC directors are responsible for guiding the work of the Council in the fulfilment of its mission.

Purpose of the Role

The Regional Director, North America will be responsible for delivering WTTC’s commercial and membership strategy across the region, driving membership growth, strengthening engagement with existing Members, and positioning WTTC as the leading private‑sector voice for Travel & Tourism with both industry leaders and government stakeholders.

The role requires a highly connected senior professional with strong commercial acumen, proven business development experience, and the ability to operate at CEO and senior government level. The Regional Director will play a key role in expanding WTTC’s presence, influence and revenue opportunities throughout North America.

Context

As WTTC continues to strengthen its global footprint and expand its membership base, North America remains a strategic priority market. The Regional Director will lead regional engagement, recruitment and positioning efforts, working closely with internal teams across Membership, Government Affairs, Events, Research and Advocacy.

Operating within a fast‑paced, internationally focused organisation, the role requires a proactive, commercially minded leader capable of managing senior stakeholder relationships while driving measurable growth in membership and sponsorship revenue.

Key Responsibilities

1. Membership Engagement and Relationship Management

• Define and deliver a structured engagement programme for Member CEOs and senior executives across North America.
• Maintain consistent, high‑quality communication with all Members and Advisors in the region.
• Develop strategic account plans aligned with Members’ priorities and WTTC initiatives.
• Ensure Members are actively engaged in WTTC events, taskforces and advocacy activities.
• Support Finance in resolving overdue payments where required.
• Identify and support the development of regional WTTC Ambassadors.

2. Membership Recruitment and Commercial Growth

• Deliver regional membership recruitment targets on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of high‑profile prospective Members.
• Lead outreach to senior industry leaders to expand WTTC’s presence across key Travel & Tourism sectors.
• Forecast annual, quarterly and monthly recruitment targets.
• Identify new revenue opportunities including sponsorships, partnerships and SME growth initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of all stakeholder interactions within Salesforce.

3. Sponsorship and Revenue Generation

• Secure a minimum annual sponsorship revenue target aligned with organisational objectives.
• Identify opportunities for event partnerships, Leaders Forums and regional initiatives.
• Support the Events team in identifying hosts and sponsors for WTTC programmes and summits.

4. Events and Regional Representation

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for Member events across North America.
• Ensure strong engagement from Members and prospects at all regional activities.
• Represent WTTC at high‑profile industry events, conferences and leadership forums.

5. Government Engagement and Positioning

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies with key government representatives.
• Position WTTC as the leading private‑sector authority on Travel & Tourism in North America.
• Identify strategic public and private sector platforms where WTTC should maintain visibility.
• Facilitate high‑level meetings between WTTC leadership, Members and senior government officials.

6. Strategic Market Development

• Develop annual regional strategic market plans aligned with WTTC objectives and KPIs.
• Manage relationships with industry associations, strategic partners and Ambassadors.
• Monitor market trends and identify opportunities to strengthen WTTC’s regional influence.

7. Collaboration and Internal Coordination

• Work closely with Advocacy, Events, Research and Commercial teams to ensure alignment.
• Contribute to cross‑functional initiatives supporting WTTC’s global agenda.
• Provide regular reporting, insights and regional updates to senior leadership.

Knowledge and Experience

• Degree educated in Business, Marketing, International Relations or related field.
• Extensive senior‑level experience within the Travel & Tourism industry.
• Strong commercial background with proven success in business development and membership growth.
• Established network of senior industry executives (CEO/C‑suite level) across North America.
• Experience engaging with government or public‑sector stakeholders is highly desirable.
• International exposure and experience operating within global organisations preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven public speaking and stakeholder engagement experience at senior level.
• Tenacious, results‑driven and highly relationship‑focused.
• Ability to operate autonomously while collaborating within a global team structure.
• Media‑trained or comfortable representing an organisation publicly is advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Senior stakeholder management and influence
• Commercial strategy and revenue growth
• Relationship building at executive level
• Public positioning and industry advocacy
• Cross‑cultural leadership and collaboration