Tourism Strategy Manager

Tourism Strategy Manager

Full Time, 2-year Contract Position (37.5 hours per week) until October 31, 2026 with possibility of contract renewal

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) is the regional economic development organization for the Annapolis Valley Region. The Valley REN carries out the economic development priorities for its members, which currently include Glooscap First Nation, the Municipality of the County of Kings, West Hants Regional Municipality, and the Towns of Berwick, Kentville, and Middleton. Funding for the Valley REN is provided by its members and is matched by the Province of Nova Scotia to support economic development on a regional level. Together with the Province, our partners provide oversight to the Valley REN Board of Directors, which is led by the regional business community.

Our Mission: The Valley Regional Enterprise Network's mission is to be the catalyst for a thriving, sustainable and inclusive regional economy in the Annapolis Valley. Serving the Annapolis Valley region, we are uniquely positioned to objectively address the economic and business development needs of the region as a whole without being confined to municipal boundaries. We are the "boots on the ground," helping to link the private sector and public organizations around common objectives for regional economic progress.

Job Purpose: The Tourism Strategy Manager will be responsible for executing the Annapolis Valley Tourism Strategy. This position will facilitate an active relationship with tourism sector businesses, such as hotels/restaurants and attractions in the Annapolis Valley region. Work involves implementing the action plan of the Annapolis Valley Tourism Strategy. Meets monthly with a tourism sector-led Working Committee and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engagement with tourism sector stakeholders throughout the Annapolis Valley.
• Implement the Annapolis Valley Tourism Strategy working closely with tourism sector businesses, such as hotels/motels/Inns/B&Bs, campgrounds, restaurants, shops and all area attractions and tourism activities.
• Maintain a database of industry contacts.
• Work with the COO to maintain the tourism implementation budget and reporting requirements.
• Work with the COO to explore and secure additional funding sources for tourism in the region.
• Supervise the Tourism Sector Program Assistant, who lends support to this role.
• Oversee the development of a transitional regional tourism website. With the support of the Tourism Sector Program Assistant, maintain website upon completion, including content development, etc. Guidance from CEO will be provided on all messaging and communications.
• With the support of the Tourism Sector Program Assistant, develop and monitor regional tourism social media platforms.
• Work in partnership with Provincial tourism bodies for marketing and program opportunities.
• Oversee media relations with guidance from CEO.
• Develop relationships with other tourism sector support organizations provincially and nationally.
• Lead the Tourism Implementation Working Committee and provide all administrative support. The Tourism Implementation Working Committee is a committee of the Valley REN Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills within the tourism sector
• Ability to multitask
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented and solutions-focused
• Works well both independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent proof reading and editing skills
• Exercises sound judgment, analytical thinking and problem solving skills
• Positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills
• Flexible
• Organized
• Demonstrated skills with some or all of the following: Microsoft Office 365, Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Mail Chimp, Survey Monkey and research

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree related to Tourism and Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Community Development, or 5 or more years of tourism management experience in an operational environment
• Relevant experience in the tourism industry
• Experience leading and providing support to a committee or Board of Directors
• HR and supervisory experience
• Marketing and Social Media experience
• Experience in project and change management, executing effective strategies and plans

Additional Experience:

• Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Experience collaborating with equity deserving groups/organizations.

Working Environment:

• Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, in an office environment (office is located in Kentville).
• Flexibility in working hours is required as some work will happen outside of regular hours.
• Frequent travel throughout the region may be required to fulfill the duties of this role, therefore continuous access to reliable transportation to areas within West Hants, Kings and Annapolis Counties, with the possibility of other parts of the Province is a requirement and responsibility of the employee.

Salary: Full time, 2-year contract (37.5 hours per week) $70,000 per year

Deadline for Application: Friday, June 21, 2024 at 4:00pm

Please send your merged CV and cover letter by June 21, 2024 to:

Emily Boucher, CEO

Valley Regional Enterprise Network

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Valley REN acknowledges that we are in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded territory and ancestral homeland of the Mi'kmaq nation. Our relationship is based on a series of Peace and Friendship treaties between the Mi'kmaq Nation and the Crown, dating back to 1725. In Nova Scotia, we recognize that We are All Treaty People.

The Valley REN is committed to fostering a welcoming, equitable and accessible workplace where all team members feel valued, respected and supported. The Valley REN is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants.