The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Director, Economic Development & Tourism

Connected communities. Connected to you. Durham Region is one of Canada¿s fastest growing areas. With a population of over 800,000 people in some of Ontario¿s most beautiful settings, Durham is geographically, culturally and economically diverse. Featuring large urban centres, smaller towns and villages that support both bustling urban activity and a prosperous rural and agricultural base, Durham Region is connected, caring and welcoming. As Durham transforms and evolves, it is a place where the natural setting is respected while prosperity is created for all, through major infrastructure investments, access to a specialized talent pool, world-class educational institutions, and an enterprise-driven business community.

Working closely with eight local area municipalities, senior governments, Indigenous community representatives, industry partners, community groups and post-secondary institutions, the Economic Development and Tourism division coordinates regional economic development activities, advances investment readiness, and supports long-term economic success through industrial tax base growth, employment land development, and strategic economic initiatives.

As a natural relationship builder and persuasive communicator who inspires others, this is your opportunity to bring your creativity, energy, enthusiasm and innovation to this key leadership role.

Reporting to the Commissioner of Community Growth & Economic Development, the Director of Economic Development and Tourism will:

- Provide vision, leadership,



strategic advice and act as a key resource to internal and external partners on all economic development, marketing and tourism issues and activities
- Seek opportunities to build and strengthen relationships internally and at the local, national and international level
- Lead the planning, development, coordination and implementation of strategies, campaigns and special events that build awareness and celebrate the Region¿s diversity and growing potential among various audiences
- Coach, guide and mentor a team tasked with business development and investment attraction, marketing and tourism, the Business Advisory Centre Durham, agriculture and rural economic development
- Oversee the human resources of the division to ensure a strong staff complement with a variety of technical and professional skills
- Develop, implement and track various measurements and metrics to demonstrate the value of economic development activities and outcomes
- Foster innovation and champion change management, creating an environment that embraces improvements to existing services and delivery methods
- Actively support the Region¿s commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion, including enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities
- Ensure solid fiscal stewardship and general administration of the division

The ideal applicant will possess:

- A degree in business, commerce or related equivalent combination of education and experience
- A relevant Economic Development designation (i.e. Ec.D designation)
- Progressive experience leading teams in economic development, tourism, and marketing
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of real estate and land use planning principles
- Experience developing and implementing multifaceted plans and budgets
- Strong leadership skills that exemplify and foster organizational excellence in the delivery of programs and services




- Political acuity with a demonstrated ability to address organizational and regional issues
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills
- Effective and proven organization and time management skills with an ability to prioritize and plan complex projects with a wide range of parties in a flexible manner
- Ability to identify risks and develop mitigation plans
- Creativity in developing equitable, accessible, and sustainable solutions
- Municipal experience plus significant activity in the private sector would be an asset

Management & Exempt Salary Grade 10

- Salary: $160,824 to $201,030 per annum

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.

External Application Process

Come find a home where exciting and rewarding careers are balanced with your lifestyle. We thank all applicants; however, only those being considered will be contacted. Please apply online (www.durham.ca) no later than midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the closing date indicated on the Job Posting.

The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: [email protected] and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies. Please note that resumes should not be sent to [email protected].

Follow us on social media @RegionofDurham

The Region of Durham may utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the preliminary assessment of applicant qualifications and submitted materials. These tools are used for the purpose of supporting and enhancing an evaluation by a human decision-maker and any information provided by AI to a human decision-maker is not determinative. Final decisions are made solely by authorized human decision-makers.

📌 Director, Economic Development and Tourism (Whitby)
🏢 Durham Region
📍 Whitby