Chief Executive Officer

ethree Consulting is proud to partner with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) in their search for their next Chief Executive Officer.

At Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (Hospitality NL), we have proudly served as the voice of the provincial tourism industry since 1983. As a non-profit membership association, we work to enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism sector, transforming it into a thriving economic driver that celebrates our province’s unique heritage, culture, and natural beauty. We work directly with tourism operators across the province through programs, projects, events, training, and member engagement.

At the center of Hospitality NL’s work is advocacy. Advocacy is the foundation that supports and connects all areas of the organization’s work; however, we recognize that a strong tourism industry requires more than advocacy alone. Our workforce initiatives, training programs, industry development projects, digital transformation efforts, membership engagement activities, partnerships, and organizational growth all strengthen our ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the tourism industry.

Overview of the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads day-to-day operations independently while maintaining regular, close communication with the Board Chair to ensure alignment, transparency, and accountability to the Board. The CEO is responsible for leading Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) and advancing the interests of Newfoundland and Labradors full visitor economy. With support of HNL's senior leadership team, including the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Projects Officer, this is a high-visibility leadership role at an important point in HNL’s evolution, as the Association works to strengthen its advocacy impact, deepen member value, and support the implementation of the provincial tourism strategy that succeeds Vision 2026.

You will spend your time leading advocacy and government relations on the issues that most affect tourism operators, building relationships across members, government, Indigenous tourism partners, and industry organizations, and ensuring HNL delivers relevant programs, training, events, and communications. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on organizational management. You will represent HNL publicly, guide policy positions, oversee the annual Conference and Trade Show, grow membership and revenue, and lead a dedicated and passionate team.

Your leadership will help ensure tourism remains a strong contributor to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy and communities, and that HNL continues to be a credible, innovative, and influential voice for the people and businesses behind Newfoundland and Labradors visitor economy.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leadership and Strategic Management: Lead HNL’s strategic plan and its role in implementing the provincial tourism strategy that succeeds Vision 2026, facilitate the Industry Advisory Group, Transportation Working Group, and Leadership Summits to align stakeholders on priorities and respond to emerging issues, and foster a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture.
• Advocacy, Communications and Public Relations: Serve as the leading voice for HNL and its members, championing tourism-sector priorities with provincial and federal government, industry, and other key stakeholders. You will lead advocacy priorities and policy positions, act as official spokesperson of the organization and oversee communications, media engagement, and public statements.
• Membership, Programs, and Sector Growth: Grow and retain a strong, representative membership across all tourism segments by ensuring HNL’s programs, services, advocacy, and communications deliver meaningful value to members. Oversee the development of industry events, networking opportunities, training, certification programs, and workforce-development initiatives that support recruitment, retention, inclusion, and skills development across the sector.
• Operations and Financial Management: Lead HNL’s operations, including the annual Conference and Trade Show, develop and manage the annual budget, oversee financial controls, risk management, and revenue generation, and provide timely reporting and governance support to the Board.
• Human Resources Oversight Lead and develop HNL staff, foster a respectful, accountable, and high-performing workplace, and oversee recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and compliance with employment legislation.

Who you are

The ideal leader is a proactive problem solver who seeks to understand the full scope of the strategic plan while they actively engage across the association to develop a deep understanding of its vision. You will be able to translate that vision into action by leading implementation and delivering measurable results. They bring strong financial acumen, sound judgment, and effective decision-making skills, confidently navigating complex government, industry, and stakeholder environments.

They are a collaborative, team-oriented leader who builds strong relationships with the Board and is confident in their ability to work effectively with government partners, staff, and external stakeholders. With excellent communication skills, self-awareness, and adaptability, they foster a positive and high-performing workplace culture with a one-team mentality. They approach challenges with practical solutions and a strong focus on shared success.

What you bring

• Post-secondary degree in business administration, hospitality or tourism management, public administration, finance, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, senior leadership experience, and sector expertise may be considered.
• Typically, 10+ years of senior leadership experience in an association, nonprofit, industry organization, tourism business, government, or similarly complex environment.
• Proven ability to lead organizational strategy, business planning, and the delivery of measurable results.
• Strong experience working in partnership with a Board of Directors, including governance, reporting, strategic advice, and implementing Board-approved decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in government relations, advocacy, public policy, and stakeholder engagement, with sound judgment to navigate complex government, industry, and stakeholder environments.
• Ability to represent a broad membership or sector perspective, build alignment across diverse interests, and engage effectively with members, government, industry partners, media, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public-representation skills; professional public relations training is an asset.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing workplace that is member-focused.
• Sound decision-making, and the ability to identify emerging issues, balance competing priorities, and advance practical solutions.
• Direct experience in tourism, hospitality, the visitor economy, association management, or membership development is preferred; knowledge of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism, government, transportation, regulatory, taxation, and labour-market environment is an asset.
• Existing relationships with relevant government, tourism, or industry organizations are an asset.

Requirements

• Valid Drivers License is required.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful and impactful work that contributes to the growth and success of Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry.
• Competitive base salary, in line with market.
• Travel allowance.
• Generous vacation and leave entitlements.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Employer-matched group RRSP.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• A collaborative, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

At Hospitality NL we are committed to workplace inclusion. Candidates of all backgrounds including but not limited to individuals with international experience, newcomers to Canada, members of visible minorities, and persons of various gender identities and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply. We welcome the opportunity to discuss accommodation at any point of the application process.

If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the employment process, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position: Full-Time Permanent.

Location: Based in St. John’s, NL (in-person), with occasional evening and weekend work required for events, the annual Conference, and summits.

Application Close Date: Sunday, November 15th 2026, 11:59pm Newfoundland time.