Resonance (resonanceco.com) is a leading global consultancy and branding agency for the world's best destinations, cities and communities. Our projects take us around the world, from developing brands for communities, to tourism development plans for countries, to economic development strategies for cities. We also publish the World's Best Cities rankings (worldsbestcities.com), one of the most widely-read city rankings in the world.
Role Description
We're seeking a Consultant with experience in travel, tourism and destination development and strategic planning to join our team. The Consultant is responsible for developing and managing best in class destination development planning, research, strategy and training programs that supports our clients goals. As a key leader in Resonance's consulting team, the Consultant will play a strategic role in driving and influencing stakeholder engagement, helping to lead collaborative visioning and planning workshops, and creating strategies and implementation plans that will enhance both economic prosperity and quality of life for the local community in the destinations and cities we serve.
The Consultant is responsible for developing and managing senior-level client relationships and will be regarded as a trusted advisor; demonstrating an ability to lead clients both strategically and tactically. Therefore, this position requires exceptional applied research experience, strategic planning, strong relationship building and resource management skills coupled with honed communication skills to achieve the best possible results.
This role may require occasional domestic and international travel to client locations, with a hybrid work arrangement available for suitable candidates.
Duties & Responsibilities
Consults and provides direction/advice to Destination Marketing Organizations and/or governments regarding tourism development opportunities for their city, region or country
Manages the development and evolution of planning processes for the creation and execution of destination development strategies and action plans
Collects and analyzes key third-party statistics and produces infographics, charts, reports and presentations with respect to destination performance and sustainability for communities, cities, regions, states/provinces and countries
Develops, organizes and reports on industry and community stakeholder engagement initiatives
Prepares, manages and reports on research activities such as stakeholder and community surveys
Analyzes research and stakeholder input to develop strategic recommendations and appropriate action plans
Effectively helps the clients' stakeholders understand what the changes mean to them and provide ongoing guidance and support that will maintain enthusiasm and commitment to the economic development process.
Schedules and leads client meetings, clearly communicating agenda and results of meetings to all participants.
Tracks and reports on progress of project against project critical path with both clients and internal team members.
Coordinates a team of partners, researchers, analysts, sub-contractors, communications / PR professionals, writers, graphic artists, etc. to deliver destination development projects and deliverables.
Maintains established and builds new working relationships nationally and internationally with organizations, associations, other agencies, businesses and stakeholders which support economic development and management
Helps to lead business development opportunities and approach to grow Resonance's place strategy practice
Represents Resonance at meetings and events as appropriate
Contributes to thought leadership and writes on destination development and management case studies, insights and innovations
Job Requirements & Skills
Minimum 5 years tourism and/or management consulting experience with a graduate level degree
Posses both sound quantitative and qualitative skills with the ability to translate research and discovery into applied strategy and action
Ability to link long-range visions and concepts to daily work, ranging from a simple understanding to a sophisticated awareness of the impact of the world at large on strategies and on choices
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
An entrepreneurial mindset with a strong desire to help grow Resonance's destination development client base
Strong project management and organization skills, experience in managing cross-functional teams and multiple projects.
Learns quickly and is able to adapt in a fast-paced environment, and evolve to project demands
Ability to handle the pressure of meeting tight deadlines