Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development

Overview

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. 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), two of the region’s most significant economic and community assets.

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. Through strategic leadership of sales, business development, and guest experience, this role directly influences hotel room nights, visitor spending, workforce activation, and long-term economic vitality for the greater Portland region.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development 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.

This position serves as a primary external ambassador for OCC and Expo, working closely with regional partners such as Travel Portland and other tourism and economic development stakeholders. The Senior Director will guide complex negotiations, oversee market strategy, and position both venues to compete effectively in a national and international marketplace.

In addition to revenue generation, this role provides executive leadership for the Guest Experience division, ensuring that every event reflects the highest standards of hospitality, service excellence, and operational readiness—reinforcing Portland’s reputation as a welcoming, world-class destination.

Metro is seeking a seasoned executive leader with the vision, experience, and judgment to shape strategy, develop high-performing teams, steward public resources responsibly, and deliver meaningful economic and community outcomes for the region.

As the Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development you will:

• 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.

Attributes for success:

• 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…