Executive Director

Executive Director – Travel Drumheller Destination Management Organization Position Overview

• Provides overall strategic and operational leadership for the organization
• Accountable to the Board of Directors and guided by Travel Drumheller’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities
• Lead fundraising and resource development activities, including Grant writing and partnership buy ins to secure funding for existing programs and future growth.
• Oversees destination marketing, development, stewardship, and advocacy for the Drumheller region
• Ensures strong governance support, financial stewardship, and organizational effectiveness
• Leads people, programs, partnerships, and resources to deliver measurable impact for members, stakeholders, and the broader community

Key Areas of Responsibility Leadership & Employee Relations

• Create and sustain an organizational culture aligned with Travel Drumheller’s values
• Enable employees, contractors, and volunteers to contribute meaningfully to planning and decision-making
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace
• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure regular feedback, evaluation, and recognition
• Design and maintain an organizational structure that is flexible, fiscally responsible, and strategy-aligned
• Oversee recruitment, contractors, onboarding, performance management, compensation, and discipline in accordance with Board policy
• Ensure organizational policies, procedures, and expectations are clearly understood and followed

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Management

• ‍‍Provide overall financial stewardship and accountability
• Lead the development of annual operating and capital budgets aligned with strategic priorities
• Oversee day-to-day financial management, internal controls, and financial reporting
• Ensure Tourism Investment funds are administered in full compliance with provincial legislation, municipal agreements, funding contracts, and Board policy
• Monitor revenues and expenditures and ensure financial sustainability
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely monthly financial statements for quarterly Board review
• Ensure timely completion of audits, regulatory filings, and funding reports
• Approve expenditures within delegated authority and approved budgets
• Support revenue diversification through grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other funding sources

Risk Management

• Implement and maintain risk management practices to protect organizational assets and reputation
• Protect physical, financial, and digital assets through policies, maintenance, and controls
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks

Advocacy, Partnerships & Communication

• ‍‍Serve as the primary spokesperson and senior representative for Travel Drumheller
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism operators, members, partners, local municipalities, funders, and community stakeholders
• Strengthen Travel Drumheller’s visibility, credibility, and value within the community and tourism industry
• Educate stakeholders and decision-makers on the economic, social, and cultural value of tourism in the Drumheller Region
• Maintain strong working relationships with Travel Alberta, regional destination organizations, and industry associations
• Advocate for the interests of Travel Drumheller and the regional tourism economy as directed by the Board
• Participate in municipal planning, economic development, sustainability, and destination stewardship initiatives including board membership if necessary

Board Support & Governance

• ‍‍Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors to support strong governance and effective decision-making
• Support the Board Chair and members with agenda development, meeting preparation, and strategic discussions
• Collaborate with the Board on strategic planning and annual work plans
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, governance policies, and best practices
• Support Board orientation, committee work, and ongoing governance development
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Board on destination marketing, tourism development, and industry trends

Qualifications & Required Skills Education & Experience

• ‍‍University degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and senior leadership experience
• Executive-level leadership experience in a not-for-profit, destination management, or multi-stakeholder environment
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors
• Knowledge of destination marketing, destination stewardship, and public-sector funding models
• TIP experience with Travel Alberta considered a strong asset
• Knowledge of Drumheller, the Canadian Badlands, and Alberta tourism ecosystems considered an asset

Skills & Attributes

• ‍‍Proven, values-based leader able to unite teams and partners around a shared vision
• Strategic, adaptable, and forward-thinking
• Strong relationship-builder with political and stakeholder acumen
• Results-oriented and data-informed, with a focus on measurable impact
• Effective change manager capable of leading organizations through growth and transition
• Excellent communicator and consensus builder
• Sound judgment and confidence in making complex decisions
• Approachable, professional, and credible

Compensation & Employment Information

• ‍‍Salary range: $85,000 – $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive extended health and dental benefits package
• Paid vacation, statutory holidays, and office closure days
• Professional development allowance
• Full-time, permanent position
• In-office role based in Drumheller, Alberta, with some flexibility
• Occasional evening and weekend work required
• Regional and provincial travel required; occasional national travel may be required

How to Apply

‍Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and interest in the role to:

admin@traveldrumheller.com

Subject line: Executive Director Application

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.