Employer: ByWard Market District Authority 

Salary Band: $55,000 - $70,000 

Languages: Bilingualism (Asset) (English and French) 

Location of Work: 55 ByWard Market Square 

Term: 1-year full-time contract with benefits

Position Overview 

Tourism & Destination Programming Lead will oversee the planning, funding, and execution of  tourism-focused events and activations. This role requires a seasoned professional with  expertise in municipal tourism initiatives, large-scale festivals, and public space programming.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in stakeholder engagement, funding  management, and the ability to deliver exceptional visitor experiences while aligning with city wide tourism and economic development strategies. 

Key Responsibilities 

Funding & Agreement Management 

• Manage the Service Agreement with Ottawa Tourism, ensuring all commitments are  met and aligned with their strategic objectives. 
• Prepare and submit detailed reports, tracking performance indicators, and funding  obligations. 
• Develop and submit compelling funding proposals for tourism-related initiatives.
• Oversee financial processes, including budgeting, invoicing, receipts, and reconciliation  to ensure transparency and compliance. 

Tourism Product Development & Visitor Experience Enhancement 

• Identify opportunities to create new tourism experiences and enhance existing  attractions within the ByWard Market. 
• Develop signature events, seasonal activations, and art installations to attract visitors  year-round. 
• Foster collaborations with local businesses, artists, and cultural institutions to create  unique, immersive experiences.
• Utilize visitor data and feedback to evaluate event success and refine programming. Stakeholder & Business Engagement 
• Act as the primary liaison between BMDA and Ottawa Tourism, industry associations,  tourism operators, and local government partners. 
• Provide data-driven insights to local businesses, helping them tailor their offerings to  visitor demand. 
• Work with economic development offices to align tourism strategies with city-wide  goals. 

Nightlife & Downtown Activation 

• Develop initiatives to support a vibrant and safe nightlife scene, fostering partnerships  with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. 
• Work with municipal officials and safety organizations to enhance visitor experience in  the evening economy. 
• Advocate for supportive policies, including street closures, festival zones, and public  space activations. 

Marketing & Communications 

• Work closely with the Communications team to ensure tourism and destination  development strategies align with overall marketing efforts. 
• Provide input on promotional campaigns and messaging that support tourism  objectives. 

Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation 

• Develop a Sustainability Action Plan to ensure environmentally responsible tourism  programming. 
• Implement a Risk Mitigation Strategy to identify and proactively address potential  disruptions to tourism initiatives. 
• Establish data collection mechanisms to accurately measure visitor impact and program  success. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• 5-10 years of experience in tourism development, event management, or municipal  cultural programming. 
• Proven track record of managing large-scale festivals, activations, and tourism-driven  events. 
• Strong financial and funding management experience, including grant writing and  budget oversight. 
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Fluency in French and English (spoken and written) is compulsory. 
• Experience working with municipal policies, economic development strategies, and  tourism marketing. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on event  schedules. 
• Strong analytical skills to track and report on tourism impact and visitor data. Why Join Us? 
• Be a key player in revitalizing Ottawa’s most iconic district. 
• Lead high-impact tourism projects that drive economic growth. 
• Work with top industry partners, including Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. 

The ByWard Market District Authority is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All  candidates are encouraged to apply, and please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss the  position with us.