Manager, Arts & Creative Industries

Talent Pool Builder; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 119,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Waterloo seeks a strategic Manager, Arts & Creative Industries to lead the planning, development and delivery of programs for Waterloo’s arts and creative sectors. You will lead a team, collaborate across divisions and with community partners to grow the local creative economy and public arts offerings.

Reporting to the Economic Development Department, you will manage budgets, policy development, and major cultural initiatives, while promoting inclusion, stewardship, and community

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) year diploma in arts administration, creative sector management, economic development, public administration or a related discipline.
• University degree in the above fields is preferred.
• Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in arts, creative industries or the creative sector, including supervisory or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development and program implementation.
• Experience working with community stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, government agencies and industry partners.
• Knowledge of municipal government processes and the Canadian arts, creative industries and broader creative sector.
• Familiarity with relevant federal and provincial funding programs.
• Strong project management, research, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the City effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business applications.
• Experience managing public art programs or collections is considered an asset.
• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and delivery of programs, services and strategies for Waterloo’s arts and creative industries.
• Collaborate with internal divisions and external partners to advance priorities in the creative sector.
• Oversee the City’s public art program, including policy and collection management.
• Develop budgets, reports, and funding applications; support governance and advisory committees.
• Engage with community stakeholders and diverse audiences to strengthen the local creative economy.

Skills

Project management

Research

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma in arts administration

University degree preferred

Job description

Manager, Arts & Creative Industries

Competition Number: 23844

Primary Work Location: Waterloo City Centre

Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting

Salary Range: $119,375.00 - $149,229.00 (Band D - 2027 rates)

Number of Positions: 1 (Current Vacancy)

Employment Group: Management

Job Status: Regular Full Time

Posting Release Date: October 29, 2026

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Posting Closing Date: November 26, 2026

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.


• Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.


• A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net‑zero by 2050, with real progress underway.


• Certification as a Living Wage Champion with fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long‑term disability, life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top‑Up.


• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.


• Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buy‑back option for any unpaid time.


• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.


• Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.


• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.


• Enjoyable employee‑wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co‑workers.


• Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop‑in programs for employees and family members.

…And so much more!

What you will do:

The City of Waterloo is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Manager, Arts & Creative Industries. This position is responsible for leading the planning, development and delivery of programs, services and strategies that support the growth of Waterloo’s arts and creative industries within the broader creative sector.

Working within the Economic Development Department, the Manager will lead a team of professionals and work in partnership with internal divisions, external stakeholders and community organizations to advance the City’s priorities related to the creative sector. The role contributes to city‑building by supporting a vibrant creative ecosystem, strengthening the local creative economy, celebrating Waterloo’s diverse local cultures through arts, cultural programming, festivals and events, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership & People Management

• Provide effective leadership, direction and supervision to assigned staff, including performance management, coaching and development.


• Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative team environment aligned with the City’s values.


• Lead cross‑functional collaboration and foster positive and effective working relationships with internal departments and external partners.


• Build and maintain strong working relationships with community stakeholders, creative organizations and sector leaders.

Strategic Planning & Policy Development

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the City’s Arts Strategy and related plans.


• Research, develop and recommend policies, programs and initiatives that support the arts and creative industries.


• Monitor trends, emerging issues and opportunities within the creative sector to inform strategic decision‑making.


• Provide advice and recommendations to senior management and Council on investments and priorities related to the creative sector.

Arts & Creative Sector Development

• Oversee the City’s public art program, including policy implementation, procurement processes and collection management.


• Lead the start to finish planning, coordination and delivery of programs, festivals, cultural programming and community‑led initiatives, in collaboration with internal departments and external partners, that showcase local talent, celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences of Waterloo’s communities, and contribute to a vibrant public realm.


• Collaborate with other City departments to support the delivery of other cultural and neighbourhood events.


• Facilitate community engagement and audience development opportunities across diverse artistic disciplines, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience, participate in and connect through arts and cultural activities.


• Provide guidance and support to arts organizations and creative practitioners, including funding and grant navigation.

Creative Industry Development

• Develop and implement initiatives to support the growth of creative industries, including digital media, film, music and design.


• Collaborate with post‑secondary institutions, industry partners and entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for sector growth.


• Support the attraction and retention of creative businesses and productions within Waterloo.


• Strengthen partnerships with key organizations within the creative sector.


• Strengthen connections between the creative industries, local arts organizations, festivals and event organizers to foster collaboration, support local talent and enhance the visibility of Waterloo’s creative and cultural offerings.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop, monitor and manage operating and capital budgets.


• Prepare reports, business cases and funding applications.


• Oversee City facilities and creative spaces as assigned.


• Support advisory committees and working groups, ensuring effective governance and administration.


• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

What you will bring:

• Minimum three (3) year diploma in arts administration, creative sector management, economic development, public administration or a related discipline. University degree in the above fields is preferred.


• Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in arts, creative industries or the creative sector, including supervisory or leadership experience.


• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development and program implementation.


• Experience working with community stakeholders, including non‑profit organizations, government agencies and industry partners.


• Knowledge of municipal government processes and the Canadian arts, creative industries and broader creative sector.


• Familiarity with relevant federal and provincial funding programs.


• Strong project management, research, and analytical skills.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the City effectively.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business applications.


• Experience managing public art programs or collections is considered an asset.


• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.


• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.


• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

What we will require:

• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City.


• Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications.


• Regular schedule Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required.

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQ+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self‑identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email [e-mail], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.

Our use of AI during recruitment:

Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.