Director - Discover Denton
About the Position
The City of Denton, Texas, is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to lead Discover Denton, the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving a growing community of approximately 150,000 residents. Currently operating as a department within city government, Discover Denton is set to transition into a standalone 501(c) Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) within the next 12 months, offering the new Director a unique opportunity to shape the future of the organization.
Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Director will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of strategies to position Denton as a premier destination for conventions, tourism, and events. This role involves forging strong partnerships with hoteliers, restaurateurs, venue operators, and other key stakeholders to create a thriving tourism industry. The Director will also manage the internal operations of Discover Denton, providing leadership to its staff and overseeing all promotional efforts while preparing the organization for its upcoming transition to an independent DMO in 2026.
Denton offers a compelling mix of hospitality assets, including over 20 hotels, 2,500 guest rooms, and 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This includes a AAA Four-Diamond-rated, LEED Gold Certified convention center hotel, alongside properties from leading brands such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, IHG, Wyndham, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels, and Accor. This position represents an exciting opportunity to elevate Denton’s profile as a top-tier destination for both business and leisure travel.
About Denton, Texas
Denton, Texas, is a thriving city that perfectly blends small-town charm with big-city amenities. Located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Denton offers unparalleled access to the region. With close proximity to both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), travelers can easily reach Denton from virtually anywhere in the world. The city is also connected to the Metroplex via the A-train, a commuter rail line operated by the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), providing convenient and sustainable access to the DFW region. Major highways, including I-35E and I-35W, make Denton a central hub with seamless connectivity for visitors and residents alike. What sets Denton apart is its unique personality and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its eclectic blend of music, art, and independent businesses, Denton has a character unlike any other city in the Metroplex. Visitors can explore Denton’s historic downtown square, featuring boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, and the iconic Courthouse-on-the- Square. Live music fills the air at local venues, while various annual events attract tens of thousands of visitors. Beyond its cultural offerings,
Denton also boasts exceptional parks, nature trails, and outdoor spaces, creating a well-rounded destination that appeals to both leisure and business travelers. This combination of accessibility, creativity, and community spirit makes Denton an exceptional place to live, work, and
Visit.
Tourism In Denton
Tourism in Denton plays a vital role in the city’s economic growth and vibrancy, generating $302.8 million in travel spending annually and contributing $28.3 million in tax revenue. Denton’s tourism initiatives are primarily funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), a dedicated revenue source generated by overnight stays in local hotels. These funds are reinvested into promoting Denton as a premier destination for leisure travel, conventions, and events, ensuring a consistent flow of visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy. In addition to HOT funds, Denton has recently launched a Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID), an innovative funding mechanism that allows participating hotels to contribute additional resources toward marketing and promotional campaigns, creating a strong partnership between the city and its hospitality industry. Denton’s thriving business community further strengthens its economic foundation. Major employers like Peterbilt Motors, Jostens, Southwire/United Copper Industries, Acme Brick, EASB Victor Technologies, and Enginetech call the city home, alongside distribution centers for Target, United States Cold Storage, Aldi, WinCo Foods, and Tetra Pak. Denton’s strategic location and excellent transportation connectivity make it an ideal hub for commerce, complementing its bustling small-business scene. Together, this dynamic mix of tourism, corporate presence, and local businesses creates exciting opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration, making Denton an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.
Creative Denton
Denton’s creative economy is anchored by a diverse and thriving academic community, home to the University of North Texas (UNT), Texas Woman's University (TWU), and North Central Texas College (NCTC), with a combined enrollment of over 50,000 students. These resources attract entrepreneurs and other small businesses to expand in Denton. NCTC is the State of Texas workforce training partner and has trained thousands of workers in various industries. Denton
Independent School District’s state-of-the-art La Grone Advanced Technology Complex prepares high school students for high-demand careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and graphic design. In addition, the City partners with Stoke, which is the heartbeat of Denton’s startup scene, providing a hub for entrepreneurs near downtown amenities.
Arts & Culture
Denton hosts a variety of activities that attract over 300,000 visitors each year and stands out as a hub for music, art, recreation, and culture. Home to the renowned thriving local arts scenes, the city has earned a spot on Paste Magazine’s list of the nation’s Best Music Scenes. Denton’s cultural richness is celebrated through countless festivals and art murals, and a diverse, progressive community that is unparalleled. Denton has a park system encompassing 6,000 acres of park land and prides itself on its diverse natural areas and open space.
Benefits
Retirement: Employees contribute 7% with a city match of 2:1 plus interest upon retirement towards a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
Insurance: The City offers employees participation in a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the City offers supplemental insurance coverage, an Employee Health Clinic, and provides Life and AD&D insurance coverage in the amount of two-times the employee’s Basic Annual Earnings and Long-Term Disability.
Paid Time Off: Benefits include 11 paid holidays, two (2) personal days, ten (10) hours of vacation earned per month, and ten (10) hours of sick leave earned per month.
Vehicle Allowance: $6,000/year.
Cellphone Allowance: $720/year.
Relocation Assistance: The City will provide relocation assistance to the selected candidate in accordance with municipal policy.
Important Note. The to-be-formed 501-c DMO will establish a benefits package for employees independent of the City of Denton. The benefits shown above are subject to change once the newly formed organization is in place.
Contact: Tim Chason tchason@thechasongroup.com