General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (25-155)
About the role
Job Title: General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Language Requirement: English Essential
Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall! Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.
Position Summary
The General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture is responsible for leading the strategic vision and operational management of municipal park spaces, recreational, arts and culture services within the municipality. This role aims to enhance community well-being and lifestyle while ensuring alignment with municipal regulations and policies, community needs, and the municipal master plan.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Apply now - interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key member of the senior management team by developing and implementing long-range strategies and providing leadership for green spaces, recreational programs, Arts and, culture that reflect the municipality’s service goals and strategic priorities of Council.
- Collaborate with key interest-holders, including community members and organizations, to identify opportunities for lifestyle enhancement and to promote community engagement in the decision-making process.
- Oversee the municipality’s municipal parks, recreation services, and arts and culture services, ensuring adherence to established service standards and policies while fostering a culture of accountability and responsiveness.
- Lead community engagement initiatives, fostering public participation and collaboration with interest-holders to gather input and build support for municipal parks, recreation, arts, and culture projects.
- Direct the planning and execution of capital projects related to parks, recreation facilities, and community spaces, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
- Expand and improve recreational and cultural programs and facilities to meet the diverse needs of the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
- Utilize demographic and trend analysis to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for growth and enhancement of municipal services.
- Develop and present clear reports and recommendations to the senior management team and Council regarding associated initiatives and community needs.
- Cultivate relationships with external organizations, government agencies, and community groups to enhance resources and opportunities for recreation and leisure enhancements.
- Act as a key advisor to other members of the senior management team and Council on issues related to green spaces, recreation, arts and culture providing insights and recommendations for improvement relating to joint municipal objectives.
Position Requirements
Education & Certifications:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Parks Administration, Recreation Administration, Museum and Curatorial Studies, Public Administration or a related field.
- PRMC (Parks and Recreation Management Certificate) considered an asset.
- Additional certification through professional organizations such as Ontario Recreational Facilities Association, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Municipal Recreation Association, Ontario Museums Association, Association of Municipalities Ontario an asset.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Parks, Recreation, Arts, and/or Culture, or a related role with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be acceptable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strategic Planning: Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with community goals and priorities.
- Community Engagement: Strong skills in facilitating public engagement and collaboration with diverse interest-holders.
- Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of municipal recreation facilities and programs, green spaces, and arts and culture initiatives.
- Project Management: Experience in managing complex projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and trends to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Adaptability: Managing a wide range of tasks, from projects to community services, and adapting to the unique needs of the municipality.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to municipal councils and community groups.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration: Foster strong, cooperative relationships with councils, MPs, MPPs, and Ministry officials by engaging in regular communication, aligning on policy objectives, and advocating for the organization's interests to ensure effective governance and mutual support.
- Leadership: Strong leadership abilities, fostering a positive and innovative team environment.
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budget planning, resource allocation, and fiscal accountability.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with regular travel for site visits, meetings, conferences, and interest-holder engagements.
- Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for Council meetings, community meetings, and other matters as required.
- Cognitive demands include analytical and critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and managing sensitive information in a confidential manner.
- Physical demands include extended periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.
If selected for this role, you will need to provide:
- Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
- Proof of Certifications
Additional Information:
The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person. This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Apply now: we're reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as applications come in.
To see the full job posting, please visit: https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/careers.aspx
About CITY OF CORNWALL
Cornwall is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Cornwall is Ontario's easternmost city, located on the Saint Lawrence River in the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor along Ontario Highway 401, and is the urban centre for surrounding communities, including Long Sault and Ingleside to the west, Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne to the south, St. Andrew's and Avonmore to the north, and Glen Walter, Martintown, Apple Hill, Williamstown, and Lancaster to the east.
General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (25-155)
About the role
Job Title: General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Language Requirement: English Essential
Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall! Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.
Position Summary
The General Manager, Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture is responsible for leading the strategic vision and operational management of municipal park spaces, recreational, arts and culture services within the municipality. This role aims to enhance community well-being and lifestyle while ensuring alignment with municipal regulations and policies, community needs, and the municipal master plan.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Apply now - interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key member of the senior management team by developing and implementing long-range strategies and providing leadership for green spaces, recreational programs, Arts and, culture that reflect the municipality’s service goals and strategic priorities of Council.
- Collaborate with key interest-holders, including community members and organizations, to identify opportunities for lifestyle enhancement and to promote community engagement in the decision-making process.
- Oversee the municipality’s municipal parks, recreation services, and arts and culture services, ensuring adherence to established service standards and policies while fostering a culture of accountability and responsiveness.
- Lead community engagement initiatives, fostering public participation and collaboration with interest-holders to gather input and build support for municipal parks, recreation, arts, and culture projects.
- Direct the planning and execution of capital projects related to parks, recreation facilities, and community spaces, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
- Expand and improve recreational and cultural programs and facilities to meet the diverse needs of the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.
- Utilize demographic and trend analysis to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for growth and enhancement of municipal services.
- Develop and present clear reports and recommendations to the senior management team and Council regarding associated initiatives and community needs.
- Cultivate relationships with external organizations, government agencies, and community groups to enhance resources and opportunities for recreation and leisure enhancements.
- Act as a key advisor to other members of the senior management team and Council on issues related to green spaces, recreation, arts and culture providing insights and recommendations for improvement relating to joint municipal objectives.
Position Requirements
Education & Certifications:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Parks Administration, Recreation Administration, Museum and Curatorial Studies, Public Administration or a related field.
- PRMC (Parks and Recreation Management Certificate) considered an asset.
- Additional certification through professional organizations such as Ontario Recreational Facilities Association, Ontario Parks Association, Ontario Municipal Recreation Association, Ontario Museums Association, Association of Municipalities Ontario an asset.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Parks, Recreation, Arts, and/or Culture, or a related role with at least 7 years in a leadership role.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be acceptable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strategic Planning: Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with community goals and priorities.
- Community Engagement: Strong skills in facilitating public engagement and collaboration with diverse interest-holders.
- Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of municipal recreation facilities and programs, green spaces, and arts and culture initiatives.
- Project Management: Experience in managing complex projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data and trends to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Adaptability: Managing a wide range of tasks, from projects to community services, and adapting to the unique needs of the municipality.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to municipal councils and community groups.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration: Foster strong, cooperative relationships with councils, MPs, MPPs, and Ministry officials by engaging in regular communication, aligning on policy objectives, and advocating for the organization's interests to ensure effective governance and mutual support.
- Leadership: Strong leadership abilities, fostering a positive and innovative team environment.
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budget planning, resource allocation, and fiscal accountability.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with regular travel for site visits, meetings, conferences, and interest-holder engagements.
- Standard business hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for Council meetings, community meetings, and other matters as required.
- Cognitive demands include analytical and critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and managing sensitive information in a confidential manner.
- Physical demands include extended periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.
If selected for this role, you will need to provide:
- Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
- Proof of Certifications
Additional Information:
The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person. This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Apply now: we're reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as applications come in.
To see the full job posting, please visit: https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/careers.aspx
About CITY OF CORNWALL
Cornwall is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Cornwall is Ontario's easternmost city, located on the Saint Lawrence River in the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor along Ontario Highway 401, and is the urban centre for surrounding communities, including Long Sault and Ingleside to the west, Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne to the south, St. Andrew's and Avonmore to the north, and Glen Walter, Martintown, Apple Hill, Williamstown, and Lancaster to the east.