Director, Civic Events, Arts and Culture

City of Edmonton•Edmonton, AB

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the iconic festivals, cultural landmarks, and world-class events that define our City! Reporting to the Branch Manager Attractions, Culture and Nature, this pivotal leadership role oversees the strategic direction of three distinct units: Festivals, Events, and Filming; Civic Centre Programs and Events; and Arts and Culture Experiences. You will manage the coordination of civic services and the permitting of outdoor city properties, while directing programs such as City Hall School and the Heritage Amphitheatre. Furthermore, you will broker essential partnerships with organizations like the Edmonton Arts Council and oversee the operations of key facilities, including the Orange Hub and the City Arts Centre. You are responsible for the leadership of staff, including the supervision of three Management Supervisors, while ensuring financial integrity and business planning excellence. Your oversight extends to the operational success of various facilities, where you will enhance customer experiences, manage partner food services, and uphold rigorous occupational health and safety standards. By prioritizing emergency preparedness and environmental initiatives, you will ensure that all civic spaces and programming remain safe, sustainable, and inclusive for the entire community. This Director serves as a vital bridge between the corporation and external collaborators, providing expert guidance on event policy and the navigation of competing interests. You will support major international event attractions to ensure that all commitments regarding venues, budgets, and services are fulfilled from the bidding stage through to execution. By providing senior management and political leaders with critical insights and strategic oversight, you will empower the city to deliver world-class cultural experiences while building capacity for underrepresented event organizers.

Requirements

Experience, knowledge, training, and/or education in Sport, Kinesiology, Recreation Administration, Parks Management, Business Arts, or a related field
Leadership experience in events, recreation, parks, and/or facility management or other related discipline within a large complex organization
Extensive knowledge related to program and event planning and coordination, project administration and management.
Experience and previous focus on providing a safe, healthy and productive facility environment, building systems and operations, marketing and communications
Experience with contract and agreement development, evaluations, implementation and monitoring
Direct experience liaising with partner, community groups, and inter-departmental teams along with knowledge of the community involvement process
Thorough knowledge of financial management principles, financial planning and budget processes
Combinations of education and experience will be considered

Nice To Haves

Completion of Incident Command (ICS) 300

Responsibilities

Inspire and empower team members through effective mentorship, clear communication, and a commitment to foster a positive and inclusive work environment
Drive innovation by developing and presenting compelling proposals and action plans for strategic initiatives, encompassing process and program evolution, impactful marketing campaigns, optimal staffing, and visionary facility planning and development
Provide operational and technical oversight at each facility (City Hall public spaces, Orange Hub, City Arts Centre and Heritage Amphitheater)
Directly negotiate and finalize all facility-based contracts and agreements
Provide Leadership and support to partners and that are responsible for the various aspects of the facility’s operations, programs, services, capital development and events
Drive revenue growth and attendance for the facilities and spaces, while providing leadership and direction to the team in creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic initiatives focused on business expansion
Establish a superior customer service culture and lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive customer service policy, standards, and training program for all personnel
Leverage the unique programming strengths of the facilities to strategically enhance and strengthen program offerings
Continue to ensure that the GBA+ process and other inclusion processes are applied in the development and implementation of services and programs