Manager, Agriculture & Innovation

Westerner Park • Red Deer, AB

28d

About The Position

Westerner Park is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Agriculture & Innovation to join our leadership team. This role strengthens the organization’s agricultural leadership, sector engagement, and innovation capacity through strategic programming, partnerships, and engagement structures.

Responding to evolving expectations of agriculture societies from producers, industry, and government, this position focuses on building systems, relationships, and initiatives that support year-round agricultural value. The role complements the organization’s strengths in event delivery, operations, and community engagement.

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager, Agriculture & Innovation is responsible for the following:

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in agriculture, agri-business, communications, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in agriculture, agri-food, event programming, partnerships, or sector engagement
• Demonstrated experience building and managing industry or community partnerships
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems, producer needs, and agri-food value chains
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively across teams
• Familiarity with Alberta’s agriculture sector and government priorities
• Experience working with agricultural societies, industry associations, or public-sector organizations
• Experience with sponsorship development or partnership-based funding models
• Experience working with volunteers or advisory committees

Responsibilities

• Agricultural Leadership and Sector Engagement
• Provide leadership in agricultural innovation, partnerships, and sector engagement
• Represent Westerner Park within agricultural forums, industry groups, and collaborative initiatives
• Monitor emerging trends, research, and policy developments impacting agriculture and agri-food systems
• Elevate the strategic importance and visibility of agriculture within the organization
• Agricultural Programming and Innovation
• Lead the strategic design and delivery of innovation-focused agricultural programming
• Serve as lead for flagship initiatives such as the Agriculture Food and Innovation Expo (AFIE)
• Translate research, industry trends, and stakeholder input into practical, producer-focused programming
• Support the development of additional agricultural events, workshops, and engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with consultants to support event delivery, partnerships, and representation of Westerner Park
• Partnerships and Sponsorships
• Develop and sustain long-term relationships with industry partners, sponsors, research institutions, and government stakeholders
• Create and implement partnership and sponsorship strategies aligned with organizational objectives
• Coordinate partner engagement across events and year-round initiatives
• Support sustainable program delivery through diversified partnerships
• Volunteer Committees and Advisory Structures
• Establish and facilitate agricultural volunteer committees, advisory groups, and focus groups
• Ensure producer and industry perspectives inform program planning and priorities
• Strengthen volunteer engagement through clear structure, purpose, and communication
• Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
• Lead agriculture-specific communications strategies in collaboration with internal teams
• Ensure clear, consistent messaging to producers, partners, and stakeholders
• Support meaningful year-round engagement beyond individual events
• Performance Measurement and Reporting
• Establish and track performance indicators related to participation, partnerships, and program outcomes
• Support reporting requirements for grants, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives
• Use evaluation findings to inform continuous improvement and future planning
• This role is expected to adapt to organizational needs and may take on additional duties or responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, life, and disability coverage.
• RRSP matching program to help secure your financial future.
• Generous vacation and paid time off to recharge and explore.
• Opportunities for professional development and internal growth.
• Exclusive staff discounts and access to the Perkopolis Discount Program.
• A vibrant, flexible, and inclusive workplace culture where work-life balance truly matters.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a non-profit organization that strengthens the local community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed