POSTING TYPE: Exempt POSITION TYPE: Full-Time HOURS OF WORK: A compressed schedule of 70 hours over two weeks, with one scheduled day off every pay period. (Average 7.75 hours per day) ANNUAL SALARY $133,878.71 to $163,138.26 Exempt Salary Grid Band E2

THE CITY OF CRANBROOK The City of Cranbrook is in the southeast corner of British Columbia amongst the majestic Rockies and Purcell mountains, near Alberta and the Canada/USA border. With a population of approximately 20,000, Cranbrook is the largest community in the East Kootenay. Known as the “Basecamp of the Kootenays”, Cranbrook provides an inviting lifestyle in a beautiful setting that has made our city a welcoming and growing place in which to live, work and play.

The City offers a competitive benefits package including extended health, dental and vision care, short and long-term disability, pension plan, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, life insurance and a $500/yr. health and wellness benefit.

POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Recreation & Culture provides strategic leadership and organizational direction for the Recreation & Culture Department. This role is accountable for the overall planning, development, implementation, and administration of departmental services, ensuring that recreation, cultural, and community focused initiatives align with the City’s strategic priorities. Responsibilities include oversight of recreation and culture facilities, programs and services, departmental budgets and assets, and leadership of community special events that strengthen civic engagement and quality of life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all Recreation & Culture operations, programs, events and facilities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor departmental goals, policies, and long-term plans aligned with Council’s strategic priorities and measurable community outcomes.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with stakeholders in the community including a variety of other levels of government, City-owned facility tenants, community groups, user groups, private partners, residents, and private businesses.
• Respond to all Department inquiries and feedback from the public, Council, staff, and other agencies in a timely and professional manner.
• Advise the Chief Administrative Officer and City Council on planning, developing and delivering all aspects of sport, recreation, culture and community events in the City of Cranbrook.
• Draft and develop lease agreements, service agreements, partnership agreements, and bylaws.
• Guide the strategic planning, maintenance, and lifecycle management of all Recreation & Culture facilities, supporting reliable operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset preservation across the arenas, curling rink, indoor aquatic center, community center, sports fields, and playgrounds in collaboration with the asset management committee and other departments.
• Prepare, administer, and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of unionized and exempt staff in the operations of the department, provide direction on workflow and priorities, and oversee the administration of the department in accordance with City policy and procedure.
• Supervisory functions including hiring and promotions, performance management, performance reviews, training and development, and attendance management.
• Oversee collective agreement administration, labour relations matters, and workplace health and safety within the department.
• Research, identify, and prepare applicable applications for grants and alternate sources of funding and revenue, including subsidies, user fee rates, and partnerships. Manage the use of approved funding.
• Initiate and undertake various studies and community surveys on a regular basis to determine needs for the community events, aquatic, fitness, and programming services, and to evaluate the efficiency, economics, and effectiveness of existing events and programs, ensuring that they meet diverse community needs.
• Ensure Department compliance with all applicable Federal, Provincial, and Municipal statutes and legal requirements.
• Partner with all other City departments to coordinate operational needs, share information, support interdepartmental projects, and ensure Recreation & Culture initiatives integrate smoothly with broader municipal objectives.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, including Business Administration, Recreation or Leisure Administration.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES

• Valid Class five (5) Driver’s License.
• A Refrigeration Safety Awareness course, or willingness to obtain.
• Relevant certifications such as an Ice Facility Operator Certification, Refrigeration Operator Certification, Pool Operator Certification, Lifesaving Society Certifications or equivalent, are considered an asset.

EXPERIENCE

• Five years of experience in a similar role, including a minimum of 3 years of managing in a unionized environment and developing/managing budgets.
• A relevant combination of education, training/certification and experience will be considered.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

• Strong understanding of municipal governance, BC local government legislation, and community service delivery models.
• Knowledge of recreation facility operations, cultural and recreation programming, community events, and community development practices.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices, ensuring programs and services are designed, delivered, and evaluated to meet diverse community needs.
• Sound understanding and application of relevant Health, Safety, Emergency and Operational regulations (including WorkSafe, Technical Safety BC, Lifesaving Society, etc.).
• Demonstrated management and performance management skills, including the ability to effectively lead, develop, direct, motivate and support a team in developing and achieving goals.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, direct, evaluate and oversee department staff and operations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills (including proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills) with the ability to develop and maintain respectful and professional working relationships at all levels of an organization.
• Strong verbal and communication skills with various levels of staff, Council, and the public.
• Ability to operate in an environment involving the competing interests and priorities of many stakeholders including: elected officials, volunteer boards, and committees, civil servants from other levels of government and neighbouring municipalities.
• Technical aptitude including advanced skills in Microsoft Office, presentation tools, facility/registration/event management programs and financial management software.
• Data-driven mindset, with the ability to use analytics to drive decision-making.
• Independent and self-motivated while possessing the desire and ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• Critical and strategic thinking skills - the ability to assess situations objectively, apply good reasoning, develop strategies, and make decisions independently.
• Adaptable and flexible - the ability to cope with ambiguity in an emerging and constantly changing environment, and to respond to frequently changing demands and priorities.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to function well under pressure.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A satisfactory Police Information Check is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as required to support events, meetings, and operational needs. This includes on-call requirements for events and operations.