Manager of Economic Development & Tourism Services

Fort Erie bridges big city entrepreneurial opportunities with small-town charm and lifestyle. Quality of life is incomparable with its strong values, a dynamic work environment and easy access to modern amenities complemented by small-town ambience, warmth and welcome. Along with an array of historical sites, natural beauty and beaches, recreational trails, excellent fishing, birding and cycling, and a gateway to Buffalo via the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie has so much to offer!

The Town of Fort Erie is a diverse and welcoming community.  Come join our team of dedicated, professional and committed co-workers and put your mark on something that is exciting and rewarding.  We are recruiting people who share our values of teamwork, respect, honesty and commitment.  Our mission is to lead and serve Fort Erie by pursuing opportunities, leveraging partnerships and managing our resources to achieve prosperity.

The Manager of Economic Development & Tourism Services will lead and direct the organization, operation, planning and delivery of business retention and expansion, commercial customer experience, tourism and events to support economic prosperity.

The ideal candidate will have University Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, Tourism, or a related field, or they will have a related undergraduate degree/diploma and post graduate degree/diploma. They will also have five (5) years of experience in community based economic development or equivalent. The ideal candidate will have knowledge in business/strategic planning, policy development, project management, business development, marketing, and municipal governance, while demonstrating skills and abilities in customer service, communication, leadership, and judgement. 

Compensation includes an annual salary of $112,659 - $135,191 (2025 salary range), and a comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.

Fort Erie: A Community for Everyone

The deadline for receiving applications is 12:00 Noon on Monday, January 5, 2026. For more information and to apply for this position please visit www.forterie.ca. 

The Town of Fort Erie is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available to candidates upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those advancing through the recruitment process will be contacted.  Personal information is collected under the Municipal Act, 2001 to determine employment suitability.

Department:           Community Services

Division:                 Economic Development & Tourism Services

Reports to:            Director of Community Services

Position Objective

Fort Erie is strategically located in the heart of one of North America’s busiest economic trade corridors.  Prominent local, national and multi-national companies are established in Fort Erie, strategically positioned for further success and expansion. From manufacturing and technology to commercial retail and knowledge-based sectors, Fort Erie is open for business.

Fort Erie bridges big city entrepreneurial opportunities with small-town charm and lifestyle.  The Manager of Economic Development and Tourism leads and directs the organization, operation, planning and delivery of business retention and expansion, commercial customer experience, tourism and events  to support economic prosperity.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provide day to day oversight of the economic development and tourism services function; lead, manage, direct, coordinate and/or participate in all corporate economic development and tourism services activities.
2. Develop, recommend and/or implement strategies to attract investment and business opportunities in the Town of Fort Erie through strong advocacy and promotion.
3. Lead and support business retention and expansion activities in the Town of Fort Erie.
4. Research, create, implement, communicate and monitor promotional programs to attract new businesses, tourism and other development investments.
5. Consult and liaise with the local business community to assist with business development opportunities, issues and concerns.  Build productive relationships and be a widely recognized ambassador for the Fort Erie brand.
6. Manage, maintain and grow the economic development and tourism services client database.  Provide outstanding customer experiences to commercial and business stakeholders.  Gather customer and stakeholder feedback.  Share information and insights with up-to-date local economic indicators.
7. Lead the marketing of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional and Tourism initiatives.
8. Provide strategic advice and support to the Director of Community Services.  Collaborate with managers and supervisors across the organization in support of business objectives.
9. Identify, establish, develop and maintain strategic relationships with clients and partners in the Fort Erie community, Niagara Region, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada.
10. Work, liaise and lobby with all levels of government on various projects and initiatives and provide advice, recommendations and/or briefings to senior managers and government leaders as required. 
11. Investigate, pursue and direct government funding initiatives and opportunities.  Oversee the completion of grant applications.
12. Manage the Economic Development and Tourism budget.
13. Lead and manage destination tourism marketing in collaboration with the local tourism industry.
14. Liaise with Planning and Development Services to support developers and investors through the property acquisition and build process. 
15. Identify and attend targeted business events at the local, regional, provincial and federal levels in order to promote the Town’s economic assets and generate investment interest.
16. Research and analyze emerging trends related to economic development and tourism services.  Advise the Director of Community Services on emerging issues and develop appropriate recommendations.
17. Lead the Economic Development and Tourism Services staff team.  Coach, mentor and develop staff in achieving targeted objectives.
18. Create and deliver reports, recommendations and presentations to employees and Council.  Attend meetings related to economic development and tourism as required.
19. Negotiate with, engage and manage third-party service providers.
20. Provide input and expertise on strategic and community aspects of business licensing, events management and the short term rental program.

Education & Experience

• University Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or Tourism or a related field, or a related undergraduate degree/diploma and post graduate degree or diploma.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and/or qualifications may be considered. 
• Ec.D. or CEcD Designation considered an asset.
• Five (5) years of experience in community based economic development or equivalent.

Knowledge

• Superior knowledge of the principles and practices of community based economic development.
• Knowledge of business/strategic planning; policy development; project management; business development; marketing; municipal governance.
• Superior knowledge of Fort Erie’s geography, business climate, local business base, labour workforce, tourism industry, lands suitable for development, industrial and commercial sites and buildings, quality of life, culture, history and heritage.
• Comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic climate of the Town of Fort Erie, the Niagara Region and the Province of Ontario.
• Working knowledge of the Town of Fort Erie’s Official Plan, Zoning By-Law Secondary Plans, Business Licencing and Short-Term Rental By-law, Community Events By-law and Municipal Alcohol Sale Policy.
• General knowledge of project management.
• Technical knowledge of computers and office software applications.
• General knowledge of public sector management.
• General knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures.
• General knowledge of customer service.
• General knowledge of routine office procedures, practices, and equipment.
  

Skills & Ability

Ability to;

• Assist local companies with expansion and modernization efforts.
• Advise companies and individuals interested in relocating or starting a business in the Town of Fort Erie.
• Research local land availability, market trends and business opportunities.
• Promote business, economic growth and employment opportunities.
• Advise and refer businesses/individuals to appropriate agencies for government assistance and programs.
• Ability to facilitate land sales, regulatory meetings and networks.
• Provide guidance to developers, entrepreneurs and/or individuals with investment development projects.
• Maintain expertise at a high level by attending appropriate courses, seminars, conferences, by undertaking selected readings, and by liaising and networking with organizations, agencies and peers.
• Write grant applications and proposals.
• Adapt to change, continue to learn and practice new skills.
• Anticipate and solve problems.
• Apply expertise to regularly develop improved methods, procedures, techniques or programs.
• Exercise specialized judgment and decision-making.
• Operate computers and peripherals and general office equipment.
• Prioritize, lead, and direct the completion of various projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and political acumen.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Technical knowledge of computers and office software applications.
• Ability to travel across the US/Canada border. 

Supervision

Directs the Economic Development Officer and , Jr. Economic Development Officer. 

Work Demands

• Functionally defined independence within broad policies and general direction.
• Regularly works with confidential information and sensitive business and client information.
• Communicates with and influences others inside and outside the organization; may require considerable explanation/clarification/interpretation; requires tact and persuasion, sometimes in confrontational situations. 
• Moderate periods of sitting, keyboarding; moving average weight materials; visual demands involve regular eye strain.
• Typical office environment.
• Occasional work beyond the traditional workday; may attend meetings of Council and Committee if required.
• Errors in judgment or interpretation could affect entire organization with potential loss of time/resources and embarrassment to The Corporation.