Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) is a non-profit society and charitable organization dedicated to building a thriving community through the arts. Through advocacy, partnerships, and community collaboration, ACWB supports artists, arts organizations, and creative initiatives across the Wood Buffalo region while creating opportunities for people to gather, create, and grow together.
ACWB is known for delivering impactful programs and fostering strong relationships with municipalities, agencies, industry, and community organizations throughout the region. Professional, innovative, collaborative, and community-focused, ACWB is committed to strengthening the arts ecosystem and supporting a creatively empowered Wood Buffalo.
We are currently seeking an experienced and collaborative Operations Manager to join our team. This individual will oversee operations, support program delivery and evaluation, guide internal processes, and strengthen relationships with community, industry, and government stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a strategic, adaptable leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, manages multiple priorities well, and leads with a servant leadership approach that empowers others.
This is a full-time role with a standard workweek; however, some evenings and weekends may be required for programs, events, and community engagement. In this role, you will work with a community-focused organization supporting the arts and culture sector across Wood Buffalo while collaborating with diverse partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will have post-secondary education or equivalent leadership experience in operations or people management, with experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination considered an asset.
Our recruiting process is simple. Applicants whose skills and resumes align with the role will be interviewed. If that interview goes well, the Hiring Manager will interview candidates and extend an offer to the successful applicant!
How You'll Move the Needle
Program Planning and Development
- Work collaboratively with Program Coordinators to plan programs and activities in alignment with ACWB’s mission and goals.
- Develop and implement new initiatives supporting the strategic direction of ACWB.
- Establish long-term goals and objectives to ensure successful program outcomes.
- In conjunction with the Partnerships Manager, develop annual program budgets.
- Maintain program logic models for reporting purposes and use evaluation results to inform continuous program improvement.
- Identify potential funding opportunities to support program sustainability.
- Ensure all program activities comply with organizational policies, relevant legislation, professional standards, funding agreements, and charitable requirements.
- Work with the Engagement Team to develop and evaluate communications plans for all programs.
Program Delivery and Financial Management
- Oversee logistics for all program delivery activities.
- Ensure programs operate within approved budgets and manage project funds according to accounting policies and procedures.
- Monitor cash flow and report discrepancies to the Executive Director quarterly.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including monthly reconciliations with bookkeeping services.
- Assist the Executive Director with the annual audit process.
Staff and Partner Management
- Evaluate partnership opportunities to ensure alignment with ACWB’s mandate and organizational capacity.
- Provide HR leadership support, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations, while ensuring compliance with HR policies, privacy legislation, and OHS requirements.
- Work with the Executive Director to implement or delegate partnership responsibilities.
- Operate with a servant leadership approach, empowering staff to perform at their best with minimal micromanagement while providing clear direction and support when required.
- Manage relationships with partners on collaborative initiatives.
Community Engagement
- Communicate with clients and stakeholders to build community support and gather feedback for program improvement.
- Attend meetings and events to enhance the profile of ACWB and its programs.
- Provide advisory and consultative support to members and stakeholders as required.
- Comfortable representing the organization in high-level discussions with community, industry, and government stakeholders.
- Able to communicate vision clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
Registration and Record Keeping
- Oversee program registration systems and related documentation.
- Maintain accurate records of program activities and participants in accordance with confidentiality and privacy policies.
Program Evaluation
- Develop and maintain program logic models.
- Analyze evaluation results (including survey and data outputs) to strengthen program design and outcomes, without necessarily administering data collection tools directly.
- Oversee collection, entry, and analysis of program data.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with program activities.
- Monitor program performance and conduct annual evaluations using established frameworks.
- Supervise program staff and contractors, including onboarding, orientation, coaching, and professional development.
- Oversee performance management for non-management staff.
- Engage and support volunteers using established volunteer management practices.
- Maintain Occupational Health and Safety compliance as required by law.
We are looking for a candidate that demonstrates the following abilities and traits:
- A post-secondary degree, diploma, or minimum of two years’ experience in a leadership position managing people and processes.
- Experience in program management, including execution and evaluation, preferably in the cultural sector.
- Knowledge of human resources management and financial management.
- Experience and ability with advocacy and government relations.
What Would Give You an Edge
- Knowledge of the Alberta arts and culture sector and the Wood Buffalo arts community would be an asset.
- Proficiency in event planning and execution would be an asset.
- Experience working within the arts and culture sector
- Familiarity with the Wood Buffalo region and community networks
- Event planning and execution experience
- Experience working within a non-profit or charitable organization
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
