Director - Major Events Acquisition

Job title : Director - Major Events Acquisition
Location : Townsville
Job type : Permanent or Full Time
Job reference : 1549738
  • Build and Elevate the reputation of Townsville as the major event capital in Northern Australia by attracting and creating national events
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximise economic impact.
  • Based in Townsville, with relocation assistance available.

About the Organisation
Townsville Enterprise is at the forefront of driving economic leadership, development, and opportunity for Townsville North Queensland. As the region’s peak economic and tourism development organisation, they work closely with government bodies, businesses, and community stakeholders to create a politically powerful and economically resilient future for the region. Their mission is to position Townsville as a dynamic, economically robust destination, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity through strategic initiatives.

Working with Townsville Enterprise offers a range of great benefits including:
  • Flexibility with a fortnightly RDO
  • Friendly, passionate and dynamic team environment
  • Professional workspace in the CBD
  • Education assistance, ongoing learning and development and team gatherings
  • Wellness initiatives and dedicated support
  • Live & work in a modern city where natural wonders and world -leading innovation co-exist
About the Role
This newly created role of Director, Major Events Acquisition is a pivotal leadership position designed to transform Townsville’s events landscape. Townsville is well known for being a significant event capital for the North with 15 national events such as the V8 Supercars, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, NRL Women’s  State of Origin, North Queensland Cowboys, Townsville Fire and many more.   The successful candidate will lead the implementation of a world-class events strategy aimed at attracting, retaining, and expanding major events that deliver significant economic and social benefits to the region.

Key to the role will be identifying new event opportunities, managing a year-round events calendar, and leading negotiations for high-impact event bids.
In addition to attracting and acquiring new high profile events, you will also manage a series of existing events in the pipeline. There are already nationally known sporting and arts events scheduled which will form a foundation for the forward calendar to build from.

You will collaborate with stakeholders from government, arts, sporting bodies, and venues to develop Townsville as a premier events destination. In addition, you will work closely with the Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing to leverage promotional opportunities that elevate Townsville's reputation on the national and international stage.

Your leadership will support the broader Visitor Economy Strategy, ensuring Townsville’s event offerings are competitive, sustainable, and reflective of the city’s potential. This role is based in Townsville, and relocation assistance will be provided to the successful candidate if required.

About You
You are a strategic leader with extensive experience in the national and international events industry that can work with minimal supervision. Your proven track record in event acquisition, retention, and development is matched by your ability to forge strong relationships with key stakeholders. With exceptional commercial acumen, you possess a deep understanding of maximising economic return through event investments. You are innovative,  collaborative, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where driving results is key. Additionally, you may have experience in managing small high-performing teams and are adept at navigating legal and contractual landscapes relevant to event management.

Your ability to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with creativity will be pivotal in shaping the future of Townsville's events portfolio. A tertiary qualification in Business, Hospitality, Event Management or related fields, paired with senior management experience, is essential.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Tim Wallis, Director, Sharp & Carter, via email at twallis@sharpandcarter.com.au or phone 0439 817 992.