PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
About The Position
Welcoming more than 28.2 million visitors annually, Toronto is the leading tourism destination in Canada. In 2025, visitors spent $9.1 billion dollars in Toronto which resulted in $13.5 billion dollars in total economic impact. This bold, dynamic city offers superb attractions, music and events backed by the best convention and sports facilities in Canada. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service as Program Development Officer (Visitor Economy Office) within our Economic Development & Culture Division. Reporting to the Manager, Visitor Economy Office, the Program Development Officer will play a vital role in shaping inclusive, accessible and culturally responsive promotional support for Toronto’s tourism and hospitality sector. Your work enhancing and developing industry related programing will create memorable experiences for Toronto visitors and support the local economy.
Requirements
- Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function (i.e. communications, marketing, event management, public relations, journalism) with broad experience in communications, public special events programming, or an approved combination of education and experience.
- Considerable experience in public program development and marketing communications with ability to recommend efficient solutions.
- Experience in monitoring project budgets and co-ordinating suppliers and consultants.
- Considerable experience in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks with competing/tight deadlines while delivering expected outcomes and consistent creative quality.
- Ability to communicate complex messages succinctly, clearly and in manner which is understandable and engaging to a wide range of individuals.
- Ability to solve problems, take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to take ownerships of a project as well as being a strong team player in fulfilling the section and division’s goals.
- Ability to successfully engage in creative and strategic thinking.
- Ability to foster and maintain positive collaborative working relationships
- Excellent oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with other staff, community groups, agencies, corporations and businesses in relation to tourism programs and their promotional requirements.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Flexibility to thrive in a high stress and creative environment.
- Knowledge of social media platforms, photography, printing and graphic design processes with the ability to evaluate creative excellence in these areas.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required to support operational requirements.
- Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Occupational Health & Safety Act and other regulations/legislation that apply to job duties.
Responsibilities
- Researches, plans, develops, implements and evaluates program development strategies and concepts to enhance the image of Toronto Culture properties, events and policy initiatives and to expand participation in city cultural events and programs.
- Writes, researches and develops strategies for program development, audience development, merchandising, customer service as well as print design for promotional and collateral materials.
- Composes speeches, develops presentations and other correspondence; develops strategies for and secure sponsor participation for events and programs.
- Writes and/or co-ordinates the research, writing, production and distribution of brochures, newsletters, media releases, flyers, key reports, web site content and other products such as the Festivals and Events Calendar.
- Monitors and evaluates the impact of program development programs. Recommends changes to strategy, plans and budgets.
- Monitors project expenditures and ensure cost control.
- Develops relationships for cost sharing and collaborates with business media and community partners on programs.
- Maintains a network of contacts withing the community, media, target audience groups, partners and sponsors.
- Contacts suppliers, tender jobs, coordinates outside consultants, advertising agencies, printers, designers and suppliers ensuring adherence to agreed upon quality.
- Attend industry meetings and collaborate with tourism and hospitality partners, rightsholders and stakeholders as required.
- Keeps current on the tourism industry trends, outlooks and developments.
- Liaises with other units and divisions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
