Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To contribute to the achievement of a stronger, more dynamic tourism and culture sector through the design/development and implementation of strategies, programs and related policies that stimulate and support the development of new/improved tourism product and/or destinations and increased investment (domestic and FDI) in the tourism sector.

Duties / Responsibilities :

These positions operate under the general direction of the Manager with responsibilities defined by product/niche, key function or market, depending on the Branch priorities as reflected in its Business Plan. Within this, the incumbents exercise considerable initiative in improving the competitiveness and strength of Ontario's tourism infrastructure and industry, by:
- Analyzing current capabilities against trends (e.g. demographics, international competition, new offerings) to identify gaps/opportunities for the development of new products/destinations and/or strengthening existing products; as well as identifying possible barriers to development. Work with the Senior Advisor to clarify and fulfill any research requirements. Provide ongoing coordination of the purchase of related studies or services if required as part of the development process (e.g. feasibility studies, location assessments).
- Designing and developing creative provincial strategies to assist in improving Ontario's ability to compete worldwide as a tourism destination, specifically to address new product opportunities, including identifying optional approaches, implementation strategies and cost-benefit analyses; liaising with federal, provincial, regional and municipal partners, industry representatives and other key stakeholders to determine priority areas for action. Work in partnership with other Ministry operations (Policy & Research, Destination Ontario, Agencies and Attractions). Prepare position papers and reports (e.g. Cabinet submissions, consultation papers) to present proposals for approval and/or use for consultation with stakeholders.
- Designing consultation strategies (e.g. identifying key players in industry, other levels of government such as relevant municipalities) and managing the consultation process to obtain input on the proposed strategies, identify interests and mechanisms for furthering the development of the new
product/destination.
- Identifying options related to financing the development, e.g. opportunities for the leveraging of resources; potential partnerships/strategic alliances; identifying availability of and how to access sources of capital investment, identifying the appropriate role for the province. When appropriate, facilitate access to other government funding programs, including providing advice and support in the preparation of proposal/applications; preparing Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport analysis and support documentation. Executing strategies and action plans for strategic tourism development, providing ongoing support, directly or where appropriate through field staff, to the implementation of new product/destinations, e.g. facilitating partnership arrangements, identifying instances where provincial financial support might be critical to project success add implementing/managing the provision of that support if approved by Branch/Ministry senior management, providing advice and support in attracting investment for projects. - Maintaining close and effective relationships with tourism private sector, industry stakeholders, other Ministry branches, other ministries, other levels of government and with public sector and special purpose bodies, i.e.
developing/maintaining networks; acting as a catalyst to bring together appropriate stakeholders on specific projects and/or for future opportunities.
- Monitoring and reporting on projects, managing issues and ensuring provincial goals are achieved. Leads and/or acts as team member (within Branch, other Ministry staff and external stakeholders) for assigned projects to address strategic tourism issues in a complex, multidisciplinary, highly team oriented environment.

Staffing and Licensing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of:
- business administration, economics, finance, business consultancy, business development methods and principles related to the tourism industry.
- provincial federal and municipal economic development policies, programs/resources, contact officials and private sector networks, business representatives to assist in providing expertise in developing policies/programs.
- government decision making processes, tourism development objectives, policies, strategies, programs and services.
- product development cycle related to tourism development and the investment practices of the tourism industry.
- understanding of the mechanisms required for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other private-public sector partnership arrangements.
- use, operations and capabilities of database, Internet, spreadsheets and word processing software to conduct research and prepare reports.

Skills :

Job requires:
- research, analytical and evaluative skills to gather and assess information from a variety of sources and develop a cache of commercial intelligence, analyze data to identify economic, social and political issues which may affect tourism investment and development opportunities, advise municipal, regional and private sector partners to minimize negative repercussions or pursue opportunities.
- analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex issues involved in ensuring provincial goals are achieved, mediate and establish agreements between disparate groups (e.g. partnership agreements).
- analytical, research and organizational skills to analyze, interpret data and information and evaluate its significance, organize research enquiries, create project development recommendations.
- project management skills to manage complex projects involving a range of internal and external stakeholders and management consultants.
- oral and written communications skills to discuss complex issues with senior government officials and industry leaders.
- interpersonal skills to work with a diverse client group and senior management.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working under the general direction of the Manager, Product Development and Client Services and within the broad framework of the legislative and other government processes, the Ministry and Branch mission/mandate. Job requires working in a flexible team environment which faces new challenges and directions in creating innovative strategies and programs to maximize the value of the tourism sector in Ontario. Job requires latitude in decision making by: identifying priority issues, monitoring economic and political trends to determine the impact on provincial policies and developing options to stimulate new product and tourism investments in Ontario; considering the demands of key stakeholders in the tourism industry; in the use of confidential and sensitive material, e.g. to not cause embarrassment to the province, not jeopardize the viability of a private sector company when having commercially sensitive information.

Job requires making decisions when providing advice on and determining the most feasible approaches to complex issues, often with diverse range of views and conflicting opinions.
Job requires developing policy and strategic priorities, formulating recommendations, conducting specialized research, designing new product/destination projects, preparing analytical and consultation reports. Job requires representing the Ministry, when participating on/leading committees/task forces; consulting with stakeholders.
Job requires ensuring that the province's interests are represented in negotiations/consultations; ensuring an appropriate role for the province in new developments, e.g. limiting financial risk and liability. Job requires monitoring and managing funds provided for specific projects
(e.g. funding feasibility studies, infrastructure development support), ensuring government and Ministry policies