President & CEO

The President & CEO willbe responsible forthe strategic, administrative, operational, and marketing functions of the Destination Marketing Organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President serves as the primary spokesperson and advocate for Long Island’s tourism industry. This role requires adept political navigation, and building strong relationships with local, state, and federal governmental bodies to advance the DMO's mission and strategic goals.

The President & CEO is accountable for driving measurable economic impact across Long Island through increased visitation, visitor spending, and strategic destination development initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providevisionary leadership and strategic insight to the Board of Directors to achieve the organization's mission and long-termobjectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board on critical issues, industry challenges, and opportunities.
• Develop and communicate a cohesive vision for the organization’s growth and strategic priorities.
• Formulate, direct, and evaluate comprehensive marketing, advertising, sales, promotion, and educational initiatives to enhance Long Island’s appeal as a premier destination.
• Serve as the chief steward of the Long Island brand, ensuring consistency, relevance, and differentiation across all marketing channels and stakeholder communications.
• Establish marketing and sales priorities, goals, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategicobjectives.
• Promote Long Island as a desirable location for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure travel, targeting both domestic and international markets.
• Stay informed of global travel trends, consumer behavior, and industry changes tooptimizemarketing strategies.
• Championa data-driven, digitally led marketing approach,leveraginganalytics, audience insights, and emerging platforms to maximize reach, engagement, and conversion.
• Manage contracts for subcontracted marketing services, ensuring adherence to county contractual obligations.

Management & Operations

• Provide consultation and guidance to the Board Chairperson,assistingwith committee appointments, meeting preparation, and dissemination of information to stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication across staff, Board members, committee chairs, and industry partners.
• Lead internal policy formulation and policy resolution in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee hiring, termination, supervision, training, and evaluation of all organization employees.
• Foster collaboration andsynergyacross internal departments to ensure operational efficiency.
• Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative organizational culture that fosters innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with municipalities, downtown districts, chambers of commerce, and industry stakeholders to support destination development, enhance visitor experience, and strengthen Long Island’s tourism infrastructure.
• Develop strategies for the management, promotion, and optimization of a convention center to drive economic impact through meetings, conventions, exhibitions, andspecial events.
• Coordinate with the conventioncenterleadership to ensure alignment with broader tourism and marketing initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts, oversee facility operations, and ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement innovative marketing and sales strategies to maximize convention centerutilizationand revenue generation.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring financial integrity and alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead the development of diversified revenue streams, including public funding, private partnerships, sponsorships, and opportunities, to ensure long-term organizational sustainability and growth.
• Prepareaccuratefinancial reports following established policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations andmaintaintransparency with public funding sources.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary liaison to both Suffolk and Nassau Counties, promoting open communication and collaboration with Executive and Legislative branches.
• Monitor, analyze, and advocate on legislative and regulatory matters thatimpactthe tourism industry at local, state, and federal levels.
• Represent and promote the interests of Long Island’s tourism industry to elected officials, and advocate for favorable legislation and policies.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with government officials, enhancing the organization’s influence and advocacy capabilities.
• Represent Discover Long Island on regional, national, and international stages, contributing to industry thought leadership and advancing Long Island’s position within the global tourism landscape.
• Lead crisis communication and reputation management efforts to protect and strengthen Long Island’s image during periods of risk or disruption.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership experience in tourism, hospitality, or a related field, withdemonstratedexpertisein upper-level management, marketing, sales, and government relations.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Extensive experience in budget development andfinancial management.
• Familiarity with modern marketing tools, channels, and strategies.
• Deep understanding of Long Island’s tourism assets, economy, and governance structure.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience, with 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience, including executive-level responsibility.
• Political acumen and experience navigating complex government and stakeholder landscapes.
• Destination Management Executive Certification (CDME)

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Interested candidates shouldsubmita resume, cover letter, and references to

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