Position Description

Director of Strategy & Partnerships

Organization: West Indian Company Limited
Location: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Reports To: President & CEO

Position Summary

The Director of Strategy & Partnerships is responsible for advancing key strategic initiatives that support the West Indian Company Limited’s long-term growth and competitiveness, with a focus on cruise capacity expansion, management of key industry relationships, ategic cruise line partnerships, revenue diversification, real estate development, and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role serves as a key partner in executing the Company's strategic priorities by cultivating and strengthening relationships with cruise line partners, identifying new commercial opportunities, supporting real estate and waterfront development initiatives, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the value and competitiveness of the Company's assets.

The Director will serve as the primary day-to-day relationship manager for cruise line partners while supporting the CEO in advancing long-term strategic opportunities and major commercial partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives & Business Development

• Support execution of the Company's strategic priorities and growth initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue-generating ventures.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends in cruise tourism, maritime operations, hospitality, and waterfront development.
• Develop business cases and recommendations to support investment decisions and commercial opportunities.
• Track and report progress against strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.

Cruise Partnerships & Business Growth

• Serve as the primary day-to-day relationship manager for cruise line partners and key industry stakeholders.
• Develop and implement initiatives to increase cruise calls, passenger volumes, and berth utilization.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing cruise partnerships and attract new cruise business.
• Coordinate with cruise line representatives to address operational, commercial, and customer experience opportunities.
• Support the CEO in preparing for executive-level engagements and negotiations with cruise line partners.

Revenue Diversification & Commercial Development

• Identify and develop opportunities to expand revenue streams across retail, hospitality, entertainment, events, and waterfront experiences.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities that enhance utilization of Company assets and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with operational and commercial teams to optimize revenue generation from existing assets.
• Support development of financial models and commercial frameworks for new initiatives.

Real Estate & Waterfront Development

• Support planning and execution of real estate and waterfront development projects.
• Engage developers, investors, consultants, and government stakeholders to advance development opportunities.
• Assist with leasing strategies, tenant attraction, and asset activation initiatives.
• Monitor project progress and coordinate stakeholder engagement throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure development initiatives align with economic, environmental, and community objectives.

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, tourism organizations, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Represent the Company at industry conferences, stakeholder meetings, and business development events.
• Support public-private partnership opportunities and funding initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of Company initiatives with regulatory requirements and broader economic development priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, Tourism Management, Maritime Studies, Real Estate, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressive leadership responsibility in strategy, business development, corporate partnerships, tourism, maritime operations, economic development, real estate development, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic partnerships and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong commercial, financial, and analytical capabilities, including business case development and investment evaluation.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Understanding of cruise industry dynamics, tourism markets, economic development, or transportation infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in complex and politically sensitive environments.

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded thinker.
• Relationship-oriented leader with strong influencing skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong project management and execution capabilities.
• Politically astute with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.
• Results-oriented with a focus on measurable business outcomes.

Key Performance Indicators

• Growth in cruise calls, passenger volumes, and berth utilization.
• Expansion and retention of cruise line partnerships.
• Revenue generated through new commercial partnerships and diversification initiatives.
• Progress and successful delivery of strategic and development projects.
• Occupancy and utilization rates across Company real estate assets.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and partnership effectiveness.
• Achievement of annual strategic initiative milestones.
• Identification and implementation of new business opportunities that contribute to organizational growth.

Qualified candidates should submit a copy of transcript, cover letter and resume outlining their relevant experience and accomplishments. All interested and qualified applicants will have a 10-day period to submit their applications, and all required supporting documents.

Work Location: In person