Director of Strategy & Operations

Position Summary

This role serves as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director, contributing to the development of organizational vision and translating strategic priorities into clear, actionable plans. The Director plays a central role in both defining long-term goals and ensuring strong execution across marketing, business development, and operations. The Director is an entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, and creative environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of professional experience, including business development, marketing management, and operational or financial oversight.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing sales, revenue generation or partnership programs.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and working with accounting systems (QuickBooks experience preferred).
• Prominent leadership ability and experience supervising staff or consultants.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and CRM systems; familiarity with project management or sales tracking tools is a plus.
• Experience in tourism, destination marketing, hospitality, or a related industry is required, including experience with visitor engagement, partnerships, or destination-focused marketing initiatives.
• Evening and weekend availability is required for event attendance, networking and community engagement.
• Potential domestic and/or international travel; U.S. passport required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational functions, ensuring smooth and efficient office management.
• Manage financial processes including budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking in partnership with the Executive Director and external accountant/accounting firm.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and administrative systems to ensure organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with the Executive Director to shape and refine COT’s strategic vision and annual priorities.
• Translate and implement strategic goals and special projects into actionable plans with clear deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
• Establish and implement frameworks for measuring success, including defining key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying gaps and tracking mechanisms across all strategic initiatives.
• Develop and lead a strategy to diversify and grow COT’s revenue streams beyond existing funding sources.
• Identify and explore new opportunities for earned revenue, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives that align with COT’s mission and market position.
• Build and manage relationships with local businesses, institutions, and partners to identify and advance opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and potential revenue generation.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of revenue-related efforts, using insights to refine and evolve strategies over time.
• Stay informed on industry trends and emerging models in destination marketing, tourism, and non-profit revenue generation.
• Own and lead COT’s approach to data and analytics and translate data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations to guide decision-making across the organization.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for marketing, communications and visitor-facing (including Visitor Information Center) efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, goals and campaigns.
• Represent COT at industry meetings, community events, and partnership engagements as needed.
• Support board and committee activities through preparation of reports and updates.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in professionalism, creativity, and community engagement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off with 13 holidays plus floating holiday.
• Hybrid work model with 3 days per week in office; the hybrid work model is subject to change at any time based on organizational and/or scheduling needs.
• Opportunity to be part of a strong mission making an impact in the community.
• Competitive salary $115,000 - $127,000 commensurate with experience.