Director of Market Research

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the SVP of Public Affairs, directs all market research activities for the organization as required by Meet Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Convention Center to reach their goals for devising and implementing strategies to grow the visitor economy, secure conventions, events, and trade shows to the region. Position will work closely with the SVP of Destination Sales and SVP of Branding & Strategy for research needs and will be a key member of the strategy development and leadership teams.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Designs, develops, and manages a market research program to meet the research needs efficiently and cost-effectively of the organization. This includes identifying and conducting primary research and analyzing secondary and syndicated research. 
• Leverages acquired data through analyses to inform decision making and strategy development in the organization and the industry. Will be key member of the strategy development team. 
• Manages ongoing performance reporting programs to provide accurate and timely assessment of the organization’s performance against contract metrics requirements and providing monthly reports to hotel partners and quarterly reports to the City of Minneapolis. 
• Develops market performance measures that document performance for activities related to economic impact, visitor arrivals/ spending, hotel occupancy, advertising, etc. 
• Responds to internal and external requests for data and insights, presents market research findings, insights, and market updates for stakeholders including ad hoc fee-based research for Meet Minneapolis partners. 
• Produces statistical and analytical reports and forecasts on visitation data for use by internal and external stakeholders, being accountable for accuracy and timeliness of the data and presentation. 
• Prepare presentation content for use at industry conferences, workshops and seminar on Meet Minneapolis and the local visitor economy. Comfortable with presenting research and data in large and small group settings. 
• Contributes to the operational, budgetary, and strategic planning process to achieve organizational goal and objectives. 
• Identifies and communicates trends in destination marketing. 
• Develops and manages the annual market research budget, including management of market research suppliers, consultants, tools, and training. 
• Participates on internal task forces and committees as requested by the organization and performs other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, business, statistics or related field or equivalent experience 
• Five years’ experience in market research or related field 
• Combination of education and experience may fill above requirements 
• Valid Driver’s License

SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated understanding of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and factors affecting the industry’s performance 
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, multi-tasking, project management skills 
• Ability to source and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. 
• Experience in preparing and delivering effective presentations of research findings 
• Ability to translate research data to inform strategic planning process 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working independently and within teams 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline oriented and driven team environment 
• Exceptional technology, written, verbal and organizational skills 
• Service-oriented approach to leadership, work, and client relationships 
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite 
• Strongly committed to organization’s values of Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, Passion, and Integrity