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.

The City of Calgary is seeking a strategic and results-driven leader to serve as Director, Parks & Open Spaces, a critical role responsible for delivering high-quality, reliable parks services and stewarding one of the city's most valued public assets. Reporting to the General Manager of Operational Services, the Director leads a large, multidisciplinary organization overseeing parks, the urban forest, municipal golf courses, and cemeteries, with accountability for approximately $115 million in operating and $300 million in capital investments. The role is accountable for driving service excellence, managing asset lifecycle, and ensuring parks infrastructure keeps pace with growth and evolving community needs. This includes enhancing public use and experience through programming and education and strengthening stewardship of natural assets. The Director also plays a key role in governance, including standards development and bylaw oversight, while ensuring strong financial management and risk-informed decision making. As a senior leader, this position requires the ability to lead large, unionized teams, navigate complexity and public expectations, build strong cross-corporate and external relationships, and drive performance in a highly visible, service-oriented environment where parks and open spaces are central to Calgary's livability and long-term resilience.

Qualifications

• A degree in public administration, business, management, or a related field, with 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, including at a senior level.
• Significant experience in a complex, municipal or public sector environment; parks sector experience is an asset.
• Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered.
• Aligning with City corporate values, building trust through influence and inclusive engagement, fostering strong relationships and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve results.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing risk, interpreting data, and driving performance-based decisions.
• Proven track record of setting direction and executing strategy in a complex, service-based organization.
• Builds trust through influence, inclusive engagement, and strong partner relationships.
• Develops talent through coaching, mentorship, and clear performance expectations.
• Applies systems thinking and sound judgment to navigate complexity and anticipate impacts.

Pre-employment Requirements

• A security clearance will be conducted.
• A social media check will be conducted.
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Parks & Open Spaces
• Union: Exempt
• Position Type: 1 Permanent
• Compensation: Level E1 $232,560 - 290,700 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 8 Avenue SE
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: June 9, 2026
• Job ID: 314546