Programs Specialist (Cleveland)

Annual Salary Range $50,000- $61,000 

4% Annual Bonus Eligibility 

Deadline to apply: EOD April, 8 2026

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

As unapologetic promoters of Cleveland, Destination Cleveland’s team works every day to attract visitors, inspire visitors and locals alike to explore and connect people to experiences that illustrate Cleveland’s diversity, creativity, and contagious passion. We’re in the business of equitably growing the region’s economy through travel and tourism while also cultivating a passion for Greater Cleveland. As the only organization charged with marketing Cleveland outside of the region, we never stop talking about the city. We know the region inside and out. We roll up our sleeves and get the job done for The Land. We’re a group of expectation-exceeding, fun-loving, innovative professionals.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Programs Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, and recommending improvements to all industry-facing programs and engagements that support Cleveland’s hospitality and tourism community. These programs are designed to strengthen industry engagement, improve the visitor experience and align local partners around shared standards, learning, and storytelling. 

This role works closely with colleagues across Destination Cleveland, as well as with external hospitality & tourism industry segments such as hotels, attractions, venues, and service providers. The Programs Specialist ensures Destination Cleveland-owned programs and events are well-organized, clearly communicated, data-informed and responsive to the evolving needs of the hospitality & tourism industry. 

Importantly, this position is designed to grow over time. As Destination Cleveland develops and launches new programs and initiatives, the Programs Specialist will play a key role in shaping, piloting and scaling future initiatives. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and Engagements Management & Execution

• Manage the day-to-day planning and execution of multiple industry programs and engagements, ensuring timelines, logistics, communications, and deliverables are met. 
• Oversee a flagship industry training and engagement program, including scheduling, venues, materials, digital components, and participant communications. 
• Coordinate recurring industry engagements such as networking programs, educational sessions and partner meetings. 
• Support the relaunch and ongoing management of an industry workshop series focused on visitor marketing and destination success. 
• Execute day-to-day needs in support of building and maintaining Destination Cleveland-owned passports. 

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Work closely with internal Destination Cleveland events teams to align program and events goals, content and execution across the organization. 
• Partner with external venues, speakers, and industry stakeholders to deliver high-quality, relevant attendee experiences for programs & events. 
• Serve as a visible and trusted point of contact for industry partners participating in programs and events. 

Ongoing Evaluation & Refinement

• Track participation, engagement and attendee feedback across all programs & engagements. 
• Analyze program and event performance and identify opportunities for improvement or innovation. 
• Recommend enhancements and new program and events ideas based on industry needs, trends and organizational priorities. 
• Contribute to the design and launch of new industry programs over time. 
• Take on expanded responsibilities as programs evolve, scale, or are added to the organization’s portfolio. 

Data, Systems & Organization

• Ensure accurate data capture and organization for all programs and events within the organization’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. 
• Develop and maintain clear processes (internally and externally) for all programs & events. 

Overarching Team Support

• Active participant on the Destination Engagement team in support of other tasks designed to achieve sub-department goals of broadening & deepening reach within the hospitality industry, achieving private revenue goals, enhancing overall industry satisfaction & sentiment and increasing engagement 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Extremely organized and strong attention to detail 
• Project management skills
• Demonstrated research and critical thinking skills 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment 
• Creativity in problem solving and solutions-oriented approach 
• Ability to work flexible hours when required 
• Public speaking skills

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and one year of relevant experience

OR

• Prior work experience in program and/or event management, specifically in the hospitality and live events industry, is preferred (2 – 4 years). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Viewing computer monitors
• Ability to lift to 40 pounds safely 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time when on-site for programs & events 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Office environment; moderate noise.
• Event environment when on-site for programs & engagements.
• Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Some weekends and evenings will be required around major event support and depending on timing for programs & engagements.

Compensation details: 50000-61000 Yearly Salary

PI9be42ba5121d-38003-40079394