Manager, Marketing

Position Title:
Manager, Marketing and Partnerships

Location:
Gladstone Marina, Queensland (with travel as required)

Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer

Team:
Marketing and
Partnerships Unit 
(3 direct reports)

Salary:
Commensurate with experience

Contract Type:
Full-time or Part-time (we're open to flexible arrangements for the right person - let's chat about it at interview)

Start Date:
ASAP (but we're happy to wait for the right person)

Applications Close:
5pm, Monday 1 September 2025

A bit about us

GAPDL (Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited) is a not-for-profit regional organisation that leads destination marketing, tourism development, industry partnerships and tourism investment attraction across the Gladstone Region.

We work closely with operators, accommodation providers and the Queensland Government to grow our visitor economy - and we're undergoing an exciting transformation. We've got fresh energy, bold ideas and big goals. We're all about people-first leadership, smart strategy and celebrating the region we call home.

About the role

From reef to ranges, surf to streets, the Gladstone Region has stories to tell and experiences to share. And we're on a mission to put it on the map in a big way.

As 
Manager, Marketing & Partnerships
, you'll be at the helm of that mission - leading a passionate and creative team who love what they do (and have a bit of fun along the way).

We're looking for a strategic thinker, a confident leader and someone who gets just as excited about building partnerships as they do about building bold, scroll-stopping campaigns. If you're equal parts left-brain and right-brain - creative yet commercial, people-focused yet performance-driven - keep reading.

This is a leadership role where no two days are the same - except that every one of them counts toward delivering impact for the visitor economy, tourism industry, our region, and our community.

What you'll be doing

Here's a snapshot of what this role looks like in action:

Strategic Marketing & Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of our Destination Management Plan (DMP)
• Guide multi-channel campaigns across digital, social, content, PR and partnerships
• Position the Gladstone Region as a must-visit destination within Queensland and beyond
• Align marketing initiatives with TEQ, regional priorities and major events
• Be the brand champion - ensuring our voice, visuals and values shine through everything we do

Stakeholder Engagement & Industry Development

• Build meaningful relationships with operators, government, media and industry bodies
• Support product development and elevate visitor experiences across the region
• Represent GAPDL at local and national tourism events
• Advocate for our industry and create opportunities that benefit partners and funding bodies

Regional Collaboration & Destination Marketing

• Play an active role in trade and destination marketing for the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR), representing the Gladstone Region within broader collaborative campaigns
• Build and maintain strong relationships with neighbouring RTOs, TEQ and industry partners to amplify the region's voice across the SGBR
• Identify and pursue opportunities for joint promotions, trade activations and media exposure that position the SGBR as a world-class destination - and the Gladstone Region as a must-visit gateway

Leadership & Team Culture

• Lead and mentor a team of four
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration and accountability
• Support the growth and development of your team while delivering on strategic outcomes
• Keep a strong line of sight between strategy and execution (we love big ideas, but even better when they're backed by action)

Performance & Impact

• Track marketing KPIs and campaign effectiveness - and adapt when needed
• Share wins, insights and learnings with the CEO, Board and stakeholders
• Drive results through customer insights, data and a strong dose of intuition
• Ensure our region is getting noticed for all the right reasons

Who you are

You're not afraid of a bold vision. You bring ideas, energy and a get-it-done attitude. You know when to lead from the front and when to step back and let others shine. Most importantly, you care - about your team, about your work and about making a difference in the region you live in.

Here's what will help you thrive in this role:

• 7–10 years' experience in strategic marketing, advertising, brand or tourism roles
• Proven experience leading teams and delivering integrated marketing campaigns across both domestic and international markets
• Demonstrated capability in digital, content, brand and trade marketing that drives engagement and results
• Sharp strategic thinking with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Data-savvy - you know how to measure what matters and use insights to drive decisions
• Knowledge of domestic and international tourism markets and regional development (big tick if it's in Queensland)
• A relevant qualification in marketing, communications, business or tourism and/or equivalent industry experience

Why join us?

Aside from getting to market one of the most diverse destinations in Queensland, you'll be part of a team that values authenticity, creativity and connection. We work hard, laugh often and genuinely believe in what we do.

Here's what else you can expect:

• A people-first workplace with flexible thinking and shared goals
• A leadership team that values your expertise and trusts your judgement
• The chance to shape a region's identity and play a lead role in its tourism growth
• Real impact, visible outcomes and plenty of opportunity to grow professionally
• An evolving brand, a revitalised strategy and a whole lot of exciting projects ahead

Reporting Line

You'll report directly to the CEO and work closely with the leadership team. Your direct reports include:

• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Senior Trade Marketing and Partnerships Officer
• Brand and Destination Marketing Officer

Perks & Benefits

At GAPDL, we get to explore incredible places across the region as part of the job. From reef trips and remote gems to tourism showcases and trade events, this role comes with its fair share of adventure.

But it's not just about where you go - it's about how you're supported along the way. Here's what else you can look forward to:

• Free Yaralla Lifestyle Package:
   Enjoy unlimited access to some of the best local sport and recreation facilities across the region - all included. Your membership covers:
• Gym access at Yaralla Fitness Centre (Clinton & South Gladstone), Powerhouse Fitness (Tannum Sands) and Train Station Tannum Sands
• Golf at Gladstone, Calliope and Boyne Tannum Golf Clubs
• Gladstone Aquatic Centre
• Gladstone Tennis and Squash Association
• General admission at Gladstone Cinemas
• Work with a view:
   Our head office is located right on the water at the award-winning Gladstone Marina - not a bad spot to start and finish your day (or enjoy lunch in the sunshine)
• Wellbeing matters here:
   All employees and volunteers have access to confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• We're flexible (where possible):
   Some roles come with more flexibility than others, depending on operational needs - but we're always happy to have the conversation.

Inclusion matters -
We're committed to building a workplace where everyone feels welcome. If you have access requirements or need support during the application process, just let us know.

Apply now

Please submit a cover letter, resume and copies of any qualifications as part of your application.

Please address these 3 questions in your cover letter:

1. Tell us about your experience in tourism marketing, brand management or destination promotion. How have you delivered campaigns that drove measurable impact for a region, destination or organisation?

2. This role requires building strong relationships with industry operators, government, funding partners and media. Can you provide examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder partnerships to achieve shared outcomes?

3. You'll lead a team and play a key role in delivering our Strategic Plan and Destination Management Plan. What's your leadership style, and how do you connect big-picture strategy with day-to-day delivery to inspire results?

Applications close 5pm, Monday 1 September 2025.