Chief Executive Officer

About Hamilton County Tourism

Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. is a 501-c-6 organization that promotes and encourages tourism and development of Hamilton County, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. But we are so much more than that. We are place-makers, working with our community partners on product development initiatives. We are innovators and thought leaders, always thinking outside the box and one step ahead of what’s around the corner. We are marketers, using sophisticated tools to share a simple message: Hamilton County is a premier destination for leisure, sports, business and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, we’re listeners and collaborators, dreamers and doers.

Tourism helps improve Hamilton County’s quality of life, bringing almost $1 billion in direct spending to the community. Tourism in Hamilton County supports 9,913 jobs directly, generating almost $400 million in local wages. This important economy generates more than $80 million in total federal taxes and more than $115 million in total state and local taxes.

Learn more about Hamilton County Tourism at www.visithamiltoncounty.com.

The Opportunity

The President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Hamilton County Tourism (HCT) serves as the visionary leader, charged with creating the strategic direction in collaboration with their valued partners to promote and encourage the tourism and development of Hamilton County, IN.

We Message. We Move. We Make it Fun.

The President/CEO oversees the administration, programs, and direction for the organization. A key component of this position is to serve as an outward-facing representative for HCT including community outreach and engagement, public affairs, government relations, and advocating for the destination management organization’s success.

The President/CEO works closely with the Board of Directors and administrative team to shape a strategic long-term vision and a supporting annual business plan for the organization. This position reports to the Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. Board of Directors and works closely with the Hamilton County Visitor and Convention Commission; Hamilton County Council; and the leadership teams for its eight cities and towns, including mayors, deputy mayors, economic development directors, and city planners.

Responsibilities for the President/CEO include, but are not limited to: 

Administration/Leadership 

• Work with the HCT administrative team to set strategy and vision for the organization through long-term visioning and annual business planning.
• Work with the VP of Finance to oversee the organization’s current and forecasted financial position and keep its governance teams informed through regular reporting, audits, and financial records.
• Work with the Hamilton County Treasurer’s Office and the Hamilton County Auditor’s Office to maintain ongoing communications about issues related to the lodging tax collections and distribution.
• Work with the administrative team to understand the overall needs of the organization in the areas of human, capital, and physical resources and support strategies that maximize these critical areas of focus.
• Ensure the organization meets the highest standards of management by working with the administrative team to maintain DMAI accreditation by meeting its requirements and operating in an environment of full transparency.
• Lead a dynamic staff of dedicated professionals in an atmosphere that fosters entrepreneurialism and supports a set of mutually agreed upon core values.
• Position the organization as one of the best in the country and serve as a leader in promoting.

Community/Regional/National Outreach and Engagement  

• Regularly engage with members of the Board of Directors and the Tourism Commission, the governing bodies of the organization.
• Regularly engage with community stakeholders and government leaders throughout the county, region, and state. Serve in leadership capacities when appropriate.

Destination Development and Supporting Services  

• Lead special projects identified through the tourism compass to support community asset-based development that support tourism economic development.
• Oversee the BEST (Business of Entertainment, Sport and Tourism) Fund a tourism capital improvement grant program that supports projects that will create or enhance compelling, unique tourism products and events that have a transformative and positive impact on Hamilton County.
• Guide all tourism investments in Hamilton County using the innkeeper’s tax wisely and measure ROI on those investments.
• Seek opportunities to leverage tourism tax dollars through for-profit and grant partnerships, particularly in the area of community development.
• Work with staff to identify business intelligence needs and manage research programs that help inform, test, or provide clarity to community development and investments.

Candidate Profile

We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Strategic Vision and Business Acumen 

An effective ‘big picture’ strategist and leader, the President/CEO will build upon Hamilton County Tourism’s successful history of impact and growth. With an established network, the President/CEO will bring a broad knowledge of tourism and development. A creative visionary, the President/CEO will offer a track record of developing new ideas, seizing opportunities, and building support for ambitious data-informed goals. Their strategic vision and business acumen will be paramount for ensuring HCT’s financial health and operational excellence. A collaborative leader, the successful candidate will work closely with the HCT team to establish long-term goals and annual business plans, aligning resources and efforts to achieve them effectively. A strong communicator, the President/CEO will maintain robust communication with key county offices underscoring a commitment to fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. By leading a dedicated team and fostering an entrepreneurial culture grounded in collaborative work, the President/CEO will not only elevate HCT’s contributions to the community, but also position the organization as a national, best-in-class leader in the promotion of tourism and economic development.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Relationship Building 

An exceptional relationship builder, the President/CEO will relish representing Hamilton Country Tourism externally with a diverse set of stakeholders and partners. The President/CEO will bring an authentic approach to leadership with a genuine understanding of the communities and individuals HCT serves, as well as a desire to continually learn and listen. A collaborator and team player, the President/CEO will be open, adaptable, and lead with humility. The President/CEO will possess the ability to implement partnerships in ways that are contextually appropriate and mutually beneficial. They will be comfortable navigating and operating in a range of settings and contexts, from government to nonprofit, to businesses and community organizations. Most importantly, the successful candidate will bring self-awareness, with the ability to support for a common vision across diverse stakeholders both internally and externally. 

Passion for the Mission 

A passionate commitment to the mission infuses every aspect of the President/CEO's leadership. Adept at harnessing the power of storytelling, the President/CEO will inspire others and cultivate a sense of excitement and purpose around tourism initiatives. Experienced in embracing a philosophy of accessibility, sustainability, and enjoyment, the President/CEO will ensure that the organization's work, communities, and visitor experiences are both engaging and user-friendly, fostering an environment where exploration and discovery are encouraged at every turn. Through this passionate dedication to the mission, the President/CEO will not only advance the goals of the organization but also foster a culture of enthusiasm and possibility within the broader community.In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, tourism, non-profit management or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of work experience, including a portion of which has been in senior management, in the areas of marketing, communications, tourism development, or a related field.
• Proven non-profit management, budgeting, and administrative experience.
• Effective communication skills: written and verbal communications, and public speaking.
• Experience in planning and strategy development.
• Experience managing employees from a variety of sectors within an organization.
• Experience reporting to or working closely with a board of directors.
• Experience working in a political environment and with government agencies.
• Experience in forecasting and projections, including both budget revenue and expense management.
• Knowledge of how community economic development works, including funding mechanisms.
• Comfort with technology and an openness to embracing new advances.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive own car as well as the company vehicle.

Compensation & Benefits

The estimated range for this role begins at $190,000 and includes a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the President/CEO will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience as aligned with Hamilton County Tourism’s compensation policies.

Contact

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Peter Gillin and Shannon O’Neill. Submit a compelling letter of interest and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

+++++++

Hamilton County Tourism is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.