Director of Economic Development and Tourism

Position Summary and Objectives

The Director of Economic Development & Tourism is responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting strategies that support sustainable economic growth and tourism development within the region. This role involves leading initiatives that attract investment, support entrepreneurship, and enhance the municipality's tourism profile while contributing to long-term economic vitality and quality of life for residents.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director ensures that the economic development priorities identified by Municipal Council are aligned and shared with key economic partners. The Director works collaboratively with municipal departments, government agencies, businesses, tourism, and stakeholders to foster new opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

The Director plans and coordinates operational and administrative activities required to implement the municipality's economic development strategy. This includes overseeing strategic projects such as the development and promotion of the Scoudouc Industrial Park and leading initiatives that support the municipality's Net Zero transition on promoting sustainable development practices and environmentally responsible economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Description

• Develop and implement strategic plans to attract and retain businesses, investments, and industries
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, public-private partnerships, and incentives
• Facilitate business retention, expansion, and workforce development initiatives.
• Foster entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting incubators, small business programs and startups.
• Conduct market research, economic forecasting, and data analysis to guide policy recommendations.
• Identifies economic development issues and challenges.
• Promote infrastructure development projects that support economic growth (e.g., smart infrastructure, energy infrastructure).
• Collaborate with local, regional, and provincial entities to align economic goals and initiatives.
• Collaborate with event organizers to plan and promote local festivals, cultural activities, and events.
• Initiates and carries out, through a spirit of facilitation and initiative, various activities likely to arouse interest in investment in the Town through new projects.
• Develops access to networks of public and private business financing organizations.
• Acts as leader or project manager for several specific economic projects
• Analyzes the financial, fiscal and technical impacts of economic projects
• Responsible for marketing strategies and promotional campaigns to attract tourists and visitors
• Responsible for evaluating possibilities, developing and executing an annual tourism development action plan.
• Manage tourism branding, event development, and public relations efforts to enhance the region's tourism profile.
• Identify emerging tourism trends and develop niche markets (e.g., eco-tourism, heritage tourism, culinary tourism)
• Partner with tourism agencies, local attractions, hotels, restaurants, and event organizers to create tourism packages
• Responsible for attracting and supporting the hosting of special events that contribute to the municipality's economic development.
• Monitor tourism data and visitor trends to measure the success of campaigns and initiatives
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members while managing staff in the planning, assignment, and completion of tasks.
• Oversee the municipality's Net Zero initiative and promote sustainable economic practices.
• Work with partners and stakeholders to advance the development of the Scoudouc Industrial Park and attract business opportunities.
• Perform other duties related to the position as assigned by the CAO.

Minimum Qualifications

Education (Diploma / Certificate):

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Economics, Tourism Management, Urban Planning or equivalent experience.
• A certificate from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (University of Waterloo or Université de Sherbrooke) is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Must have 6 years' experience in economic development, tourism management, or related field. With at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in both French and English, orally and in writing.
• Competent in computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office Suite, and familiar with basic accounting software principles.
• Demonstrates reliability and discretion in handling confidential matters related to the position and the municipality. Possesses political awareness and the ability to manage sensitive issues with sound judgment.
• Experience with public-private partnerships and grant funding processes
• Able to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with staff and the public.
• Proven success in managing complex projects, budgets, and stakeholder relations.
• Must be familiar with marketing and promotional techniques.
• Must be reliable and discreet regarding confidential matters related to the position and the Town of Shediac.
• Must be able to maintain good public relations with Town Council, economic partners, citizens and employees.
• Demonstrate leadership and be action and results oriented.
• Dynamic, proactive, and capable of exercising good judgment, strong organizational skills, and effective problem-solving. Able to work closely with the community.
• Demonstrates autonomy, reliability, and punctuality; shows initiative and teamwork; possesses excellent organizational skills, sound judgment, and a strong customer service orientation.

Working Conditions

Work Hours:

The regular work schedule is 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Employees may finish at noon on Fridays, provided they have made up the equivalent of three (3) hours earlier in the same week.

This position requires occasional attendance at meetings outside regular business hours, as well as participation in weekend events.

Work Location: Shediac Town Hall

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Benefits: Comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including participation in a retirement plan, as well as coverage for health, dental, and life insurance.

Annual Salary Range: 99 194$ to 119 033$