Program Manager, Steveston Heritage Sites

Choose Richmond; Richmond; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Richmond seeks a Program Manager to oversee Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and Steveston heritage operations. You will lead a team of 20+, guide program development, and manage budgets and partner relations.

The role emphasizes interpretive programming, visitor experience, and community engagement. You will report to the Manager, Museum and Heritage Services, and contribute to city priorities through planning, marketing and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus diploma as stated; minimum 10 years leading teams, managing cultural programs and budgets.
• Minimum 5 years management experience in a museum or heritage setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, daily management and direction to a team of more than 20 staff; includes hiring, coaching and performance evaluation.
• Oversee development and implementation of programs, exhibits and interpretive initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategic plans and policies; project manage plans and projects.
• Develop and manage operating and project budgets.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations; negotiate service and other contracts.
• Oversee facility operations, maintenance requests, cleaning, and health and safety initiatives.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Parks and Project Development on infrastructure work.
• Expand revenue generation by developing business plans and fund development initiatives.
• Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations activities.
• Prepare annual reports and present to Council; respond to inquiries from the public and Mayor.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Team supervision

Museum/heritage operations

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic planning

Public speaking & reporting

Marketing & audience development

Visitor services

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies or related field

Diploma in Cultural Resource Management

Job description

Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Museum and Heritage Services, the Program Manager, Steveston Heritage Sites is responsible for overseeing operation of Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and Steveston Tram and supporting the societies who operate the Steveston Museum and London Farm. This position plays a leadership role within the Arts, Culture and Heritage Department as part of the management team. The Program Manager is a subject matter expert in the operation and presentation of heritage sites, including ensuring quality visitor experiences, enhancing each site’s offer through various interpretive methods, marketing sites to a range of audiences, and maintaining the heritage value of these unique places. This position also serves as an important representative for the City in the Steveston community.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership, daily management and direction to a team of more than 20 staff on work-flow and priorities; this includes job scoping, hiring, assigning responsibilities, evaluating performance, coaching, and progressive discipline, as necessary.
• Oversee the development and implementation of programs, exhibits and other interpretive initiatives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic plans and policies.
• Project manage the development and implementation of plans and projects.
• Develop and manage operating and project budgets.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and effective working relationships with community organizations.
• Develop and negotiate business terms and provide leadership for the ongoing management of contracts and agreements (e.g. service agreements, moorage agreements, caretaker agreements, and other contracted services).
• Oversee the facility operations, including maintenance requests, cleaning, and health and safety initiatives.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Parks and Project Development on infrastructure work.
• Strategically expand revenue generation by developing and implementing business plans and supporting other fund development initiatives.
• Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations activities.
• Prepare annual reports and give presentations on site activities.
• Write reports and memos to Council, respond to Council inquiries, and reply to public inquiries to Mayor and Council.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of current cultural sector trends, best practices, community needs, and City priorities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent people management skills with a proven ability to successfully lead a team.
• Proven track record in successfully overseeing museum, heritage site or similar facility operations.
• Excellent decision-making, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills including writing plans and reports, public speaking, facilitation, and conflict resolution.
• Excellent understanding of the principles of heritage interpretation with proven success in producing interpretive programs, exhibits and other initiatives.
• Excellent understanding of the principles of cultural resource management and heritage conservation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a passion for collaborating with stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of visitor services including servicing international audiences.
• Understanding of the principles of truth and reconciliation and demonstrated support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and set priorities for concurrent projects.
• Knowledge of Canadian history essential. Knowledge of British Columbian history preferred.
• Understanding of procurement practices and contracting third parties.
• Understanding of marketing principles and audience development.
• Understanding of BC Employment Standards and worker safety regulations.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelors Degree (Bachelor of Arts, Museum Studies, or related area) plus Diploma in Cultural Resource Management or equivalent combination of training and experience. Minimum 10 years progressive experience in leading teams, managing cultural programs, and overseeing budgets. Minimum 5 years management experience in a museum or heritage setting. Minimum 10 years progressive experience in leading teams, managing cultural programs, and overseeing budgets. Minimum 5 years management experience in a museum or heritage setting.

Experience in the following is preferred:

• Heritage site operation including caring for park spaces.
• Engaging and collaborating with stakeholder groups.
• Developing and implementing strategic plans and operational policies.
• Managing interpretive projects of significant scope.
• Significant experience managing budgets.

Truth and reconciliation training and diversity, equity and inclusion training is an asset. Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence for the Province of British Columbia.