Manager - Arts, Heritage and Nature Experiences

Edmonton Public Library; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 105,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural institution in Edmonton seeks a Manager for Arts, Nature, and History Experiences. This leadership position oversees various attractions, ensuring efficient program management aligned with corporate goals. Responsibilities include fostering a culture of collaboration and safety, managing a budget, and enhancing community engagement. Ideal candidates have extensive supervisory experience in recreation and facility management, alongside excellent leadership and financial management skills. The role also supports a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years supervisory or management experience in recreation or facility management.
• Proven experience in staff management and strategic planning.
• Expertise in financial management and operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision, coaching, and mentorship of Program Managers.
• Manage staffing lifecycle and recruitment processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership and supervisory abilities

Knowledge of facility operations

Organizational and communication skills

Interpersonal relations and conflict resolution

Education

Education in Recreation Administration or related discipline

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Arts, Heritage and Nature Experiences within the Community Recreation and Culture Branch, the Manager, Arts, Nature and History Experiences is a pivotal leadership position responsible for the animation, services, and strategic management of some of Edmonton's most cherished attractions. This extensive portfolio includes the Edmonton Valley Zoo, John Janzen Nature Centre, John Walter Museum, Muttart Conservatory, and City Arts Centre, as well as Arts programming across several Community Recreation and Leisure Centres. The Manager also serves as the resident Facility Supervisor for the City Arts Centre.

The primary focus of this role is to ensure all programs and services are managed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with the branch, department, and corporate vision and targets. You will be a key collaborator with diverse internal and external stakeholder groups, contributing expertise to capital development plans, master plans, and critical facility functions, including financial management, emergency planning, and Occupational Health and Safety. This role directly contributes to enriching the quality of life for all age groups and abilities in Edmonton, ensuring these diverse venues and events serve as a welcoming legacy that enhances the city’s international profile.

What will you do?

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentorship, and ongoing direction to Program Managers and Coordinators, including independently evaluating employee performance and managing labour relations issues
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, creativity, health, wellness, and safety that promotes collaboration and integration across the section
• Manage the full staffing lifecycle, including determining staffing requirements, conducting recruitment and selection processes, and making effective hiring and promotion decisions
• Address employee disciplinary matters and absence issues, including investigating as required and coordinating return-to-work plans
• Provide a clear direction and vision for program and animation development and facility operations, aligning with Branch and Corporate strategic goals ensuring experiences are welcoming and inclusive
• Support the advancement of priority projects, including the identification and completion of capital profiles, business cases, and facility capital development/master plans
• Establish and champion the use of section and facility performance indicators and targets (e.g., attendance, revenue, safety) to meet strategic objectives
• Manage Unit financials, ensuring adherence to the approved budget for programs, services, and facility operations, and following corporate procurement processes
• Ensure facilities meet current safety standards and comply with legislation, regulations and accreditation standards such as OH&S, ENVISO, Alberta Museums Association, and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
• Support the implementation of the Corporate Occupational Health and Safety Element Program and manage the section’s OHS program, including emergency preparedness and investigating incidents
• Ensure a coordinated approach to service delivery by providing management oversight, communicating with various business units, and building strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Provide technical and professional advice on strategic issues to Department, Branch, and section staff to improve the operation of facilities

• Education in Recreation Administration, Business or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years supervisory/management experience in recreation, facility management or other related discipline
• Proven experience in staff management, labour relations, and strategic planning, including leading program and project development
• Expertise in facility management, including operations, financial management, procurement and contract management, and customer relations, coupled with a solid knowledge of City Policies and Procedures

Skills required for success:

• Excellent leadership and supervisory abilities with a demonstrated capacity to cultivate a culture of commitment and shared purpose
• In-depth knowledge of facility operations, including the creation of a safe workplace culture, coupled with sound financial management experience
• Superior organizational, administrative, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability in interpersonal relations, customer management, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, including experience working within a union environment
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
• Applicants may be tested

Conditions of employment & work environment:

• Up to: 1 permanent full-time position
• Hours of work: 36.9 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Salary: $105,668.31 - $132,083.94 (Annually)
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits.