Careers

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Destination Development Manager

DEPARTMENT: Destination Development

REPORTS TO: Director, Community Engagement

STATUS: Current vacancy

 

About Destination Toronto

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, with a record 28.2 million visitors generating over $9 billion in visitor spending in 2025. Destination Toronto’s purpose is to ignite the city’s visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.

 

Role Summary

The Destination Development Manager plays a key role in advancing Destination Toronto’s strategic priorities by coordinating destination development initiatives and stakeholders to support long-term economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits for Toronto.

The position also plays a key role in strengthening the visitor experience by collaborating with municipal partners, industry stakeholders, and community organizations  to address destination priorities, including but not limited to accessibility, mobility, safety, sense of welcome, and the vibrancy of Toronto’s public spaces.

Reporting to the Director, Community Engagement, the role leads the coordination, tracking, and reporting of Destination Master Plan (DMP) initiatives, ensuring alignment across internal teams and external partners. 

In addition, the role manages social impact and sustainability initiatives, including legacy and industry certification programs, and supports initiatives that advance responsible tourism and community impact. Working collaboratively across Destination Toronto and with external partners, the Destination Development Manager helps ensure that destination development initiatives support a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive visitor economy.
 

Core Responsibilities

Destination Development and Master Plan Implementation 

• Support the implementation of Destination Toronto’s Destination Master Plan by coordinating internal and external stakeholder engagement including  industry partners, community organizations, city divisions, and government stakeholders involved in implementing DMP recommendations.

• Act as administrative support for the DMP Implementation Group, ensure key activities and milestones are documented and communicated and deliver regular progress reporting. 

• Maintain active awareness of DMP-related government, community and private sector initiatives. 

• Develop annual Master Plan outcomes report.

• Contribute to ongoing DMP communications and awareness-building activities, and help convene discussions with Destination Toronto members and stakeholders on the plan’s strategies/actions. 

• Support destination enhancement initiatives by conducting research, coordinating stakeholder input, and assisting in the development of proposals and project plans.

• Maintain awareness of destination development practices and initiatives across Canada and internationally to inform best practices and opportunities for Toronto.

Visitor Experience & Destination Collaboration

• Collaborate with municipal partners, industry stakeholders, and community organizations to support initiatives that enhance Toronto’s visitor experience and overall destination appeal.

• Support destination improvement advocacy efforts related to accessibility, mobility, safety, and sense of welcome, working in collaboration with municipal partners and industry stakeholders.

• Share visitor insights, industry perspectives, and destination data with partners to inform destination initiatives and planning activities.

• Participate in cross-sector discussions related to destination development and visitor experience priorities.

• Work with internal teams to ensure visitor insights inform destination initiatives, industry engagement, and visitor-facing information.

Social Impact & Sustainability

• Manage Destination Toronto’s Social Impact & Sustainability initiatives, supporting programs that advance community engagement, accessibility and responsible and inclusive tourism practices.

• Oversee the Relax, Recharge, Renew (RRR) program, including coordinating program partners, managing program logistics and budgets, and supporting staff volunteer participation.

• Develop and implement legacy initiatives tied to business events and major programs, in collaboration with internal and external partners, to create long-lasting economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits.

• Support Indigenous reconciliation-focused initiatives and partnerships as part of Destination Toronto’s broader CSR and community engagement efforts.

• Lead the administration of the certification badge program, including reviewing program criteria, validating submissions, and coordinating approvals.

Academic Outreach and Workforce

• Coordinate engagement opportunities for students and faculty through Destination Toronto programs, events, and industry initiatives.

• Act as a liaison between the tourism sector and educational institutions to support workforce development initiatives and enhance industry competitiveness.

 

Knowledge

• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement practices and partnership development 

• Familiarity with destination management organizations, tourism industry structures, and public-sector collaboration.

• Understanding of destination development principles, and  sustainability and corporate social responsibility practices within tourism or related sectors.

 

Abilities, Skills and Competencies

• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills with the ability to engage effectively with industry partners, community organizations, government representatives, and academic institutions.

• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesize information and identify opportunities to strengthen destination initiatives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across internal teams and external partners.

• Comfortable facilitating discussions and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Ability to support program development, implementation, and continuous improvement.

 

Education 

• Post-secondary education in tourism management, urban planning, business administration, public policy, sustainability, communications, or a related field, or an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience.

 

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in one or more of the following areas: destination or economic development, tourism program management, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, or related fields.

• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives involving industry, government, and community partners.

• Experience managing programs or initiatives related to sustainability, community engagement, or destination development.

• Experience working with academic institutions, community organizations, or industry associations is an asset.

• Experience supporting strategic initiatives or implementation of long-term plans is an asset.

 

Compensation

• $85,000

 

How to Apply

Please send your resume to human-resource@destinationtoronto.com and clearly indicate the application is for the position of “Destination Development Manager" in the subject line.

If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please email us. We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We are committed to equitable hiring practices. Please note that as part of our recruitment process, we may use automated tools to screen resumes for qualifications and relevant experience. Human oversight is maintained throughout the selection process to ensure fairness and transparency.

We thank all candidates for their interest in Destination Toronto and will directly contact those candidates selected for an interview.

This position reflects a current vacancy. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Sales Director

DEPARTMENT: Global Sales & Services

REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Sales

STATUS: Vacant role

 

About Destination Toronto

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, with a record 28.2 million visitors generating over $9 billion in visitor spending in 2025. Destination Toronto’s purpose is to ignite the city’s visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.

 

Role Summary

The core of this position is to promote and sell Destination Toronto as a convention and meeting destination to Planners/C suite executives with a singular focus on groups that use a multi-hotel package, a convention facility and deliver 1500+ attendees. These are ‘Citywide’ defined meetings and conventions. This position is further aligned to support our top vertical sectors. This is in support of Destination Toronto’s mission to grow our visitor economy.
 

Core Responsibilities

• Developing proactive business leads for Toronto’s convention facilities and hotels.
• Work with in-market lead generators and/or our Partners at the Leaders Circle to uncover potential leads, and acquire business events to achieve annual goals as outlined by leadership within the highly coveted citywide market for your defined meeting/convention vertical sectors.
• Complex sales cycle, for high impact convention sales that includes: managing multiple stakeholders, high economic impact, high risk decision making, C-Suite decision makers, securing additional business development funding (e.g. CDF)
• Develop sales action plans and participate in planning during the annual budget/business planning cycle that ensure the achievement of annual goals in your defined meeting/convention vertical sectors.
• Plan/execute sales and promotional client outreach for activation primarily based here in Toronto, including site visits and familiarization trips.
• Represent Destination Toronto at assigned industry events deemed appropriate for business development opportunities, as needed.
• Achieve monthly sales activity goals documented in Simple View (CRM), relating to prospecting, first meetings, industry participation and achievement of annual business development goals..
• Maintain complete documentation within Simple View, and conform to applicable sales administration practices and policies.
• Manage budget associated with specific sales action plan.
• Gain knowledge of competitive sets and changing marketing trends that impact business events.
• Assist in the recruitment of sales support staff. Mentor and provide leadership to sales support staff.
• Attend and participate in sales meetings, training programs and other required meetings.
• Undertake special projects as may be assigned by Destination Toronto leadership

 

Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office software, Outlook, and general office equipment Experience with SimpleView CRM, CVENT and EmpowerMINT a plus.

 

Abilities, Skills and Competencies

• Cross border business travel is an important aspect of the role
• Effective negotiating skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Self motivated with strong oral, written and public presentation skills
• Ability to multitask, and adapt to a fast pace environment while managing deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Driven & motivated
• Team player

 

Education 

• Minimum some post-secondary education (College/University preferred)

 

Experience

• Minimum 5 years related sales experience in the hospitality sector, dealing with multiple properties and experience working in convention sales.

 

Language

• English essential

 

How to Apply

Please send your resume to human-resource@destinationtoronto.com and clearly indicate the application is for the position of “Sales Director" in the subject line.

If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please email us. We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We are committed to equitable hiring practices. Please note that as part of our recruitment process, we may use automated tools to screen resumes for qualifications and relevant experience. Human oversight is maintained throughout the selection process to ensure fairness and transparency.

We thank all candidates for their interest in Destination Toronto and will directly contact those candidates selected for an interview.

 

Compensation: $100,000

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Senior Event Planner

DEPARTMENT: Global Sales & Services

REPORTS TO: Director, Destination Services & Events

LOCATION: Toronto, ON

STATUS: Vacant role

 

About Destination Toronto

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, with a record 28.2 million visitors generating over $9 billion in visitor spending in 2025. Destination Toronto’s purpose is to ignite the city’s visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.

 

Role Summary

The Senior Event Planner is a strategic leader within the Global Sales & Services (GSS) team, responsible for the development, oversight, and execution of high-impact event initiatives that support Destination Toronto’s sales and conversion objectives.

As the team’s subject matter expert, this role provides strategic direction across all facets of event planning, including RFP development and vendor selection, budget strategy and financial oversight, and food & beverage consultation and approval across all Destination Toronto events.

The Senior Event Planner leads the planning and delivery of complex, high-value programs, that may include signature in-market activations, industry hosting opportunities, trade shows and strategic partnership deliverables.  They also administer all Global Sales member buy-in opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and the Destination Toronto brand.
 

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Leadership

• Lead the strategic development of high-value business development programming; including strategic partner in-market activations, industry hosting opportunities, and trade show initiatives, with a focus on driving measurable sales conversion.

• Partner with GSS Leadership to align event strategies with broader sales objectives, market priorities and budget. 

• Identify opportunities to enhance the effectiveness, scalability, and innovation of event programs across the organization.

• Participate as a key contributor in departmental strategic planning, bringing forward insights, recommendations, and industry best practices.

• Manage partner buy-in opportunities from end to end.
   

RFP Development, Vendor Management & Decision Authority

• Lead the end-to-end RFP process for major events and activations, including development, evaluation, negotiation, and final vendor selection.

• Establish and maintain strong vendor and partner relationships, ensuring alignment with quality, budget, and brand expectations.

• Provide strategic oversight, review and final recommendation on vendor selection for complex or high-value programs.

 

Budget Strategy & Financial Oversight

• Develop, manage, and oversee event budgets, including forecasting, allocation strategy, and financial optimization across multiple programs.

• Provide consultative guidance to team members on budget planning and cost management.

• Maintain accountability for financial performance, including reconciliation, reporting, and identifying efficiencies and value opportunities.

 

Food & Beverage Strategy, Oversight & Approval

• Serve as the organizational lead for food & beverage strategy across all GSS events. 

• Provide consultation, direction, and final approval on all GSS F&B programs, ensuring alignment with brand standards, client expectations, and budget parameters.

• Establish best practices and guidelines for F&B planning to ensure consistency and quality across the GSS Events team.

 

Program Execution & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the planning and execution of assigned programs, ensuring delivery is on time, on budget, and aligned with strategic objectives.

• Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and stakeholder communications.

• Lead pre- and post-event evaluations, providing insights and recommendations to improve future performance.

 

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, industry partners, and Destination Toronto members.

• Lead partner opportunities communication, onboarding and engagement strategies for event-related opportunities.

• Ensure all programs effectively showcase the destination, including diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities.

 

Industry Leadership & Innovation

• Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging best practices.

• Proactively introduce innovative concepts and approaches to enhance Destination Toronto’s event strategy and execution.

 

Other

• Projects as assigned by the Global Sales and Services leadership team

• Ability, willingness to travel, attend local and international events on evenings and/or weekends is required; flexible to work evenings and weekends, on-call as team needs require. 

 

 

Key Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, solutions-driven mindset

• Able to thrive in a high pressure, multiple demand environment

• Strong innovative and creative outlook

• Customer / Client focused with industry experience (meeting planning/event execution)

• General knowledge of consumer and B2B marketing 

• Skilled internal / external collaborator & communicator 

• Excellent verbal / written communications  

• Exceptional consultative skills and adept negotiator

• Financial management 

• Diplomacy, tact and a collaborative nature

• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship capabilities, with the ability to influence and guide team members

 

Key Relevant Experience & Education

• 5+ years of progressive experience in event strategy, planning, and execution, including leadership or mentorship responsibilities and/or university or college degree with an emphasis in business, marketing, project management or hospitality. 

• Experience with CRM software is an asset. 

• Proficient in Google Workspace, project management software (Monday.com), virtual meeting software is an asset. 

• Familiarity with trade show logistics, booth build planning and execution. 

• Demonstration of an extensive background in high-touch event execution. 

• Demonstrated experience leading RFP processes, vendor negotiations, and high-value program delivery

• Advanced experience in budget development, financial management, and cost optimization

• Extensive experience in food & beverage strategy, planning, and oversight

• English essential

 

How to Apply

Please send your resume to human-resource@destinationtoronto.com and clearly indicate the application is for the position of “Senior Event Planner" in the subject line.

If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please email us. We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We are committed to equitable hiring practices. Please note that as part of our recruitment process, we may use automated tools to screen resumes for qualifications and relevant experience. Human oversight is maintained throughout the selection process to ensure fairness and transparency.

We thank all candidates for their interest in Destination Toronto and will directly contact those candidates selected for an interview.

 

Compensation: $83,000