Tourism and Culture Director - City of Miami Beach, FL

The City of Miami Beach (pop. 81,625) seeks a dynamic Tourism and Culture Director to lead a high-profile portfolio encompassing tourism, arts and culture, special events, public art, film, and partnerships. The successful candidate will bring a creative vision, operational strength, and the ability to build relationships across a highly engaged community.

THE POSITION

The Tourism and Culture Director leads a public facing and diverse department responsible for cultural affairs, special events, film and photography permitting, public art, grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. The role requires a leader who can turn ideas into strong programs while navigating the demands of municipal government.

Key responsibilities include advancing the City’s Cultural Master Plan, overseeing special event activities, managing major agreements and sponsorships, and strengthening relationships with cultural institutions and tourism partners. The Director leads the Cultural Affairs, Special Events and Film divisions and reports to an Assistant City Manager.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A strategic, creative leader with broad knowledge of tourism, arts and culture, special events, and destination-building.
• A collaborative people leader who develops staff, promotes teamwork, and builds on a strong departmental culture.
• A skilled relationship builder who works effectively with elected officials, cultural and hospitality partners, event producers, community groups, artists, and residents.
• A clear communicator and thoughtful decision-maker who can navigate competing interests and protect the Miami Beach brand.
• An experienced administrator with strength in budgets, contracts, partnerships, sponsorships, and complex public-facing programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration or related to the occupational field.
• Ten (10) years of experience in government or in the hospitality or cultural industry, with specific experience in tourism, special events and the arts.
• Experience working with neighborhood groups and relevant industry groups.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $220,000 to $260,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Miami Beach offers a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance (eligible on the first of the month after 30 days of full-time employment); health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off, wellness incentives; paid parental leave; voluntary deferred compensation plan and more. The City also has its own defined benefit pension plan with a 2.5% annual multiplier and 5-year vesting schedule. The plan offers a maximum benefit of up to 80% of your highest five-year average salary. Employees do not pay Social Security taxes. View the City’s comprehensive benefits package for more information.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on October 13, 2026. We invite qualified and interested candidates to apply at www.GovHRjobs.com by submitting a resume and cover letter, and veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (*). For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze, Director of Executive Recruitment, at 224-245-5630.

For more information about the City of Miami Beach, please visit: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/

*Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. Resident preference is awarded according to City policy.

GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE

Information contained in the Florida Sunshine Law assists the public and governmental agencies in understanding the requirements and exemptions to Florida's open government laws. The Attorney General's Office compiles a comprehensive guide known as the Government-in-the-Sunshine manual. All aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.

The City of Miami Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.