Director, Destination Strategy

4 days ago

Ireland, United Kingdom Toposophy Full time
About Us

TOPOSOPHY is a leading placemaking and marketing agency dedicated to transforming destinations into thriving hubs of culture, sustainability, and innovation. With a presence in over 30 countries and partnerships with global organizations like the UNWTO, HOTREC, and European Travel Commission, we empower destinations to attract, engage, and retain visitors while fostering local well-being. We specialize in creating integrated strategies that bring together key stakeholders, innovative research, and bold visions to elevate destinations. As a Director, Destination Strategy, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with global changemakers and lead projects that leave a lasting legacy.

The Role

As Director, Destination Strategy, you will lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative and impactful destination management and placemaking programs. With a focus on data-driven solutions, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration, you will work closely with clients and partners to design and implement strategies that elevate destination experiences. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how destinations balance visitor needs with community aspirations, driving economic growth while ensuring cultural and environmental sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Consulting & Development

  • Advise Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), government agencies, and private sector stakeholders on tourism and destination development strategies.
  • Lead the creation and execution of destination development plans, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and visitor experience.
  • Analyze local, regional, and international tourism trends to identify opportunities and recommend actionable solutions.
  • Integrate emerging technologies and AI advancements into destination strategies, ensuring innovative and forward-thinking approaches to challenges and opportunities.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and competitors to inform strategic decision-making and enhance TOPOSOPHY’s offerings.

Project Management

  • Manage the end-to-end development of destination strategies, ensuring alignment with client objectives and timelines.
  • Schedule and lead client meetings, preparing detailed agendas and delivering actionable summaries and next steps.
  • Track and report on project progress against timelines, deliverables, and budgets, ensuring accountability and high-quality outcomes.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams, including researchers, analysts, writers, designers, and other collaborators, to deliver impactful projects.
  • Oversee project budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and financial optimization to deliver client objectives within set parameters.

Research & Analysis

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret key tourism and destination performance data, producing clear and compelling infographics, reports, and presentations.
  • Design and implement stakeholder and community surveys to gather insights that inform strategic recommendations.
  • Conduct comprehensive data-driven research to support the development of destination strategies, including economic impact studies and sustainability assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Plan, organize, and lead community and industry stakeholder engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with destination goals.
  • Facilitate workshops and visioning sessions to bring stakeholders together and create consensus-driven strategies.
  • Communicate complex strategies to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and long-term commitment to destination initiatives.

Sustainability & Innovation

  • Develop and implement frameworks that balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship and local community well-being.
  • Innovate with data and analytics to identify trends, evaluate performance, and propose cutting-edge solutions for destination challenges.
  • Lead the design of new tourism experiences, integrating sustainability at every stage.

Client & Business Development

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with DMOs, government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and global organizations to strengthen partnerships.
  • Support business development by identifying opportunities to grow TOPOSOPHY’s destination strategy practice and pursuing potential leads.
  • Represent TOPOSOPHY at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to expand the company’s influence and network.

Leadership & Thought Development

  • Mentor and inspire internal teams, fostering a culture of creativity, ownership, and excellence.
  • Contribute to thought leadership by writing articles, case studies, and insights on destination management, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Represent TOPOSOPHY as a subject matter expert in destination strategy and placemaking.

Job Requirements & Skills

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in tourism, destination strategy, or management consulting, complemented by a graduate-level degree.
  • Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, with the ability to transform research insights into actionable strategies and implementation plans.
  • Demonstrated financial acumen, including proven experience in budget planning, management, and optimization for corporate or client-based projects.
  • A strong understanding of the tourism and destination development market, with good knowledge of industry trends, key players, and competitors.
  • Keen interest in following technological innovations and the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI), with the ability to integrate these advancements into strategic recommendations and operations.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging diverse stakeholders effectively.
  • A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with a strong drive to expand TOPOSOPHY’s portfolio of destination clients.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • Quick learner with adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet evolving project needs.
  • Proven ability to perform under pressure and deliver results within tight deadlines.
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