Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000

About Visit Seattle

Visit Seattleis aprivate, non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO)servingSeattle and King County. We exist toresponsibly grow the visitor economyfor the benefit of the community.

About the Role

The Director, Tourism Development is a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for the implementation, talent and outcomes of Visit Seattles tourism work with domestic and international travel trade. This role oversees five direct reports and collaborates closely with all Visit Seattle departments to provide critical leadership that elevates Seattles global positioning and increases product placement offered by travel trade in key markets. This position serves as a team leader as well as being a representative of Visit Seattle in key community and industry forums, partnering closely with all hospitality stakeholders to shape near and long-term tourism development strategies.

WhatYoullDo

Department Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic plans in conjunction with marketing, communication and membership divisions to promote, position and elevate Seattle and King County as a premier leisure destination offering by the travel trade.
• Oversee and be actively engaged in daily operations of the tourism development team to maximize productivity and ensure industry leading, collaborative and prompt responses for our clients and hospitality community.
• Manage all administrative areas related to tourism development, including goals and incentives, measurement systems, effective and innovative client development initiatives, CRM, reporting, data integrity, budget management and team compliance.
• Manage in-market representation agencies as warranted to support international tourism objectives.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of destination assets.
• Stay informed on local and industry developments, initiatives, data, and trends.
• Proactively identify challenges and ambitiously work to address them.
• Serve as an industry expert related to international travel trends, headwinds and opportunities.
• Analyze all business reports and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Take on additional strategic projects as needed and as assigned.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and inspire the tourism development team.
• Conduct regular strategy sessions, one-on-ones, and team meetings.

• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and incentives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Attract, develop, engage and retain top talent critical to Visit Seattles success.
• Role-model Visit Seattles core values: Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence.
• Foster a positive, high-performance culture focused on service, accountability, innovation, and measurable impact.
• Remove barriers to success, streamline processes, and ensure rapid response to client opportunities.

• Develop and oversee departmental budgets in collaboration with department leaders, ensuring efficient resource allocation and achievement of revenue and engagement targets.

Client Relations, Industry & Community Representation

• Represent Visit Seattle in professional organizations, partner collaborations, at trade shows, client events, and sales missions as needed.
• Prepare and deliver reports and updates representing Visit Seattle tourism development at industry and community programs.
• Foster relationships with the Seattle and King County hospitality community and Visit Seattle membership.
• Collaborate closely with key industry partners including the Port of Seattle and Washington State Tourism.
• Establish and maintain key relationships with airlines, tour operators, receptive tour operators and wholesalers related to key markets

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years of domestic & international travel trade market development experience.
• Deep knowledge of destination tourism development strategies.
• Visionary leadership with the strong ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.
• A curious leader who displays consistent critical, collaborative, and thoughtful thinking.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budget management.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and innovative mindset aligned with Visit Seattles core values of Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as required.
• Valid passport.

• Proficiency in CRM systems and data-driven analytics.
• Active participation in tourism development/travel trade organizations preferred.

What We Offer

Visit Seattle offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package,along with apositive, purpose-drivenworkplace culture.Ourculture isguided by ourvalues of Inclusion, Impact, Commitment, and Excellence.We arepassionate aboutchampioning our region as a world-class destination for travel andtourism andpromoting the economic power of travel.

Our benefits are always evolving, though here's a peek into your perks:

• You'll have 15 days of Paid Time Off to start, with 12 paid office holidays and 1 Personal Holiday.
• You'll have 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage paid for by Visit Seattle. In addition, Visit Seattle will cover 75% of premium for family coverage.
• You'll receive an organization-paid ORCA card, and subsidized parking in the buildings garage (restrictions apply).
• You'll be reimbursed for monthly cell phone expenses.
• You'll receive 401(k) with up to a 5% organization match.
• Base salary range: $120,000-$150,000 plus an annual incentive. Compensation decisions are based on experience and scope of responsibility.

Our Commitment to Equity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and deeply committed to building a diverse, inclusive, andequitableworkplace. Webelieve that diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to serve our communities. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, military service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, maritalstatusor military service.

Visit Seattle strives to create a meaningful interview experience for candidates. If you needaccommodationfor a disability orforany other reason during the hiring process, please let us know.

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