Career Center

Experience Maple Grove, the city of Maple Grove, Minnesota’s newly established DMO, is seeking the organization’s first full-time President.  This exceptional opportunity requires an established industry leader with proven ability to build a team, develop a destination brand, create a strategic plan and define metrics to measure key performance indicators.

Maple Grove is a dynamic community of 70,000 residents located 20 miles north of Minneapolis.  Previously, the city was part of the Minneapolis Northwest DMO which represented multiple communities across the northern suburbs.  In 2021, city leaders evaluated several models, and ultimately determined Maple Grove would be best represented as an independent DMO which was established January, 2022.

The initial budget is anticipated to be $600-650,000, funded through 3% lodging tax (95%).  Future collections are expected to approach $800,000+.  The President will be responsible for identifying additional staffing needs, building the team and analyzing data to inform marketing strategies.  This data driven approach requires an individual with extensive tourism industry knowledge and the ability to evaluate campaign performance as it relates to the visitor profile.

The President will work with the 13 member board of directors to determine whether there will be a physical office and/or visitor information center, evaluate a partnership model, review budget projections and elevate Experience Maple Grove’s presence within the community, across the state and throughout the region.

This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) position, with primary hours M-F, plus occasional evenings/weekends.  Travel to industry trade shows and conventions expected.  Salary range $100-125,000 annually, plus benefits including, 401k, health, dental, computer and cell phone. 

Submit cover letter and resume to employment@experiencemaplegrove.com

Resumes will be reviewed beginning May 15th however the position will remain open until filled.

EXPERIENCE MAPLE GROVE

Title: President/CEO Status: Salaried-Exempt

Reports to: Board of Directors

SUMMARY

The President/CEO is responsible for leading the organization toward its mission of promoting Maple Grove as a premier destination for conventions, tournaments, business and leisure travel. Work directly with the Board of Directors on organizational policy making and strategy.  Build and maintain strong relationships within the community and hospitality industry. Responsible for the overall management of the organization.  This is a full-time, salaried position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Board Relations:  Partners with the Board to ensure that organizational mission and strategies are achieved
1. Keep the Chair of the Board and Board of Directors apprised of all aspects of the organization’s activities.
2. Work with the Board to establish and manage financial goals.  Provide monthly financial  statements and review progress.
3. Provide information, analysis, and recommendations to the Board for decision making or approval as appropriate.
4. In conjunction with the Chair, schedule and prepare agenda for all  meetings and serve in an advisory, non-voting capacity.
5. Ensure Board members are provided financial and other information necessary for successful meetings in a timely manner for effective decision-making.
6. Work with the Board to identify and select qualified Board members.
7. Follow up with appropriate Board members to ensure that all resolutions and action items are accomplished.
2. Leadership:  
1. Strategic
• Establish goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)  for the organization and guide staff in meeting or exceeding expected outcomes.
2. Administration
• Direct all administrative, operating, financial and governmental functions of the organization. 
• Develop and implement policies and practices to ensure strategic objectives are met.
• Ensure staff implements organizational policies in accordance with Experience Maple Grove guidelines as well as legal and ethical standards.

1. Human Resources
• Successfully lead, engage and motivate employees.
• Oversee the successful hiring of qualified candidates across the organization.
• Responsible for Human Resources operations, including: compliance, benefits, compensation, payroll, policies and procedures, employee handbook, performance management, job descriptions, employee relations, disciplinary action, handling workplace complaints and resolving problems.

1. Budget and Finance:  Ensure the fiscal accountability of the organization
1. Create the annual budget including operations and sales and marketing plans, for presentation to the Board of Directors for approval. 
2. Oversee and manage all in-house and outsourced accounting functions including those necessary for auditing, budgeting and payroll.
3. Prepare and submit applications for grants from external funding sources.
4. Oversee day-to-day accounting activities, to include: signing checks, evaluating and authorizing expenditures, payroll review, etc.
5. Select and manage professional HR, technical, accounting and other support service contracts and relations.

• Sales & Marketing: 

1. Work with sales team to develop and implement the annual marketing plan, including economic development initiatives to support the City.
2. Ensure team members have clear objectives and are accountable for attaining outlined sales goals. 
3. Act as spokesperson for Experience Maple Grove and serve as primary representative of the organization.
4. Represent Experience Maple Grove at local, state, regional and national conventions to support the organization’s mission.  Attend meetings to further knowledge, exchange information, and keep informed on relevant issues and legislation impacting the tourism industry.
1. Community Relations:  
1. Develop partnership opportunities with community organizations, local businesses and regional attractions to encourage the development of promotional initiatives.
2. Maintain positive relationships with the local hospitality industry, stakeholders, Explore Minnesota Tourism, economic development and local government.
3. Establish and maintain positive on-going effective communication, cooperation with members of the Maple Grove community, government leaders, business and cultural institution leaders, convention and event planners, and local, regional, state and national tourism industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in the areas of marketing, communications, tourism or business
• Minimum five years experience, director level or higher, in tourism, DMO/CVB, hospitality, association or related industry 
• Financial and budgeting experience 
• Supervisory experience required (Progressive leadership/supervisory experience/team development)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of tourism and hospitality best practices. 
• Strong leadership and management skills; able to function well as part of the organization’s leadership team, communicate proactively and professionally to ensure the organization’s operational and strategic objectives are being achieved. 
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement a strategic plan.
• Able to develop KPIs and measurements and motivate team to reach goals. 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills to effectively work with a diverse group of people and personalities, including stakeholders, vendors, community members, Board members and staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including creative problem-solving; able to give oral presentations within and outside the organization.
• Knowledge of marketing (including digital marketing and metrics) best practices.
• Able to work unsupervised, make high level decisions independently and solve problems effectively and creatively.
• Detail oriented and well organized; strong project management skills; able to juggle multiple priorities and meet various goals and deadlines.
• Proficient with technology including computers, telephone, various software.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information about the organization, the community, employees, partners and stakeholders.

This job description does not necessarily list all the functions or accountabilities of the job.  The President/CEO may be asked by the Board to perform additional duties.