VP Destination Development & Public Affairs

Company: Meet Minneapolis
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: April 1, 2025

Job Description:

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS At Meet Minneapolis, our mission is to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of our Minneapolis community by attracting visitors, meetings and events that directly support jobs and local businesses, generating critical revenues. We believe in our shared passion to support the diverse community of Minneapolis through our values of Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, Passion and Integrity. We recognize it's the unique contributions of all of us at Meet Minneapolis that drives our success, and we're committed to building a culture where everyone can thrive and find meaning in their work.Meet Minneapolis HIGHLY encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds, particularly BIPOC candidates, to apply. Position/Title: Vice-President, Destination Development & Public Affairs Department: Destination Development & Public AffairsReports to: President & CEO

Status: Full-time; ExemptPOSITION SUMMARYThe Vice-President of Destination Development and Public Affairs drives the efforts to continually enhance the convention and tourism product of Minneapolis through advocacy and engagement. This position will lead the execution of a new destination master plan aimed at developing and enhancing Minneapolis' position as a premiere global travel destination. This position also leads the organization's Public Affairs work including government relations, stakeholder engagement (board, elected officials, community leaders, partners) to communicate the work of the organization, identify and elevate public policy issues, and partners with Meet Minneapolis' Board of Directors. This position reports to, and works closely with, the President and CEO.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDestination Development and Master Planning

• Lead the execution of a new destination master plan aimed at ensuring Minneapolis is competitive in the meetings, events and tourism industry and positions Minneapolis as a top-tier global travel destination.
• Identify emerging trends in destination development and tourism, ensuring that Meet Minneapolis is at the forefront of the industry.
• Leverage primary and syndicated research and data analysis to inform decision making and strategy development in the organization and for the industry.
• Design and implement integrated programs of work to position company issues and priorities with key audiences that may include elected officials, media, and consumers.
• Collaborate with industry partners, trade associations, external consultants and internal teams to help manage formal and ad hoc coalitions.Government Relations (with support from Public Affairs Program Manager and members of Executive Leadership Team):
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Meet Minneapolis and local, county, state and federal government officials and agencies.
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to engage government stakeholders, influence public policy, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
  • In coordination with contracted lobbyist, identify and lead responses to issues that require advocacy and support.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, ensuring timely response to any potential impacts on the tourism and convention industry.
  • Collaborate with industry associations and coalition partners to represent the organization's interests in relevant legislative and public policy mattersCommunity and Stakeholder Relations:
    • Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key community stakeholders, including business leaders, cultural institutions, civic organizations, and local residents.
    • Identify and address community concerns, ensuring that the organization's activities and projects align with the public's interest.
    • Lead efforts to engage diverse communities, recognizing and valuing different cultural perspectives and ensuring that public affairs strategies reflect the needs and voices of all communities served.Leadership Functions
      • Supervise Destination Development and Public Affairs staff.
      • Serve on the Meet Minneapolis Leadership Team and Executive Leadership Team.
      • Create and staff Destination Development Work Group
      • Serve as staff liaison for the Public Affairs Committee of the Board of Directors. Present policy issues that may impact the organization or the hospitality industry.
      • Other duties as assigned.ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
        • 10+ years of destination leadership and civic engagement is strongly preferred, with an emphasis on tourism, economic and community development, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
        • Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, urban planning or related field is preferred.
        • Demonstrated track record of successfully influencing policy and elected officials at the local, state and federal levels.
        • Strong understanding of destination product development, including urban planning, tourism infrastructure, and economic development.
        • In-depth knowledge of legislative procedures, regulatory frameworks, and policy development.
        • Experience, knowledge and ability to successfully engage and navigate public, private, and social sectors.
        • Knowledge of Minneapolis area, destination assets, and local/state political environment.ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED
          • Excellent verbal/written communication skills with ability to contextualize messaging and communications based upon the audience.
          • Effective stakeholder management skills with diverse communities.
          • Research acumen with ability to synthesize data to inform planning, problem solving, and decision making.
          • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
          • Advanced computer skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and other tools.
          • Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence to appropriately address sensitive issues with varied stakeholder groups.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:
            • Walk, sit, bend and squat
            • Talk and hear
            • Grab, pull or bend items
            • Lift and/or carry up to 30 lbs
            • View items at a close and distant range
            • Stand, Walk and Sit for extended periods of time
            • Use computers for extended periods of time
            • Air and ground transportation travel for extended periods of timeWORKING CONDITIONS
              • Hybrid office environment
              • Attend Meet Minneapolis, partner, and member events
              • May require domestic and/or international travelSALARY
                • $125,000 - $150,000 starting range for annual base salary plus 15% annual bonus.BENEFITS
                  • Meet Minneapolis offers a generous benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, 401(k), vacation, sick time, parental leave and personal volunteer time for employees who are benefits eligible. Note: Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than as "at will" relationship. Meet Minneapolis is an equal opportunity employer.
                    
                    Compensation details: 125000-150000 Yearly Salary
                    
                    
                    
                    PI9ec3d5f6a0d3-37248-37073313

Keywords: Meet Minneapolis, Minneapolis , VP Destination Development & Public Affairs, Executive , Minneapolis, Minnesota