The Executive Director (ED) is the founding senior leader of the organization and is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, financial, and reputational success of the St. Catharines Lincoln Destination Partnership.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will:

• Establish governance structures and policies
• Develop and execute the strategic and business plan
• Lead marketing and destination development initiatives
• Build strong stakeholder and member relationships
• Secure and steward public and private funding
• Ensure sound financial management and accountability
• Represent the organization at municipal, regional, provincial, and national levels

This role requires a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader with strong governance knowledge, financial acumen, grant writing expertise, and deep experience in tourism, destination development, or economic development. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors
• Support the Board in upholding, interpreting, and periodically reviewing existing bylaws, governance frameworks, and policies, and recommend updates to ensure alignment with legislation, best practices, and the organization’s strategic direction
• Implement best practices in non-profit/municipal board governance
• Develop board meeting agendas, reports, and performance metrics
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, funding agreements, and reporting requirements

2. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Establish annual business plans with measurable KPIs
• Build internal operational systems, policies, and procedures
• Create a positive, collaborative organizational culture
• Position the organization as a trusted tourism and economic development leader

3. Financial Management & Accountability

• Develop annual operating and capital budgets
• Oversee all financial operations, including revenue collection, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal funding agreements
• Manage audits, income taxes and financial reviews
• Identify diversified revenue streams including memberships, sponsorships, and partnerships
• Ensure strong internal financial controls and risk management practices

4. Grant Writing & Revenue Development

• Identify and pursue municipal, provincial, federal, and tourism-specific funding opportunities
• Lead the preparation and submission of grant applications
• Develop sponsorship packages and partnership agreements
• Build relationships with funding agencies and tourism organizations
• Ensure grant compliance, reporting, and performance measurement

5. Marketing & Destination Branding

• Lead the implementation and ongoing refinement of the approved Marketing and Communications Plan and destination brand strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, stakeholder priorities, and measurable performance outcomes.
• Oversee the creation and execution of integrated marketing campaigns
• Manage digital platforms, website, social media, and content marketing
• Develop media relations strategies and oversee PR initiatives
• Monitor tourism trends and visitor data to inform marketing decisions
• Work collaboratively with regional tourism partners to align messaging

6. Membership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and implement a membership model and value proposition
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism operators, hospitality businesses, wineries, cultural institutions, and attractions
• Lead regular stakeholder engagement sessions and industry consultations
• Provide industry support, training opportunities, and networking events
• Serve as a connector between businesses and government partners

7. Government & Community Relations

• Represent the organization with municipal councils, regional bodies, and tourism associations
• Advocate for tourism-supportive policies and infrastructure
• Maintain strong relationships with economic development offices
• Act as spokesperson for the organization
• Present to councils, committees, and community groups as required

8. Tourism Development & Visitor Experience

• Identify opportunities to enhance tourism product development
• Support major events and festivals
• Encourage shoulder-season tourism strategies
• Collaborate on regional tourism packages and experiences
• Analyze tourism data to inform strategic growth

Qualifications & Experience

Experience in tourism, business administration, marketing, public administration, economic development, or a related field; experience serving as an Executive Director or in a comparable senior leadership role is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience in tourism, destination marketing, economic development, or non-profit leadership
• Proven grant writing and funding acquisition success
• Experience working with a Board of Directors
• Strong financial management experience
• Experience leading marketing strategy and brand development

Core Competencies

• Strategic and visionary leadership
• Strong governance and policy knowledge
• Financial acumen and budget management
• Grant writing and fund development expertise
• Political acuity and stakeholder diplomacy
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a start-up organization
• Data-driven decision making