Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism

The Executive Director, Economic Development & Tourism, leads the delivery of economic development and tourism services on behalf of the Township of Centre Wellington through the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (CWEDTMSC). The role is responsible for developing and implementing economic development and tourism strategies, annual business plans, and service priorities aligned with the Township’s strategic direction. The Executive Director reports to the CWEDTMSC Board of Directors for governance matters and is operationally accountable to the Township Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The role leads staff and partners in advancing investment readiness, business support, tourism development, vibrant downtowns, and promotion of the Centre Wellington brand.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the development, approval, and implementation of a long-term economic development and tourism strategy and associated business plans, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Township of Centre Wellington and the Economic Development & Tourism Strategy.
• Anticipates trends, identifies emerging opportunities, and positions Centre Wellington as a leader in economic development and tourism.
• Provides executive leadership to ensure Centre Wellington is investment-ready, businesses are supported, tourism opportunities are optimized, downtown areas are vibrant and well-maintained, and the Centre Wellington Economic Development and Tourism Municipal Services Corporation brand is promoted and marketed.
• Champions innovation, transformation, and a culture of continuous improvement across CWEDTMSC policies, procedures, activities, programs, and services.
• Serves as the key advisor to the CWEDTMSC Board, facilitating effective governance, policy development, and compliance with statutory requirements (e.g., Municipal Act, O. Reg. 599/06, Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act).
• Supports Board development and best practices in governance, including transparent reporting, timely briefings and presentations, and informed decision-making.
• Represents CWEDTMSC in high-profile forums, working groups, committees and events, building strategic partnerships and advocating for Centre Wellington’s interests at regional, provincial, and national levels.
• Proactively engages with government, business, and community stakeholders to advance CWEDTMSC’s mandate and deliver shared outcomes.
• Manages investment leads and works in conjunction with CWEDTMSC and Township staff in researching appropriate land development sites and facilities for clients.
• Negotiates with representatives of business, industry, commerce, and government to support business attraction, establishment, expansion, and retention.
• Analyzes socio-economic data, labour statistics, and market trends to inform investment strategies and recommendations.
• Establishes, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) for CWEDTMSC programs and services, ensuring accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Leads annual business planning and program/service prioritization, aligning resources, timelines, and deliverables to the approved strategy and overall Board direction.
• Coordinates CWEDTMSC administrative and operational support needs through Township service areas in accordance with the Administrative Services Agreement, including IT, finance, legislative support, communications, HR and community development.
• Leads annual budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and budget development, monitors results, tracks variances, and recommends approval and/or adjustments as required.
• Ensures compliance with relevant legislation, policies, standards, agreements, and governance requirements affecting economic development, tourism, downtown initiatives, and CWEDTMSC operations.
• Provides leadership and management for CWEDTMSC staff, including recruitment recommendations to the Township CAO, retention, coaching, and performance management.
• Fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture that supports employee engagement, learning & development, and continuous improvement.
• Represents the Township and CWEDTMSC as a senior ambassador at meetings, events, and engagements with citizens, special interest groups, professional associations, other municipalities, County and Provincial representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Participates in Township learning and development initiatives, CAO Townhalls, and management forums as both a contributor and leader.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• University degree in economic development, tourism, business administration, commerce, public administration, or a related field.
• Current Economic Development certification and/or Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) professional accreditation (Ec. D), or willing to obtain accreditation within two (2) years.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, business development, investment attraction, tourism, or related field.
• Management experience in economic development and/or tourism in municipal government or broader public sector environment, or equivalent.
• Understanding and appreciation of Centre Wellington’s economic development and tourism sectors.
• Visionary and dynamic leader with the ability to think strategically, to create a concept, and break it down into measurable, achievable goals.
• A satisfactory Police Records Check and annual Employee Offence Declaration is required for this position.
• A valid “G” driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Work Location:            Centre Wellington Municipal Office (1 MacDonald Square, Elora)

Centre Wellington Tourism Office (10 East Mill Street, Elora)

Centre Wellington Operations Centre (965 Gartshore Street, Fergus)

Annual Salary:               $134,457 - $151,247 per annum (2026 salary range)

How to Apply:                Interested applicants are requested to submit a single document that includes their resume (required) and optional cover letter in MS Word or PDF format by email to careers@centrewellington.ca by November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Please quote job posting ‘2026-66’ in the subject line.

The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications. We thank all those that apply; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Information gathered relative to this position is done so in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will only be used for candidate selection. The Township of Centre Wellington is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact us at hr@centrewellington.ca

The lands we know today as the Township of Centre Wellington have been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. We acknowledge that we are on the treaty lands and traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee (read more).