Leader, Recreation Programs

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join

The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life. The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request. 

As the Leader in the Recreation & Social Programs, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Recreation Programs. This includes oversight of over 500 staff collectively, partnership management, working with other orders of government, negotiating funding agreements, effective management, strategic planning and development, allocation of resources, and issues identification and resolution in order to deliver programs and services that align with Council's Priorities and Service Plans & Budgets, all which require a high degree of strategic thinking, political acumen, diplomacy and leading and developing others. Primary duties include:

• Supervise a section of professional and administrative staff, including hiring, assigning work, professional development, succession planning, retention and all aspects of performance management. 
• Develop new partnerships with internal and external partners to enhance program and service delivery.
• Negotiate funding contracts and partnership and service level agreements with other orders of government, external funders and other organizations (i.e., school boards). 
• Oversee partner relations and compliance with City requirements through the provision of operational and technical expertise to guide staff providing liaison 
  support to partner organizations. These requirements include the governance framework and legal agreements with The City and associated policies.
• Facilitate connections among interested parties, and lead and contribute to on-going strategic activities of the Division.
• Lead and supervise staff in the implementation of the Program & Service Strategy and GamePlan actions across the division.
• Oversee strategic planning, management and coordination of all activities related to the design, delivery and evaluation of programs and/or services that contribute to Recreation & Social Programs outcomes.  
• Contribute to the development and stewardship of corporate policies and strategies for City social, recreation and community programs and services. 
• Prepare, direct and monitor section operating and capital budgets and performance metrics. Track and report on results and identify and implement improvement actions to align outcomes. 
• Represent The City, Business Unit and Division at internal and external meetings, strategic planning sessions, community collaborations and other forums.

Qualifications 

• A degree in Recreation, Human Services, Social Work or related field and at least 8 years of years of related experience that includes supervision, budget development, strategic planning, policy development, relationship management, issue management and political acumen.
• Equivalent combinations of education and related experience may be considered.
• Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Success in this position requires the following:
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills
  • Effective management and leadership capabilities
  • Experience managing staff in union/collective bargaining setting
  • Financial acumen.

 Working Conditions: Office environment. Requirement to attend offsite meetings and events Pre-employment Requirements 

• A security clearance will be conducted. 
• Applicants will be tested for appropriate skills. 
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.
   

Workstyle 

• This position may be eligible to work from home for at least part of the time as one of several flexible work options available to City employees. These arrangements depend on the operational requirements of the role, employee suitability, and are subject to change based on operational needs and corporate direction. 

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Recreation and Social Programs
• Union: Exempt
• Position Type: 1 Permanent
• Compensation: Level M2 $133,008 - 166,260 per annum
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
• Location: 2808 Spiller Road SE
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: November 5, 2026
• Job ID: 315554