Tourism continues to be one of Northern Irelands most recognisable good news stories. Tourism Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, supporting the tourism industry and for marketing the region as a tourist destination. A non-departmental public body of the Department for the Economy, the organisation works closely with other tourism bodies to help develop the visitor economy. In 2023, almost two million overseas visitors chose to visit Northern Ireland, generating £1.2 billion in tourism expenditure. Around 70,000 people work in the industry, which accounts for nine-per-cent of all jobs in Northern Ireland. In addition, more than 70% of the jobs are located outside of the Belfast area, playing a critical role in breathing life into cities, towns and villages. Going forward, the tourism sector is well placed to deliver a more sustainable, more productive, regionally balanced economy which can deliver good jobs. Tourists increasingly want to engage with real life experiences which give them a sense of the culture and heritage of the places they are visiting, and Northern Ireland has that in abundance Across the North, there has been an unprecedented growth in authentic, local tourism experiences which give visitors the opportunity to explore the local way of life and engage with local people. Tourism NIs consumer brand Embrace a Giant Spirit continues to go from strength to strength, encapsulating the spirit of the people, the warmth of the welcome and the authenticity of the visitor experience. Tourism NI is also closely involved in the tourism elements of the City and Growth Deal Programmes which will be crucial in helping to secure more spend from international visitors to the island. Looking ahead, this is a particularly exciting year for tourism in Northern Ireland with the return of The Open to Royal Portrush this summer. Following The 148th Open in 2019, there has been ongoing investment in Northern Ireland particularly in the accommodation sector with a number of new properties and acquisitions including the recently opened Dunluce Lodge in Portrush. Northern Ireland has now become an increasingly popular destination for the lucrative golf and luxury segments of the tourism market. With 2025 now in full swing, there is certainly a lot to look forward to as Northern Ireland continues to showcase its world-class tourism offering. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY Tourism NI is responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, for supporting the tourism industry and for marketing Northern Ireland as a tourist destination. We are a non-departmental public body of the Department for the Economy, working closely with other tourism bodies to help develop the visitor economy here. The CEO is accountable to the Board, which is appointed by the Economy Minister, for Tourism NIs performance and delivery of outcomes and targets, and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Board and its committees. The CEO is designated as Accounting Officer and, as such, is personally responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the organisation and for safeguarding public funds. Reporting to the Chair, and working closely with the Tourism NI Board, the duties of the CEO will include, but are not limited to: Being answerable to the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the NI Assembly for the stewardship of public funds, as designated Accounting Officer, and personally accountable for the management of Tourism NIs overall budget and staff. Being responsible for ensuring that the administration, financial control and monitoring arrangements in Tourism NI comply with the highest standards of governance and Government accounting practice. Being an exceptional Ambassador for the Tourism industry in Northern Ireland, working with staff, stakeholders, elected representatives and media. Having regular contact with Ministers, elected representatives and NI/UK/RoI Government Departments, and other Devolved Administrations. Setting the Vision for Tourism NI, engaging effectively with, and influencing both internal and external stakeholders. Being responsible for developing and implementing Tourism NIs Corporate Plan. Providing exemplary leadership, in a constantly changing environment, to the Tourism NI team. Developing and coaching senior teams, inspiring staff and harnessing the strengths and talent of employees at all levels. The job holder is required to be flexible, adaptable, and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties, and have responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description, but which are commensurate with the role and grade appointed CEO PERSON SPECIFICATION Candidates will be required to demonstrate an exceptional standard of competence and experience in the following: Effective, leadership sense-making analysis of multiple organisational priorities, risks and opportunities to inform corporate planning and decision-making. Successful leadership and management of a tourism related business/organization within the most recent five years. Successful brokering of political and stakeholder relationships and partnership working, influencing and negotiating in asystemic context of uncertainty and change (up to Board / Ministerial level). Successful leadership and management of people, promoting a sense of development, inclusion and corporate ambition. Effective delivery of results, delivering work with tenacity and calm resilience under scrutiny and pressure. Effective delivery of value for money in investment, administration and expenditure. Effective delivery of institutional accountability comparable to the Accounting Officer aspect of this role. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is not an exhaustive list of duties and requirements. The nature of the organisation is such that it must respond to the dynamic environment in which it operates and the nature of duties, tasks, knowledge and skills required for this post will evolve and change in time. The Job Holder is expected to adapt to these changes and develop the role as a result. Applicants must also possess a current driving licence and use of a car for business purposes or have access to a form of transport which will permit the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full. EQUALITY STATEMENT Tourism NI is committed to equality and will comply with the Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) statutory duties which requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the nine equality categories and to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief; political opinion; and racial group. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) Section 49A requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons, and to the need to encourage participation by disabled persons in public life. FOR FULL APPLICATION PACK PLEASE Click Apply Below. COMPLETING APPLICATIONS Those wishing to apply you should submit a completed application by clicking Apply no later than Monday 28th April at 16:00. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute/supplement to the application form. TOURISM NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER