Manager, Public Affairs & Destination Development

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

At Meet Minneapolis, our mission is to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of our Minneapolis community by attracting visitors, meetings and events that directly support jobs and local businesses, generating critical revenues.

We believe in our shared passion to support the diverse community of Minneapolis through our values of Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, Passion and Integrity. We recognize it's the unique contributions of all of us at Meet Minneapolis that drives our success, and we're committed to building a culture where everyone can thrive and find meaning in their work.

Meet Minneapolis HIGHLY encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds, particularly BIPOC candidates, to apply.

Position/Title:          Manager, Public Affairs & Destination Development

Department:              Destination Development & Public Affairs

Reports to:                Vice-President, Destination Development & Public Affairs

Status:                      Full-time; Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Vice President (VP) of Destination Development and Public Affairs, this position provides project management and program support for the Destination Development and Public Affairs department. This role supports the department and includes destination development, community/government relations, and public affairs. This position provides indirect support to the attainment of the Meet Minneapolis performance goals.

Destination development work involves implementation of Meet Minneapolis’ new Destination Master Plan and could include executing projects, convening stakeholders, measuring progress and performance, placemaking, researching, and managing contracts related to plan goals and initiatives.

Public affairs work combines government relations, issue management, information dissemination and the development of strategic communications messaging. This role includes proactively engaging stakeholders (board, elected officials, community leaders, partners) to communicate the work of the organization, identify and elevate public policy issues, and assist the Meet Minneapolis Board of Directors and committee chairs to execute strategies and develop better policy.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Areas of Primary Responsibility and Focus:

Public Affairs and Community Engagement (50%)

·      Develop trusted relationships with and execute proactive engagement strategies to key stakeholders such as Meet Minneapolis Board of Directors, business associations, community champions, nonprofit and government partners, and civic and elected leaders. 

·      Connect Meet Minneapolis to relevant government, business and community organizations.

·      Utilize research to support goals and policy development.

·      Staff the Meet Minneapolis Public Affairs and Destination Development Committee of the Board.

·      Work with Partnership staff to engage elected officials and participate in community events throughout the city.

·      Support the development of Meet Minneapolis’ legislative agenda and with the execution of the organization’s public affairs strategy.

·      Monitor local, state, and national political and governmental activity that is relevant to Meet Minneapolis and the tourism / hospitality industry and communicate with internal leadership and key stakeholders.

Destination Development (30%)

·      Support execution of the new Destination Master Plan and manage projects aimed at ensuring Minneapolis is competitive in the meetings, events, and tourism industry and positions Minneapolis as a top-tier global travel destination.

·      Identify, research, and present emerging trends in destination development and tourism that align with Minneapolis’ unique strengths, needs, and character.

·      Develop mechanisms to track and measure progress on Destination Master Plan implementation.

·      Assist with engaging community members, convening stakeholders, building coalitions, and supporting partners to advance work that aligns with destination development goals.

Administrative (20%)

• Provide project support to VP of Destination Development and Public Affairs.
• Prepare correspondence, forms, presentations, marketing content, talking points, and reports as requested. 

·      Assist with in-office meetings when needed including scheduling, set-up, and material preparation.

·      Manage contractors, staff, consultants, and project teams.

·      Other duties and special projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

·      BA degree or commensurate experience.

·      Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in any of the following (or a related area of expertise): public affairs, urban policy, government relations, project management, planning or urban design, marketing, tourism management, community development, and/or stakeholder engagement.

·      Experience working with highly-motivated and successful cross-departmental teams.

·      Experience working with multiple stakeholders.

·      Knowledge of Minneapolis, destination assets, and/or local/state political environment, preferred.

·      Local government experience, preferred.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES

·      Strong stakeholder management and project management skills.

·      Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

·      Exceptional people skills, with a noted ability to build relationships that are respectful and highly collaborative.

·      Ability to coordinate diverse projects and activities and to juggle competing priorities and deliver within deadlines.

·      A preference for working in a team environment, with a great deal of flexibility and self-management.

·      A high degree of sensitivity in dealing with the public, staff, board and stakeholders.

·      General knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

·      Able to work occasional nights and/or weekends.

·      Commitment to the organization’s values of Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, Passion and Integrity.

·      Valid drivers license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:

·      Walk, sit, bend and squat

·      Talk and hear

·      Grab, pull or bend items

·      Lift and/or carry up to 30 lbs

·      View items at a close and distant range

·      Stand, Walk and Sit for extended periods of time

·      Use computers for extended periods of time

·      Air and ground transportation travel for extended periods of time

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid office environment (60% in-office; 40% remote option)
• Attend Meet Minneapolis, partner, and member events
• May require domestic and/or international travel

SALARY

• $55,000 - $70,000 starting range for annual base salary plus 5% annual bonus potential.

BENEFITS

• Meet Minneapolis offers a generous benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, 401(k), vacation, sick time, parental leave and personal volunteer time for employees who are benefits eligible. 

Note: Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than as “at will” relationship.

Meet Minneapolis is an equal opportunity employer.