Now Hiring - Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation - Professional Services Director of Tourism Development in Merritt Island, FL

Full description of the position

Position Overview Accelerate Brevard: Chamber of Innovation is seeking a strategic, results- driven Director of Tourism to lead and execute the organization's tourism and destination marketing efforts. This role is responsible for advancing Brevard County's tourism brand, strengthening partnerships within the hospitality and visitor economy, and ensuring tourism initiatives align with the Chamber's broader economic development, innovation, and community impact goals. The Director of Tourism serves as the primary internal lead for Visit Cocoa Beach (VCB), translating the Tourism Work Plan into measurable outcomes, effective programming, and sustained stakeholder engagement. This is a revenue-generating leadership role, combining destination marketing, stakeholder engagement, and direct sales responsibility. The Director of Tourism is accountable for cultivating tourism-sector relationships, growing and retaining VCB membership, and selling sponsorships tied to tourism programming, events, and initiatives. Success in this role requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational discipline, and external relationship management. Key Responsibilities Sales, Membership & Revenue Development The Director of Tourism owns and is directly responsible for tourism-related sales performance, including: Visit Cocoa Beach Membership Sales & Renewals * Drive new VCB membership sales targeting hotels, attractions, restaurants, venues, and tourism-adjacent businesses. * Manage and execute VCB membership renewals through proactive outreach and relationship stewardship. * Maintain an active sales pipeline and regularly report progress against goals. * Collaborate with Chamber membership staff while retaining primary accountability for tourism membership outcomes. Sponsorship Sales & Revenue Generation * Sell sponsorships for VCB-led programs, events, campaigns, and tourism initiatives. * Develop sponsorship packages aligned with programming, marketing activations, and visitor engagement opportunities. * Cultivate long-term sponsor relationships that result in repeat and multi-year investments. * Support cross-selling opportunities with Chamber and Ascend Brevard initiatives when appropriate. Programming, Events & Visitor Engagement * Lead and support VCB-related events, activations, and signature tourism programs. * Ensure all programming includes clear sponsorship opportunities and revenue strategies. * Collaborate with events and programming staff to integrate tourism messaging into Chamber-wide initiatives. * Support development of visitor-facing experiences that elevate the destination brand and drive visitation. Strategic Leadership & Planning * Lead execution of the annual Tourism Work Plan in alignment with organizational goals, board priorities, and funding requirements. * Translate high-level tourism strategy into quarterly goals, measurable KPIs, and execution plans. * Support the President & CEO in tourism-related advisory council and partner engagement. * Identify opportunities to elevate tourism as a key economic development driver. Destination Marketing & Brand Stewardship * Oversee tourism marketing initiatives in coordination with internal staff and external vendors. * Ensure brand consistency and message alignment across all tourism communications. * Collaborate with marketing partners to track performance metrics, ROI, and campaign effectiveness. * Support development of annual tourism messaging themes and promotional calendars. Stakeholder & Partner Relations * Serve as the primary liaison to tourism stakeholders, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, event organizers, and municipal partners. * Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism investors, sponsors, and community partners. * Coordinate and support tourism-focused advisory councils, committees, and task forces as applicable. * Represent Accelerate Brevard at tourism, hospitality, and regional partner meetings. Operations, Budgeting & Reporting * Manage tourism and VCB budgets in coordination with the President & CEO and finance team. * Track contracts, sponsorship agreements, timelines, and deliverables. * Prepare regular reports and dashboards covering membership, sponsorship revenue, and program performance. * Ensure compliance with funding agreements, reporting requirements, and internal policies. Internal Collaboration * Work cross-functionally with Government Affairs, Events, Marketing, Membership, and Ascend Brevard teams. * Participate in weekly staff meetings, leadership check-ins, and planning sessions. * Contribute to a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Qualifications & Experience * Bachelor's degree in tourism, marketing, communications, business, public administration, or a related field required. * Minimum of five (5) years of experience in tourism, destination marketing, economic development, sales, or a related leadership role. * Demonstrated experience managing work plans, campaigns, or multi-stakeholder initiatives. * Strong relationship-building, sales, and communication skills. * Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, and performance metrics. * Comfort operating in a fast-paced, highly visible leadership environment. Preferred Experience * Experience with destination marketing organizations (DMOs), visitor bureaus, or chambers of commerce. * Familiarity with tourism funding models, sponsorship development, or investor-based programs. * Experience working with boards, advisory councils, or public-sector partners. * Knowledge of Brevard County, the Space Coast, or similar destination markets. Core Competencies * Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline * Relationship-driven and sales-oriented leadership * Results-focused, data-informed decision-making * Strong organizational and project management skills * Professional judgment and discretion * Collaborative leadership style Benefits * Health, dental, and vision insurance * Retirement plan * Paid time off and holidays * Professional development assistance * Opportunity to work closely with regional business and community leaders Why Join Accelerate Brevard Accelerate Brevard is in a period of bold transformation, growth, and innovation. The Director of Tourism will play a critical role in shaping how visitors experience the Space Coast while contributing to long-term economic vitality, brand elevation, and community impact. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful work, influence regional strategy, and be part of a high-performing leadership team committed to excellence. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary, bonus incentive, and benefits package, commensurate with experience. Pay: $49,335.21 - $64,231.65 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Professional development assistance * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Work Location: In person