Director, Global Tourism Development (Location: San Francisco, CA)

Job Summary: The Director, Global Tourism Development, plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of a long-term strategic plan related to our global leisure source markets. Key responsibilities include identifying new market opportunities, expanding client base, increasing results from new and existing tour operators and managing our relationship with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for aviation development and marketing. The position requires cross-functional collaboration within our organization to assist in the execution of integrated marketing campaigns, involving both B2B and B2C activities, and collaborates closely with external partners, stakeholders, and clients. It also requires handling ongoing sales and promotional duties of the San Francisco Travel across all key markets.

What you will be doing:

Strategic Market Development

• Develop and implement comprehensive market plans to grow international tourism via travel trade in key markets.
• Oversee a network of global agencies representing SFTA and SFO, ensuring annual workplans are properly executed and key deliverables are met.
• Identify emerging trends and new business opportunities to position San Francisco as a preferred travel destination.
• Consistently analyze market data, monitor competitive landscapes, and prepare actionable insights that inform strategy.

Global Sales & Marketing Initiatives

• Lead the planning and execution of global travel trade initiatives and marketing plans to effectively promote the destination in global visitor markets.
• Plan, implement, execute, and optimize integrated marketing campaigns.
• Design airline marketing campaigns and support other airport initiatives aimed at increasing air service to SFO.
• Plan and lead sales missions, trade shows, and programs targeting professional travel trade and consumer audiences.
• Design and execute programs that generate revenue streams while achieving KPIs for market engagement and visitor growth.
• Actively work with and expand database of global trade partners, including tour operators, airlines, inbound tour operators, consortia, and other travel providers.
• Lead our Familiarization (FAM) trip strategy for travel trade clients, including coordination of itinerary development and budget management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage our standing partnership with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for aviation development and marketing, ensuring alignment on goals and execution of projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison between San Francisco Travel Association and key stakeholders, including airlines, tour operators, and government agencies.
• Maintain ongoing business relationships with Visit California and Brand USA.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment and collaborate across teams.
• Mentor and guide other team members, fostering a high-performance culture.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS from a four-year accredited university.
• Five or more years of tourism industry sales and marketing experience preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the global tourism and travel trade eco-system, particularly as it pertains to the U.S. and California.
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning and create impactful marketing campaigns.
• Expertise in marketing tools and technologies, as well as emerging trends.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and driving measurable results.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and management skills, especially for leading staff, budget management, compiling campaign reports, and client relationship management.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Salesforce a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Work Environment:

San Francisco Travel's headquarters is located in the heart of the financial district boasting 360° views of the city.  The work environment is fast-pasted, dynamic, as well as fun and rewarding.  As the official Destination Marketing Organization, employees truly feel part of the city, taking care in their work, knowing it is contributing to the economic development of San Francisco.

While promoting one of the greatest cities in the world, we have plenty more to offer:

• Generous vacation policy. You'll get more than the typical 10 days.
• Flexible hybrid work policy. San Francisco Travel is in the office four days a week with the option of one work from home day per week.
• Aside from all the national holidays that San Francisco Travel observes, you get a day off for your birthday that you can use any time of the year.
• You get a pension. We will contribute and help you prepare for your future.
• Premium healthcare plans.
• Cell phone credit. We'll subsidize the cost of your phone plan.
• Monthly commuter allowance.

Why Join Us: San Francisco Travel Association offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. As part of our team, you will play a key role in promoting San Francisco and supporting the tourism industry in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

Remote Work Policy: Employees of San Francisco Travel are required to be in-the-office a minimum of 4-days per week per company policy, which is subject to change.

Compensation: The total compensation range, which includes base salary and targeted incentive/bonus is $130,000 to $150,000. Health care and other benefits are in addition to the listed compensation range.

If you think you are the right candidate for this position, please provide us with the following as attachments:

1. Cover letter (no more than a page, telling us why you’re the right person for this role).
2. Detailed resume of your relevant experience.

Send to: [email protected]

San Francisco Travel Association is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

To learn more about us, check out our website–https://www.sftravel.com/