Program Manager, Steveston Heritage Sites

City of Richmond; Richmond; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Compressed work day schedule

Job summary

The City of Richmond seeks a Program Manager for Steveston Heritage Sites to lead Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and Steveston Tram operations. You will oversee programs, budgets, marketing, and partnerships, guiding a diverse team to deliver meaningful visitor experiences.

With a strong background in museum operations, you will develop strategic plans and reports for Council, while ensuring safety and high-quality interpretation across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in arts or museum studies plus a diploma in cultural resource management or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in cultural programs and budgets.
• Minimum 5 years management in a museum or heritage setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of 20+ staff with hiring, coaching and performance management.
• Oversee development of programs, exhibits, and interpretive initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies and budgets.
• Manage contracts, partnerships, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Oversee facilities operations, health and safety, and maintenance requests.
• Coordinate with facilities, parks and project development on infrastructure projects.
• Lead marketing, communications and public relations activities.
• Prepare annual reports and brief Council on site activities.

Skills

People management

Museum operations

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder collaboration

Visitor services

Communication

Policy and program development

Governance and reporting

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Museum Studies or related area

Diploma in Cultural Resource Management

Job description

The City of Richmond is a diverse and dynamic community in pursuit of our vision to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.

People lExcellence lLeadership lTeam lInnovation

Imagine a career with the City of Richmond, a dynamic environment for growth and continuous improvement, fostered by our collective strengths and creativity. We are a vibrant, diverse cosmopolitan city, supported by a strong economy and recognized as leaders in innovation and service delivery excellence. The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a goal that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community.

Program Manager, Steveston Heritage Sites

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.

The City of Richmond offers a competitive pay and benefits program, attractive incentives and a compressed work day schedule.

We are accepting applications until October 2, 2026.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. If you are unsuccessful, please accept our appreciation for your interest.