Tourism Development Lead

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.OverviewThe Tourism Development Lead is responsible for advancing the City’s tourism portfolio by implementing joint projects with the City’s two major tourism partner organizations – the Richmond Hotel Association and Tourism Richmond. A key connector, communicator, and project manager, the Tourism Development Lead delivers complex initiatives on time and on budget, with minimal supervision, and as mandated by the strategic priorities and programs set out in the work plan of the Economic Development Office and the 5-Year Tourism Plan. This position reports to the Manager, Economic Development.Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develops a framework for and facilitates ongoing alignment and coordination of Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) funded programs and initiatives among core tourism businesses and organizations. This includes overarching project management of these initiatives and budget forecasting.
• Project management, coordination, and facilitation of priority projects to support the growth of the tourism sector in Richmond including but not limited to those in the 5-Year Tourism Plan.
• Coordinates alignment and builds productive working relationships with Destination BC and other key tourism organizations across the province and country.
• Acts as a key project liaison between City departments and the City’s major tourism organizations and partners, fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace and strong working relationships.
• Compiles annual planning, budgeting and performance data associated with all current MRDT recipient organizations and initiatives to fulfill annual MDRT reporting requirements by the Government of B.C.
• Proactively engages and communicates effectively with diverse partners who are key to each project’s success and who may hold differing viewpoints. Facilitates meetings and various engagements between businesses, consultants, and other external partners.
• Develops, prepares and presents information, proposals, briefings, reports, analysis and updates at Committee, Council and community meetings; responds to inquiries; represents the department on internal and external committees as required.
• Reviews and interprets confidential and sensitive information such as issues, contract negotiations and Closed Council material.
• Collaborates with City departments, advisory committees, businesses, government and community agencies, and the general public, ensuring that sound information, services and advice are provided, and the City’s interests are professionally and effectively represented.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expert ability to provide advice, guidance, and direction on tourism matters.
• Knowledge of the tourism sector in Richmond, the Metro Vancouver region, and British Columbia, including tourism sector organizations, key assets, and service providers.
• Knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks that govern tourism sector development funding in the region.
• Knowledge of project management best practices and strong project management ability, including budget forecasting and management.
• Ability to break down complex issues, identify the root cause of the problem, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Ability to adjust project plans and advance projects due to ongoing internal and external input.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with other levels of government, community members, and organizations.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement, diplomacy and an understanding of the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a variety of methods including oral presentations to large or small groups of internal and external customers; facilitation abilities; professional, report, strategy and public writing; preparation of technical analysis and briefing papers. Ability to obtain, interpret, summarize, prepare and deliver reports and presentations.
• Excellent decision-making, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, deliver results and exercise a considerable degree of independent judgement within the sensitivities of a political and regulatory environment.
• Skill and ability to use client relationship management programs and Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Tourism Management or related discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is preferred.
• Master’s Degree in a Social Sciences discipline, or equivalent experience, is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of hands-on project management experience in a complex environment, preferably in the tourism development sector or related field.
• Experience in a public sector environment would be an asset.

Additional Information:Employee Group: CUPE Local 718 Position Status: Temporary Full-Time Duration of Appointment: 3 years Salary Range: $49.20 – $58.09/hr Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 8:15am – 5pm; Compressed Work Week Application Posted: 1/24/25 External Closing Date: 2/13/25 PCC#: N/A Openings: 1