Now Hiring - Oregon Metro - First Opportunity Program: Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development in Portland, OR

Full description of the position

JOB This is a First Opportunity recruitment, at this time, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visit [please apply online] were Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.Metro is pleased to announce the recruitment of a Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development, a critical executive leadership role supporting the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and the Portland Expo Center (Expo), two of the regions most significant economic and community assets.This position plays a pivotal role in driving regional economic impact, advancing tourism, and strengthening Portlands position as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and large- scale public gatherings. Through strategic leadership of sales, business development, and guest experience, this role directly influences hotel room nights, visitor spending, workforce activation, and long-term economic vitality for the greater Portland region.As a member of the executive leadership team, the Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development will lead enterprise-wide revenue strategy, cultivate high-value partnerships, and ensure alignment across two complex venues that collectively host hundreds of events and welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The role requires a forward-thinking leader who can translate long-term strategic prioritiesincluding equity, community benefit, and financial sustainabilityinto measurable results.This position serves as a primary external ambassador for OCC and Expo, working closely with regional partners such as Travel Portland and other tourism and economic development stakeholders. The Senior Director will guide complex negotiations, oversee market strategy, and position both venues to compete effectively in a national and international marketplace.In addition to revenue generation, this role provides executive leadership for the Guest Experience division, ensuring that every event reflects the highest standards of hospitality, service excellence, and operational readinessreinforcing Portlands reputation as a welcoming, world-class destination.Metro is seeking a seasoned executive leader with the vision, experience, and judgment to shape strategy, develop high-performing teams, steward public resources responsibly, and deliver meaningful economic and community outcomes for the region.As the Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development you will: Set and lead sales strategy by aligning revenue goals with organizational priorities, managing budgets, and using forecasts and performance data to guide decisions and long-term planning.Grow venue rental and service revenue by leading marketing, networking, and lead- generation efforts, and negotiating complex contracts that maximize revenue while meeting policy and mission requirements.Serve as the primary client and partner representative for OCC and Expo, including working closely with Travel Portland and key accounts, conducting tours, preparing proposals, and finalizing agreements.Lead and develop the sales team by mentoring staff, overseeing pricing, scheduling, and event bookings, and collaborating across departments to meet client needs and resolve issues.Provide strategic leadership for the Guest Experience division, ensuring a high level of service delivery that supports client satisfaction and organizational goals.Identify and advance new business development opportunities by turning strategic priorities into projects or programs aligned with OCC and Expo strategic goals.Translate strategy into action by creating clear, measurable plans and communicating them effectively so employees, partners, suppliers, and contractors understand their roles and can align their efforts.Build alignment and support with leadership and stakeholders by working closely with executive teams, department leaders, external partners, and leadership to advance shared goals.Attributes for success: Demonstrated ability to think strategically and lead with vision in planning and business development, while managing effectively within a political or public sector environment.Proven experience in executive-level leadership, including setting goals, guiding strategy, and driving organizational performance.Strong commitment to integrity and ethical stewardship in the management of public resources and funds.Effective communicator who builds trust and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including staff, leadership, partners, and elected officials.Collaborative and inclusive leader who aligns teams across venues, fosters accountability, and leads with cultural awareness and competence.Strong financial acumen, including budget development, expense management, and resource optimization to support organizational goals.Experience developing and implementing strategies, policies, and operational initiatives that improve efficiency and drive operational excellence.DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metros goal is to hire, develop, and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community. Learn more about Metros Diversity Action PlanTO QUALIFYWe will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. Minimum qualificationsSeven to ten years of specialized or operational management experience in sales, marketing, business development, or guest experience within a complex organization, such as a convention center, venue, hospitality, tourism, or public-sector environment, andBachelor's degree (could be in Business Administration/Management, Hospitality Management, Public Administration/Public Policy, Organizational Leadership or another related field), orAny combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.Work environment and schedule: Given the role's onsite leadership responsibilities, the ideal candidate should be able to work on-site and have a flexible schedule, as dictated by business operations. Extended hours and workweeks exceeding 40 hours may be necessary due to operational needs. If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to applyIf you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.Hybrid Telework : At this time, this position is designated as hybrid telework. You will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times when coming into the office will be required. The manager will work with you to identify a schedule that balances the operational needs of the department and your needs. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at MetroLike to have qualificationsYou do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind that we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant to this position.Extensive experience in strategic planning in a large, complex venue similar to the convention centerExperience in venue sales and marketing, hospitality, guest experience and program development and administration. Experience leading culturally diverse teamsMasters degree in business administration or public administration. Meeting Planner Certification SCREENING AND EVALUATIONThe application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete; missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.Attach a resume, complete with the following details for each employerName of employerWorking title Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time Number of employees supervised Summary of your responsibilitiesResponses to supplemental questions The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.Initial review of minimum qualificationsIn-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidatesConsideration of top candidates/interviewsTesting/assessments (if applicable)Reference check Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND REPRESENTATONThe full-salary range for this position is step 1: $159,183.67 to step 6: $203,162.79 annually. However, unless a candidates qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metros internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $159,183.67 to the equity range step 5: $193,488.18 annually. This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as a Program Director.Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.Questions?Recruiter: Megan Warneke Email: [please apply online] SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Equal employment opportunityAll qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.AccommodationMetro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.Veterans' preferenceUnder Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.Hybrid TeleworkPositions designated as hybrid telework, meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. Pay equity at MetroNo matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.Online applicationsMetro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. How to ApplyFor tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metros How to apply page. Government JobsFor assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page. Metro Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our areas garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. As part of the Metro family, Oregon Convention Center and Expo Center, help make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.The Oregon Convention Center and Metro The Oregon Convention Center is the largest convention facility in the Pacific Northwest, attracting out-of-town visitors to national conventions, tradeshows and meetings, and local people to special events. The convention centers roughly 160 employees host more than 1 million visitors each year.The Portland Expo Center and Metro The Portland Expo Center is a multi-purpose exhibition facility offering meeting rooms, exhibit halls, a full-service restaurant and flexible outdoor exhibit space. The expo centers roughly 23 employees host an average of 500,000 visitors each year.