Executive Director

Executive Director

Discover Kalispell | Destination Marketing Organization & Tourism Business Improvement District
Kalispell, Montana

Discover Kalispell is seeking a bold, strategic, and community-minded Executive Director to lead one of Montana’s most visible and influential destination organizations into its next era.

With the retirement of longtime Executive Director Diane Medler, Discover Kalispell is poised for its next chapter — one that requires vision, courage, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how tourism, community, and economic vitality intersect.

If you are energized by the opportunity to shape a destination’s story, steward growth responsibly, and lead at the intersection of marketing, business, and community impact — this role is for you.

About Discover Kalispell

Discover Kalispell is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) for Kalispell, Montana — the gateway to Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.

Our work goes beyond promotion. We champion year-round visitation, develop group business and sports tourism, support local tourism-dependent businesses, and collaborate with community and government partners to ensure tourism strengthens Kalispell’s economy while protecting the quality of life that makes this place special.

Kalispell is growing, evolving, and balancing opportunity with responsibility. Discover Kalispell plays a critical role in that conversation.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is the chief strategist, connector, and ambassador for Discover Kalispell.

This role demands a leader who can think big, execute well, and build trust across a wide range of stakeholders — from hospitality businesses and city leadership to regional partners and residents.

You will:

• Set the vision for destination marketing and community stewardship
• Lead a respected organization with strong momentum and partnerships with a team of 3 fulltime staff
• Help shape how Kalispell grows, welcomes, and tells its story to the world

Key Responsibilities

• Provide bold, forward-looking leadership for Discover Kalispell’s mission and operations
• Develop and execute destination marketing strategies that position Kalispell as a compelling, year-round destination
• Oversee the Tourism Business Improvement District and lodging tax funds, including budgeting, assessments, reporting, and compliance
• Lead staff, agencies, contractors, and marketing partners with clarity and purpose
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for tourism in Kalispell
• Build and sustain strong relationships with tourism businesses, local government, chambers, and regional partners
• Collaborate on community issues where tourism intersects with infrastructure, workforce, housing, and quality of life
• Track performance metrics, visitor data, and industry trends to inform strategy and investment
• Work closely with the Tourism Board of Directors to advance organizational goals and accountability

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a confident, collaborative leader who understands both the power and responsibility of destination marketing.

You bring:

• Proven leadership experience in destination marketing, tourism, economic development, nonprofit leadership, or a related field
• A strong grasp of branding, marketing strategy, and visitor experience
• Experience working with boards, public entities, and diverse stakeholder groups
• Financial and organizational management skills, including budgets and contracts
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public presence
• A commitment to sustainable tourism and community stewardship
• The courage to lead in a dynamic, high-visibility environment

Preference for candidate from Montana and/or Mountain West region. 

Why This Role Matters

Tourism is one of Kalispell’s leading economic drivers — and how it is managed matters.

The next Executive Director of Discover Kalispell will help define:

• How the community grows
• How visitors experience Kalispell
• How tourism supports local businesses and residents
• How Kalispell positions itself for the future

This is a chance to lead with purpose, influence outcomes, and leave a lasting mark on a destination people care deeply about.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your leadership experience and vision for destination stewardship to Lorraine Clarno at l.clarno@kalispellchamber.com. Position will remain open until we find the perfect team member.

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OUR TEAM VALUES

The Discover Kalispell MT’s Team Values are a playlist we practice and perfect to be in sync with each other and our business community.

GROWTH-MINDED | “LET IT GROW”

We are always seeking growth and new potential

We are dedicated to innovation – Eat change for breakfast

We are willing to take risks, fail, learn, and evolve

We are community advocates

DEVOTED | “YOU COULD SAY TEAM SPIRIT”

We are selflessly committed to the team’s success

We are purposefully inclusive

We take the responsibility – blame no one

We celebrate one another’s successes

EXCELLENCE | “STAFF POWERED – MEMBER DRIVEN”

We seek out “wow” moments both internally and externally

We exceed expectations in roles and responsibilities

We are thorough, efficient, and independent problem solvers

We come together as a team to achieve more

We always strive to be the best

We are committed to innovation

AUTHENTIC | “WE BUILT THIS AUTHENTICITY”                              

We are humbly confident

We check our ego at the door

We are open and honest

We seek input, ideas, and feedback

We over-communicate

COMPASSIONATE | “WE CARE”

We lead with a big heart

We are enthusiastic and energizing team members

We are supportive of each other and our community