Manager, Engagement & Research

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.

Reporting to the Director, 311 & Insights, the Manager, Engagement & Research will provide strategic leadership for the City's research and engagement functions. You will help shape how the organization listens, learns, and responds to the needs of Calgarians by ensuring community perspectives and evidence-based insights inform decision-making, service delivery, and corporate priorities. 

This role leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for public engagement and public opinion research. As a trusted advisor, you will work closely with Executive Leadership, Council, and business units to address complex issues, navigate competing priorities, and deliver meaningful outcomes for Calgarians. Primary duties include:

Strategic Leadership, Governance & Corporate Advisor

·         Lead the City's engagement and research functions through strategic planning, business planning, performance measurement, and service improvement and transformation initiatives to ensure services meet the needs of Calgarians and internal partners and will position insights from Calgarians to inform decision making.

·         Serve as a trusted advisor to Executive Leadership, Council, and partners, providing sound advice, recommendations, and strategic direction on complex and high-profile matters.

·         Anticipate emerging issues and opportunities, ensuring research and engagement activities support organizational direction.

·         Use a customer experience approach to anticipate business needs and proactively advise on appropriate engagement and research activities.

·         Ensure compliance with legislation, governance frameworks, engagement standards, and corporate policies while proactively identifying and managing organizational risks.

 Research, Engagement & Business Intelligence

·         Lead subject matter experts on the design and delivery of public engagement, internal and external consultation and public opinion research programs.

·         Ensure research and engagement activities generate credible, meaningful, and actionable insights that support evidence-based decisions and service improvements.

·         Oversee the collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of qualitative and quantitative information.

·         As a member of the 311 & Insights Management team, participate in the integration of data sources from across the business unit and the organization to create new insights that drive service improvement and customer service and experience enhancements for Calgarians.

 People Leadership & Relationship Management

·         Lead, develop, coach, and mentor a team of highly skilled professionals while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.

·         Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, internal partners, community interested parties, service providers and external organizations.

·         Facilitate collaboration and navigate competing interests to achieve effective solutions and advance corporate objectives.

·         Create an environment where subject matter experts can contribute their expertise while maintaining focus on broader community outcomes.

Qualifications 

• Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in research, engagement, strategy, business intelligence, policy, service delivery, organizational transformation, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives, boards, elected officials, or governance bodies on complex and high-profile issues.
• Proven experience presenting recommendations, responding to questions, and influencing decisions in executive, board, Council, or comparable public or private governance settings.
• Experience leading multi-year transformational initiatives that align organizational performance with customer and partner expectations.
• Experience working within large complex organizations and municipal or public sector experience is considered an asset.
• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), or a related discipline is considered an asset.
• Experience in public engagement or research is considered an asset.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to diagnose issues, assess risks and opportunities, and develop practical solutions and recommendations.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering results through collaboration, influence, and partnership.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication and facilitation skills.

Pre-employment Requirements 

• 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: 311 and Insights 
• Union: Exempt
• Position Type: 1 Permanent 
• Compensation: Level M3 $159,610 - $199,512 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: 205, 8th Avenue S.E.
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: September 11, 2026
• Job ID:  315133