Experience Development Specialist (HYBRID)

Ottawa Tourism’s vision is to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and valued urban destinations and the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism's mission is to market and sell Ottawa as a compelling leisure and business destination and lead or participate in initiatives that improve Ottawa’s visitor experience. We contribute to the broader economic development objectives of the city and the success of our stakeholders and, by doing so, enrich the quality of life for all Ottawa residents.

Reporting to the Director, Experience Development, the Experience Development Specialist is a key member of the Ottawa Tourism Destination Development team, supporting efforts to develop local tourism opportunities, enhance the visitor experience in Ottawa, and build community support and awareness of tourism initiatives. This key role will leverage tools such as the Destination Development Fund (DDF) to collaborate with event operators and tourism product creators, bringing new or expanded major leisure events, festivals, and other tourism-generating initiatives to fruition. The Experience Development Specialist supports Ottawa Tourism’s mission and vision by helping introduce new experiences that inspire travel to Ottawa and stimulate growth in the visitor economy. This role requires proactive outreach to tourism providers, strategic thinking, and strong business acumen to assess the long-term viability of new experiences in the Ottawa market. The Specialist will provide sound and solid analysis and recommendations to their Director, Experience Development and Vice President, Destination Development, setting the foundation for a team that enables the addition of strategic tourism experiences that will have maximum economic impact in our city.

This position is based out of the Ottawa Tourism offices in beautiful downtown Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism employs a hybrid work model, with some ability for all employees to work remotely. In some cases, certain positions will have an ongoing requirement to maintain a physical presence in the office. Such details will be discussed during the application process.

Key Competencies

• Understanding of and appreciation for the local tourism landscape
• Willingness to act as a key contributor in a fast-paced organization
• Broad flexibility in outlook, task orientation, working style, and approach
• Strong commitment to continuous self-improvement and to the improvement of the experience development function
• Experience supporting the administration of funding programs, including application review, criteria-based assessment, and recommendations for funding allocation in alignment with program goals
• Working knowledge of the festivals and events sector, including operations and funding models, with the ability to assess opportunities and support organizers in aligning with tourism and community objectives.
• Proficient in leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and support data-informed decision-making within program and project delivery

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Experience Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate as a key member of the destination development team, supporting the team’s strategic goals, operational priorities, and long-term vision
• Identify, assess, and recruit experience development opportunities that enhance Ottawa’s appeal as a destination, increase overnight visitation, and showcase Ottawa’s tourism offerings
• Work with cultural and event stakeholders to prioritize events that have a positive economic impact on visitation and improve the visitor experience
• Liaise with event rights holders and producers to attract programming and coordinate event logistics among community partners, including municipal, provincial, and federal agencies
• Actively seek and field funding support opportunities for major signature events
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with key external stakeholders; foster stakeholder relations to achieve maximum impact and success
• Act as an exemplary ambassador for Ottawa Tourism at all external events, as directed and required
• Support the Experience Development and Destination Development team as required

Fund Administration & Project Management

• Serve as the primary contact for all applications and inquiries related to the Destination Development Fund (DDF) or similar funds as directed by supervisor
• Represent and present funding programs to diverse audiences (e.g. BIAs, tourism sector associations, students), proactively engaging potential applicants and stakeholders
• Review and assess funding applications to ensure business plan alignment, compliance, timelines, and viability for successful project execution
• Assist the Director, Experience Development in gathering and presenting DDF applicant summaries and presentations to the Tourism Development Council, as directed
• Coordinate and liaise with Major Events Fund and Convention Development Fund as required
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure project execution (e.g. contract administration, business intelligence)
• Analyze projects and provide summaries and recommendations to the Director, Experience Development
• Assist the Director, Experience Development (or other senior leaders as directed) in the development and execution of projects and organizational initiatives as required

Desired Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Tourism, Hospitality, Event Management, Business, Marketing, Economic Development, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Strong ability to prioritize, manage projects, and think strategically
• Ability to build and maintain external relationships; high level of competence in stakeholder management
• Ability to read, draft, and interpret contracts with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to assess information, identify key insights, and provide clear summaries that support informed decision-making
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Assets

• Fully bilingual in both of Canada’s official languages, both written and verbal
• Previous experience working in tourism, hospitality, or destination management/marketing or a related subsector of tourism

The Hiring Process

• Initial Phone Screen
• In-Depth Interview
• Peer Interview
• Reference Checks
• Offer

Land Acknowledgement

Ottawa Tourism is located and operates on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin people, who have travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

We place great value on the importance of diversity in our workforce, and we value inclusivity, trust, innovation and encourage applications from individuals who are members of under-represented or marginalized communities. We foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. We connect with Indigenous communities; we care about the planet our people and our industry, and we want our city to be accessible to all. To that end, we are committed to an objective hiring process which is free from discrimination based on any of the protected grounds as stated in Ontario's Human Rights Code. In an effort to ensure that the selection process is as objective as possible, applicants are invited to consider removing any indications on their application that might suggest age, place of origin, ethnic origin, disability, race, or any other protected ground. For example, applicants might choose to include the names and classification of degrees granted (i.e. Diploma in Project Management, with Honours), while excluding the name or location of the school.

Accessibility Statement

All applications will be considered as long as the applicant can demonstrate that they meet the essential qualifications as described in the job posting. Further to this, if you would like to request any additional accommodations based on one of the Code's protected grounds, we will be happy to help accommodate you.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Wednesday, August 6th at 4pm