Destination Management and Sustainability Strategist

As the Destination Management and Sustainability Strategist, you will lead sustainable tourism and destination development initiatives for Visit Durango’s Destination Management division. In this role, you’ll help shape Durango as a vibrant and welcoming destination by advancing high-quality tourism infrastructure, promoting inclusive experiences, and supporting sustainable practices that benefit the environment, community, and local economy. You will also collaborate with the City of Durango Sustainability Department on tourism-focused sustainability projects.

The starting pay for this position is between $73,077 and $80,384 per year, with opportunities for growth up to $102,308 per year based on long-term growth and performance within the role.

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

• Develop and lead sustainable tourism programs that protect the environment, support local communities, and promote inclusive travel.
• Guide long-term planning and strategy for tourism growth, aligning projects with social, economic, and environmental priorities.
• Advise on policies and initiatives that strengthen Durango’s reputation as a responsible, welcoming destination.
• Engage residents, businesses, and community partners to gather input, share insights, and implement inclusive tourism initiatives.
• Support the economic sustainability of the destination by strengthening local businesses, improving resource efficiency, and tracking tourism trends.
• Oversee destination management projects, grants, and programs from planning to execution, delivering outcomes that meet sustainability goals.

You Have: 

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in sustainable tourism or a related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in tourism with a nonprofit organization or public agency, or a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills for this role.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Understand sustainable tourism and destination management and can balance social, environmental, and economic priorities.
• Can build strong relationships and communicate effectively with community members, government partners, and the private sector.
• Think strategically, use data to guide decisions, and manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Are adaptable, inclusive, and able to integrate emerging trends and community needs into tourism planning and policy.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.