Career Center

Discover New England (DNE) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization in promoting, stimulating, fostering, and encouraging travel to New England and positioning the region as the premier travel destination in the Northeast United States.

The ED oversees all operations, functions, and activities of DNE, and is the face of the organization. The ED manages the relationship between the organization and the Board of Directors, and manages contractors, and organization’s staff, as well as oversees market research, develops and executes the organization’s business plan, annual strategic plan, and manages the annual budget.

This position is an opportunity for a contemporary manager with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to lead a destination marketing organization into the future with the goal of growth and sustainability.

To be successful in this position, the ED must have superior “people” skills, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the desire to grow the organization. The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple priorities and responding quickly. A “can do” attitude, tenacity and a desire to be on the forefront of travel/tourism marketing are vital to be successful in this position.

Requirements include, but are not limited to: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sales, Marketing or Business preferred, and a minimum of ten years related experience with progressive managerial responsibilities in the tourism and hospitality industry, preferably related to the international market
• Proven experience as executive director or in other managerial position
• Experience in developing strategies and plans
• Experience working on marketing programs that include direct-to-consumer, travel trade relations (both U.S. receptive operators and overseas tour operators), and PR/earned media
• Strong understanding of non-profit finance, principles and managerial best practices
• Strong understanding of contract management
• Strong industry and trade show relationships in domestic and international markets
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously, and to work well under pressure and with a board of directors
• Basic word processing skills, preferably Microsoft Office Suite, include Excel and PowerPoint

Job Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Develop and implement strategies intended to promote the organization’s mission, including the development of an affiliate members program and its benefits
• Develop an annual plan that identifies target markets, and defines a strategy and budget for reaching those markets 
• Create business plan for the attainment of goals and objectives set by the Board of Directors
• Direct and oversee fundraising efforts, including growing the membership base and grant opportunities
• Organize the Tourism Summit and other events in ways that maximize participation, effectiveness, and profitability

• Identify and communicate the benefits that Discover New England provides the New England tourism industry

• Manage contractors in foreign countries responsible for tourism marketing on behalf of Discover New England
• Oversee organization’s marketing efforts, ensuring their quality and effectiveness in meeting annual plan objectives and staying on brand
• Analyze research and market trends to ensure Discover New England’s efforts are staying relevant to today’s international traveler