Visitor Economy and Place Activation Lead

Are you ready to lead bold initiatives that grow regional tourism, activate vibrant places, and support thriving communities?

We are seeking a creative, strategic, and community-focused leader for the newly created role of Visitor Economy and Place Activation Lead. This is a unique opportunity to shape the region's tourism and place activation strategies, build new business and visitor opportunities, and play a key role in enhancing the vibrancy and liveability of our communities.

Why join Colac Otway?

Colac Otway is home to ancient rainforests, volcanic lakes, and the iconic Great Ocean Road. It's a region on the rise-with growing tourism, investment, and community energy.

Council is committed to creating connected, attractive, and economically thriving places. We offer:

Monthly RDOs.
Flexible work arrangements.
Supportive, values-driven culture.
Opportunities to shape strategy and lead change.
A leadership role with real impact in a region full of opportunity.

About the role

You'll lead the development and delivery of initiatives that grow the visitor economy and activate key places across the Shire.

Deliver tourism and place activation strategies.
Manage Council's event attraction portfolio.
Lead marketing and promotional campaigns.
Build strong partnerships with business, community, and government.
Identify opportunities and challenges in the visitor economy and public spaces.
Secure funding and investment for key projects.
Evaluate initiatives' impact and recommend improvements.
Provide leadership across tourism and place activation, guiding internal teams and external stakeholders toward shared goals.
Champion placemaking and visitor experience across the region.

About you:

You're a confident communicator and strategic thinker with a passion for regional growth. You bring:

Experience in tourism, economic development, events, or place-making.
Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
A collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset.
Tertiary qualifications in Marketing, Business, Tourism, or a related field.
Energy, creativity, and a drive to make things happen.
Leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and influence others.

To be successful, you will need:

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Proven expertise in place activation and strategic program development.
Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Marketing and promotional strategy experience.
Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and digital tools.
Understanding of government grants and funding programs.
Knowledge of local government operations and community engagement (beneficial).
A passion for creating vibrant, welcoming places.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a region with strong potential and community support. You'll have the scope to shape your role, the backing of a committed leadership team, and the chance to deliver initiatives that strengthen both place and economy.

The Colac Otway Shire Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

For a candidate pack or to apply, visit McArthur here

For a confidential conversation, please contact Danielle Jupp on (03) 9828 6565 or 0403 398 242 referencing job number J7576.

Applications close: Monday 21^st July 2025.

Please do not use the application form here on the Council Website to submit your application. All applications must be submitted to McArthur directly using the above link.

Colac Otway Shire

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Visitor Economy & Place Activation Lead