Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer, Destination St. John’s
St. John’s, NL
Destination St. John’s is searching for its next CEO to build St. John’s as a top destination for tourism and business.
The Organization
Destination St. John’s (DSJ) is a private non-profit corporation operating under the direction of a Board of Directors on behalf of its partners. As a destination marketing organization (DMO), it is first and foremost a sales organization, selling tourism partners’ products, services, and experiences to the world. It currently targets major meetings, conventions and incentive travel, sport and cultural events, leisure travel and group tours.
As one of the five Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in the province, DSJ has a seat on the province’s Tourism Industry Advisory Group and plays an active role in the development and implementation of a long-term growth strategy for the tourism industry in the province. DSJ ensures that the views and aspirations of their regional partners are reflected in that strategy.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for the overall success of the organization by providing strategic leadership, planning oversight and stewardship for all aspects of DSJ finances and operations. They oversee all operations, functions, and activities and are responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. They work collaboratively with the Board and DSJ staff team to navigate ongoing revenue generation, member relations, and partnerships, positioning DSJ and the St. John’s tourism industry for long-term success and stability. The CEO acts as the figurehead of the organization and works closely with government, local businesses, sponsors, and other industry stakeholders, acting as an advocate for St. John’s, NL, and Canadian travel. They are responsible for the development and implementation of innovative initiatives to market and develop St. John’s as a top destination.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:
Strategic Leadership and Finance – Provides creative and visionary leadership in alignment with DSJ mission, goals, and strategic priorities while ensuring fiscal sustainability and positioning St. John’s as an attractive destination for business, tourism, and leisure.
Partnerships and Development – Works closely with industry stakeholders to build partnerships aligned with the values and purpose of the DSJ, creating opportunities for growth through shared resources and revenue generation.
Storytelling and Marketing – Proactively shares the story of St. John’s and DSJ as an organization designed to support regional tourism and business, acting as the main spokesperson for members, media, and events.
Operational Management – Manages and mentors a diverse team of employees to foster positive culture while achieving set objectives, goals, and outcomes.
The Ideal Candidate
As the ideal candidate, you are an entrepreneurial leader who thinks outside of the box, with exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. You are confident and creative, able to convey vision and ideas to board members and industry partners in compelling ways. You are energized by creatively solving problems and have a canny ability to foresee and prepare for challenges and opportunities. You are a capable project manager with well-developed strategic marketing skills, with an ability to analyse multiple sources of data to monitor market trends, competition, KPIs, and performance measures that inform future decisions. You are a decisive, compassionate, and communicative leader with strong team management skills that have earned you the respect of your team and peers.
Qualifications and Experience
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
• A university degree in a related field (e.g. business, tourism, public administration, communications, marketing) or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in senior-level management.
• Demonstrated skill in creative and strategic financial and operational management and long-term planning.
• Evidence of significant skill in revenue generation for mission-driven organizations and initiatives.
• A proven track record of fostering positive relationships and partnerships with government, businesses, community leaders, and other local institutions and organizations.
• Good knowledge of business-related technologies and how to implement efficiencies in not-for-profit environments.
• Ability to build and lead a high-performing team and maintain positive culture.
• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—through policy, action and education.
Skills and Attributes
• A purpose-driven servant leader who is energized by networking and engaging with people at events and meetings.
• Exceptional relational skills, able to quickly build trusting relationships.
• Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style, leading with integrity and creativity, and sound judgment.
• Superior skill in strategic financial and organizational management.
• Excellent communication skills – able to seamlessly translate complex information for different audiences.
• A “pitch in” kind of leader who supports and empowers their team.
Destination St. John's is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities/racialized people; and people with disabilities.
We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package by clicking the "Apply Now" button below.