Israel Government Tourist Office, Midwest Region USA – Business Development Manager
Job description:
The Israel Ministry of Tourism is seeking an Outreach and Business Development Manager for the Israel Government Tourist Office of the Midwest USA. This individual will be responsible for promoting and generating tourism to Israel from the most sought-after outbound travel market in the world. Covering the states of OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, KY, MN, SD, ND, IA, KS, MO, and NE, the selected candidate will be expected to plan, initiate, and lead a wide array of activities and partnerships to achieve these goals. Reporting to the Director of the Midwest Region, the right candidate will be capable of working independently and with a small team to help cover a vast, diverse, and demanding travel market.
Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain relationships with travel industry organizations, tour operators, travel agencies, online travel agents, airlines, and trade show organizers.
Represent the Ministry of Tourism at local trade shows and events.
Cultivate relationships with faith-based organizations: Jewish nonprofits, church networks, Christian conferences, and denominational organizations.
Regular visits to areas outside of Chicago metropolitan area such as (but not limited to) Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.
Join and actively take part in travel organizations across the region
Create and conduct Israel travel presentations for travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners and other relevant audiences
Work with Midwest Director to expand Israel’s brand and presence in new and underdeveloped markets such as Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), Culinary tourism and emerging trends
Explore new or underdeveloped segments through research, outreach and ultimately, familiarization tours of Israel
Implementation of annual work plan in accordance with decisions of the Midwest Director, Commissioner of North America, Marketing Administration/Jerusalem HQ and Minister of Tourism.
Pursue marketing agreements with new and existing tour operators
Discovery of new events and opportunities for IMOT participation
Research, outreach, and facilitation of speaking opportunities for self, Director of the Midwest and Commissioner of North America at major events and panels
Continued engagement contacts via regional newsletter
Lateral coordination and collaboration with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto
All other activity needed by Director of the Midwest USA
Requirements:
BA -degree – preferably in tourism, marketing, or business administration
High level English communication and expressive skills
At least 3 years work experience in the travel and aviation industries or community
relations
Experience in advertising and digital marketing preferred
Excellent presentation skills – both creating PowerPoint/Canva and presenting
Well organized, strong communication and negotiation skills and able to work under tight deadlines
Comfortable and able to work in an international environment where multiple languages are used, and cultural expectations may differ.
Basic knowledge of MS Office and 365
Existing knowledge of Israel a plus
Hebrew and/or Spanish preferred but not necessary
General:
Office located in Orland Park, IL
Full time
Up to 40% travel, occasional trips outside of region and to Israel
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT), is Israel’s national tourism agency responsible for planning and implementing marketing and promotional initiatives to position Israel as a preferred travel destination. IMOT aims to increase tourism traffic to contribute to Israel’s economy, and to enhance and diversify the visiting experience. IMOT works to promote Israel’s impressive assortment of historical, cultural, culinary and religious attractions – each the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. IMOT offices in North America are located in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Toronto.
