Job details

Director, Destination Strategy

About Us

TOPOSOPHY is a leading placemaking and marketing agency dedicated to transforming destinations into thriving hubs of culture, sustainability, and innovation. With a presence in over 36 countries and partnerships with global organizations like the UNWTO, UNDP, and European Travel Commission, we empower destinations to attract, engage, and retain visitors while fostering local well-being. We specialize in creating integrated strategies that bring together key stakeholders, innovative research, and bold visions to elevate destinations. As a Director, Destination Strategy, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with global changemakers and lead projects that leave a lasting legacy.

The Role

As Director, Destination Strategy, you will lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative and impactful destination management and placemaking programs. With a focus on data-driven solutions, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration, you will work closely with clients and partners to design and implement strategies that elevate destination experiences. You’ll play a critical role in shaping how destinations balance visitor needs with community aspirations, driving economic growth while ensuring cultural and environmental sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Consulting & Development

Advise Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), government agencies, and private sector stakeholders on tourism and destination development strategies.
Lead the creation and execution of destination development plans, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and visitor experience.
Analyze local, regional, and international tourism trends to identify opportunities and recommend actionable solutions.
Integrate emerging technologies and AI advancements into destination strategies, ensuring innovative and forward-thinking approaches to challenges and opportunities.
Stay abreast of industry trends and competitors to inform strategic decision-making and enhance TOPOSOPHY’s offerings.

Project Management

Manage the end-to-end development of destination strategies, ensuring alignment with client objectives and timelines.
Schedule and lead client meetings, preparing detailed agendas and delivering actionable summaries and next steps.
Track and report on project progress against timelines, deliverables, and budgets, ensuring accountability and high-quality outcomes.
Coordinate cross-functional teams, including researchers, analysts, writers, designers, and other collaborators, to deliver impactful projects.
Oversee project budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and financial optimization to deliver client objectives within set parameters.

Research & Analysis

Collect, analyze, and interpret key tourism and destination performance data, producing clear and compelling infographics, reports, and presentations.
Design and implement stakeholder and community surveys to gather insights that inform strategic recommendations.
Conduct comprehensive data-driven research to support the development of destination strategies, including economic impact studies and sustainability assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement

Plan, organize, and lead community and industry stakeholder engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with destination goals.
Facilitate workshops and visioning sessions to bring stakeholders together and create consensus-driven strategies.
Communicate complex strategies to diverse audiences, fostering understanding and long-term commitment to destination initiatives.

Sustainability & Innovation

Develop and implement frameworks that balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship and local community well-being.
Innovate with data and analytics to identify trends, evaluate performance, and propose cutting-edge solutions for destination challenges.
Lead the design of new tourism experiences, integrating sustainability at every stage.

Client & Business Development

Cultivate and maintain relationships with DMOs, government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and global organizations to strengthen partnerships.
Support business development by identifying opportunities to grow TOPOSOPHY’s destination strategy practice and pursuing potential leads.
Represent TOPOSOPHY at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to expand the company’s influence and network.

Leadership & Thought Development

Mentor and inspire internal teams, fostering a culture of creativity, ownership, and excellence.
Contribute to thought leadership by writing articles, case studies, and insights on destination management, innovation, and sustainability.
Represent TOPOSOPHY as a subject matter expert in destination strategy and placemaking.

Job Requirements & Skills

A minimum of 5 years of experience in tourism, destination strategy, or management consulting, complemented by a graduate-level degree.
Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, with the ability to transform research insights into actionable strategies and implementation plans.
Demonstrated financial acumen, including proven experience in budget planning, management, and optimization for corporate or client-based projects.
A strong understanding of the tourism and destination development market, with good knowledge of industry trends, key players, and competitors.
Keen interest in following technological innovations and the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI), with the ability to integrate these advancements into strategic recommendations and operations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging diverse stakeholders effectively.
A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with a strong drive to expand TOPOSOPHY’s portfolio of destination clients.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Quick learner with adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet evolving project needs.
Proven ability to perform under pressure and deliver results within tight deadlines.

Competitive salary with private health insurance and benefits.
Clear growth opportunities and career development.
Collaborate with internationally recognized experts in tourism and placemaking.
Work on impactful global projects that transform destinations.
Dynamic, creative, and innovative work environment.
Partner with global organizations and leading brands.

What You Should Know About Director, Destination Strategy, TOPOSOPHY

Join TOPOSOPHY as the Director, Destination Strategy, where your passion for placemaking and sustainable tourism will thrive! In this pivotal role, you will lead a talented team in crafting innovative destination management programs that not only boost visitor engagement but also nurture local communities. Your expertise will drive strategic consulting for Destination Management Organizations and government agencies, creating actionable plans that align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Collaborating with global changemakers, you'll draw insights from data and emerging technologies to shape impactful strategies. The opportunity to mentor your colleagues and become a thought leader in the industry awaits you at TOPOSOPHY, where your efforts will directly contribute to transforming destinations around the world. If you're ready to make a difference, apply today and embark on a journey of creativity and meaningful impact!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director, Destination Strategy Role at TOPOSOPHY

What are the key responsibilities of the Director, Destination Strategy at TOPOSOPHY?

As the Director, Destination Strategy at TOPOSOPHY, you'll be responsible for providing strategic consulting to tourism organizations, designing destination development plans, and managing project execution. You'll analyze tourism trends, oversee budget management, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality outcomes in every project.