First Program: Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development

Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development

Metro is pleased to announce the recruitment of a Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development, a critical executive leadership role supporting the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and the Portland Expo Center (Expo). This position plays a pivotal role in driving regional economic impact, advancing tourism, and strengthening Portland’s position as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and large‑scale public gatherings.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the Senior Director will lead enterprise‑wide revenue strategy, cultivate high‑value partnerships, and ensure alignment across two complex venues that collectively host hundreds of events and welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The role requires a forward‑thinking leader who can translate long‑term strategic priorities—including equity, community benefit, and financial sustainability—into measurable results.

• Set and lead sales strategy by aligning revenue goals with organizational priorities, managing budgets, and using forecasts and performance data to guide decisions and long‑term planning.
• Grow venue rental and service revenue by leading marketing, networking, and lead‑generation efforts, and negotiating complex contracts that maximize revenue while meeting policy and mission requirements.
• Serve as the primary client and partner representative for OCC and Expo, including working closely with Travel Portland and key accounts, conducting tours, preparing proposals, and finalizing agreements.
• Lead and develop the sales team by mentoring staff, overseeing pricing, scheduling, and event bookings, and collaborating across departments to meet client needs and resolve issues.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Guest Experience division, ensuring a high level of service delivery that supports client satisfaction and organizational goals.
• Identify and advance new business development opportunities by turning strategic priorities into projects or programs aligned with OCC and Expo strategic goals.
• Translate strategy into action by creating clear, measurable plans and communicating them effectively so employees, partners, suppliers, and contractors understand their roles and can align their efforts.
• Build alignment and support with leadership and stakeholders by working closely with executive teams, department leaders, external partners, and leadership to advance shared goals.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and lead with vision in planning and business development, while managing effectively within a political or public sector environment.
• Proven experience in executive‑level leadership, including setting goals, guiding strategy, and driving organizational performance.
• Strong commitment to integrity and ethical stewardship in the management of public resources and funds.
• Effective communicator who builds trust and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including staff, leadership, partners, and elected officials.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader who aligns teams across venues, fosters accountability, and leads with cultural awareness and competence.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, expense management, and resource optimization to support organizational goals.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies, policies, and operational initiatives that improve efficiency and drive operational excellence.

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. We aim to hire, develop, and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

• Seven to ten years of specialized or operational…