IMPORTANT: This opening is posted on Destination Canada's website for visibility only. Please do not apply to this opportunity here. Candidates should apply via the Governor in Council Appointments website. 

The Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada) is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization.

Its mandate is to sustain a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry; market Canada as a desirable tourism destination; support a cooperative relationship between the private sector and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories with respect to Canadian tourism; and provide information about Canadian tourism to the private sector and to the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories. As tourism is a fast-growing sector that employs nearly two million Canadians, Destination Canada has an important role to play in harnessing the full economic potential of this key sector of our economy by growing tourism export revenue for Canada, supporting the creation of jobs and increasing Canada’s global competitiveness within the travel and tourism sector. It is responsible for marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination where travellers can enjoy extraordinary experiences. Working in collaboration with the Canadian tourism industry and the provinces and the territories, Destination Canada serves as a consistent voice for Canada in the international tourism marketplace. It also harnesses the power of collective intelligence by sharing tourism data and actionable insights to improve decision-making across and beyond the tourism ecosystem.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, managing its day-to-day operations and providing advice to the Chair and Board of Directors on carrying out their responsibilities under the Canadian Tourism Commission Act, the Financial Administration Act and other relevant legislation. The President also leads tourism marketing partnerships, particularly with provincial and territorial governments and the private and not-for-profit sectors, to execute innovative Canadian marketing campaigns and to ensure the necessary strategies are in place to help maximize the economic benefits generated by the tourism industry.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training or experience;
• Significant executive-level management experience in a public-facing role within a private or public sector organization, including managing financial and human resources and contributing to strategic planning exercises for an organization to achieve its mandate and identified priorities;
• Experience reporting to, and / or working with, a board of directors and in maintaining productive relationships with senior-level stakeholders in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors;
• Experience leading and / or supporting transitions in an organization;
• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;
• Experience working in the Canadian tourism sector is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, legislative framework and activities of Destination Canada and of the Government of Canada’s priorities related to the tourism sector;
• Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian and international tourism sectors;
• Knowledge of marketing practices and trends and the ability to anticipate emerging issues and lead organizational change;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships while balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders with divergent views, and synthesizing diverse viewpoints and opinions into strategic advice;
• Ability to contribute effectively to strategic and corporate planning.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Strategic thinker

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.
• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.
• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
• The appointee must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on January 6, 2025. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.