Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism (Permanent, Full Time)

Position Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
• Department: Economic Development and Tourism

Job Title: Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism

Location: Centre Wellington

Join the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation and help shape the future of one of Ontario’s most vibrant and welcoming communities. The Municipal Services Corporation leads economic development and tourism initiatives on behalf of the Township of Centre Wellington by supporting local businesses, attracting investment and visitors, strengthening partnerships, and advancing community prosperity.

In this role, you will work with community partners, businesses, the Board, and municipal stakeholders to deliver practical, visible initiatives that support Centre Wellington’s next chapter.

The Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism, leads the delivery of economic development and tourism services on behalf of the Township of Centre Wellington through the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (CWEDTMSC). The role is responsible for developing and implementing economic development and tourism strategies, annual business plans, and service priorities aligned with the Township’s strategic direction.

The Executive Director reports to the CWEDTMSC Board of Directors for governance matters and is operationally accountable to the Township Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The role leads staff and partners in advancing investment readiness, business support, tourism development, vibrant downtowns, and promotion of the Centre Wellington brand. The Executive Director is a visionary leader who champions transformation, operational excellence, and community impact.

In accordance with the Administrative Services Agreement between the Township and the CWEDTMSC, the Executive Director works collaboratively with Township departments and other stakeholders to support effective delivery of the CWEDTMSC mandate. The Executive Director and assigned staff are Township employees who provide services to the CWEDTMSC.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Strategy, Economic Development & Tourism Leadership

• Leads the development, approval, and implementation of a long-term economic development and tourism strategy and associated business plans, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Township of Centre Wellington and the Economic Development & Tourism Strategy.
• Anticipates trends, identifies emerging opportunities, and positions Centre Wellington as a leader in economic development and tourism.
• Provides executive leadership to ensure Centre Wellington is investment-ready, businesses are supported, tourism opportunities are optimized, downtown areas are vibrant and well-maintained, and the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation brand is promoted and marketed.
• Champions innovation, transformation, and a culture of continuous improvement across CWEDTMSC policies, procedures, activities, programs, and services.

Governance, Board Relations, Council & CAO Advisory

• Serves as the key advisor to the CWEDTMSC Board, facilitating effective governance, policy development, and compliance with statutory requirements (e.g., Municipal Act, O. Reg. 599/06, Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act).
• As a Township of Centre Wellington staff member, ensures compliance with Township policies and procedures.
• Supports Board development and best practices in governance, including transparent reporting, timely briefings and presentations, and informed decision-making.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with the Township CAO and other Township leadership to ensure alignment, timely issue escalation, and coordinated execution across municipal service functions.
• Administers and monitors the Administrative Services Agreement between the Township and CWEDTMSC, including service levels, effectiveness, and cost implications, and recommends adjustments as required.
• Writes reports and presents to the Township Council or Committees on CWEDTMSC activities as requested.
• Attends Township Senior Management Team meetings (or other Township meetings) when requested by the Township CAO.

Stakeholder Relations, Partnerships & Advocacy

• Represents CWEDTMSC in high-profile forums, working groups, committees and events, building strategic partnerships and advocating for Centre Wellington’s interests at regional, provincial, and national levels.
• Proactively engages with government, business, and community stakeholders to advance CWEDTMSC’s mandate and deliver shared outcomes.
• Builds and maintains operational partnerships with the Fergus BIA, Elora BIA, Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations from an economic development and/or tourism perspective.
• Builds and maintains operational working relationships with all applicable Township departments/divisions in the provision of Township services.

Investment Opportunity Management

• Leads investment readiness and opportunity management, including intake, qualification, follow-up, and coordination across relevant Township departments and external partners.
• Delivers presentations to businesses, developers, industry associations, site selection consultants, and real estate firms about the Township and opportunities for investment.
• Manages investment leads and works in conjunction with CWEDTMSC and Township staff in researching appropriate land development sites and facilities for clients.
• Negotiates with representatives of business, industry, commerce, and government to support business attraction, establishment, expansion, and retention.
• Analyzes socio-economic data, labour statistics, and market trends to inform investment strategies and recommendations.

Operational Excellence, Performance, Financial Stewardship & Risk

• Establishes, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) for CWEDTMSC programs and services (text truncated).