Managing Director - Public Services

City of Medicine Hat; Medicine Hat; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

City of Medicine Hat invites you to lead a broad municipal portfolio as Managing Director, Public Services. You will shape strategy for parks, recreation, cultural development, entertainment, events, transit, and emergency services.

Working with the City Manager and Council, you will translate community priorities into coordinated, sustainable services and measurable results, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration across diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in public administration or related field.
• Master’s degree in business or public administration preferred.
• Ten years of senior‑level management experience in a public service organization.
• Strong financial planning, budgeting, and reporting skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to synthesize complex information for Council and the public.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear, compelling vision for Public Services aligned with Council priorities.
• Lead integrated portfolio including Fire and Emergency Services, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and Transit.
• Translate community priorities into coordinated, sustainable services and measurable results.
• Drive performance through strategy, operations, financial stewardship, risk management and governance.
• Build trust with Council, staff, partners and residents through transparent advice and sound judgement.

Skills

Public-sector leadership

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Governance & policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Master's degree in business or public administration preferred

Job description

Join the City of Medicine Hat as a Managing Director, Public Services!

Permanent | Full Time | On Site

Relocation assistance available

Shape the services that shape a community

This is a rare opportunity to lead a broad and highly visible municipal portfolio that touches daily life across Medicine Hat. As Managing Director, Public Services, you will set the strategic direction for parks, recreation, cultural development, entertainment and events, community development, transit, and fire and emergency services. Working closely with the City Manager, City Council and the Executive Leadership Team, you will translate community priorities into coordinated, sustainable services and measurable results.

The leadership impact you'll make

• Set a clear, compelling vision for Public Services that aligns Council direction, corporate priorities and evolving community needs.
• Lead an integrated portfolio through the Fire Chief and Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Director of Community Development, and Director of Parks and Recreation, enabling strong performance across diverse services and teams.
• Advance service excellence by connecting strategy, operations, financial stewardship, risk management and performance measurement.
• Build confidence with City Council, employees, community partners and residents through transparent advice, sound judgement and consistent follow-through.
• Champion a respectful, accountable and achievement-oriented culture where leaders and employees can contribute at their full potential.
• Strengthen collaboration across the organization so municipal services are planned and delivered as one coordinated system.

What You Bring

• Enterprise perspective: You see the connections between community outcomes, Council priorities, organizational capacity and long-term sustainability.
• Public-sector leadership: You understand the dynamics of municipal government and can navigate governance, legislation, bylaws, policy and public accountability.
• Political acuity and diplomacy: You build trust, surface issues early and provide clear, balanced advice in complex and high-profile environments.
• Collaborative influence: You create alignment across diverse interests, build consensus and sustain productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Leadership presence: You communicate with clarity, make thoughtful decisions, delegate effectively and remain steady as priorities evolve.
• Integrity and care: You model accountability, respect and sound judgement while supporting employee wellbeing and organizational resilience.

Qualifications

• A degree in public administration or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution. A master's degree in business or public administration is preferred.
• Ten years of senior-level management experience in a related environment, including extensive leadership within a broad-based public service organization.
• Demonstrated success leading community-based services with a focus on public value, financial results, community partnerships and sustainability.
• Strong financial acumen, including business planning, operating and capital budgeting, financial reporting and resource stewardship.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for Council, executive, employee and public audiences.
• An equivalent combination of approved education and experience may be considered.

Why you'll love working with us

accountability, care, and teamwork - every day, with every person. Our values guide how we work together, serve our community, and support one another so we can deliver exceptional public service.

• Collaborative team culture: Be part of a supportive environment where we Team Up to deliver great community outcomes.
• Career growth and development: We encourage you to Be Curious, offering training and development that fosters continuous learning.
• Competitive total rewards: Comprehensive benefits, pension, health and dental coverage, and competitive compensation.
• Flexibility & work life balance: Our commitment to Service with Care includes supporting your wellbeing at work and at home.

Want a deeper look at what it's like working with us? This page outlines the values and behaviours that guide our work every day.

Life in Medicine Hat

With over 330 days of sunshine each year, Medicine Hat offers an exceptional quality of life. Enjoy beautiful parks, vibrant cultural experiences, short commute times, and a relaxed cost of living-along with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation in every season. Whether you're relocating or returning to southern Alberta, you'll find a welcoming community that's an excellent place to live, work, learn, and play.

Opportunity Awaits – Move to Medicine Hat.

#brightideas