Supervisor, Programs

Supervisor, Programs & Events (Cowan Recreation Centre)Join to apply for the Supervisor, Programs & Events (Cowan Recreation Centre) role at City of Kitchener.Job Status: Permanent Full-TimePay & Grade: $83,997 to $104,997 AnnuallyGrade/Band: 9 (under review)Hours of Work: 35 Hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidaysInitial location: Kitchener City HallPosting period: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 – Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 (at 6:00 pm)OverviewWe’re building something extraordinary for our community and beyond – the Cowan Recreation Centre, a state‑of‑the‑art destination for sport, fitness, and community connection. Opening in late 2026, this all‑season multi‑use recreation complex will feature an impressive lineup of amenities: a large aquatics centre with two stainless steel pools, a FIFA‑sized indoor turf field, a versatile quad gymnasium, an indoor walking track, two dedicated cricket practice nets, and four multi‑purpose rooms for community programs and events.Built with sport tourism in mind, the Cowan Recreation Centre will attract provincial and national tournaments, welcome high‑performance athletes from across Ontario, and generate significant tourism dollars – positioning Kitchener as a premier destination for sport and recreation.As Supervisor of Programs and Events, you will be the driving force behind the planning, coordination, and execution of vibrant community programming, high‑energy tournaments, and engaging events that bring the facility to life. Your mission is to maximize the facility’s potential by delivering inclusive, innovative, and community‑focused experiences that reflect the diverse needs of Kitchener’s residents.ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development:Inspire and manage a diverse team of full‑time and part‑time staff, including programming, marketing, events, and administrative staff.Drive performance through coaching, training, and inclusive leadership – fostering a culture of excellence, empathy, and accountability.Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of programs, activities and events to ensure quality control, safety, and excellence in customer experience.Create and foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture grounded in respect, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.Provide inclusive leadership to staff through emotional intelligence, curiosity, openness, collaboration, adaptability, and courage, building trust across the staff team.Operations:Strategically allocate staff and manage budgets to keep the facility running smoothly and efficiently.Coordinate scheduling logistics for all programs, rentals, tournaments, and events.Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain accurate records, financials, and payroll.Support budget forecasting and financial reporting.Facility Programming & Utilization:Maximize facility usage by developing a robust schedule of programs, rentals, and events across all amenities.Attract and retain community groups, leagues, and private bookings to ensure high occupancy and revenue generation.Use data and feedback to optimize programming and scheduling decisions.Plan and execute tournaments, camps, and seasonal events that reflect community needs and drive engagement.Resolve event‑related issues quickly and effectively, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.Lead marketing efforts to boost awareness, registration, and rental inquiries through targeted campaigns and promotional materials.Community Engagement & Partnerships:Build strong relationships with sport organizations, tournament hosts, and local groups to expand programming and facility use.Act as a responsive, solutions‑focused liaison for external stakeholder partners.Conduct outreach through meetings, presentations, and surveys to inform programming and strengthen partnerships.Champion inclusive programming that reflects local demographics and encourages participation from underrepresented groups.Represent the facility at public meetings, community events, and forums to promote the facility and its impact.RequirementsEducation:Minimum 3‑year degree/diploma in Sport & Recreation Management, Recreation Leadership, Facility Management, Event Planning, Event or Venue Management, or related field.Experience:2‑4 years’ experience in a similar role or related experience.Work Environment:Will be expected to work flexible hours (outside of Mon‑Fri, 9 to 5), including evenings, weekends, and holidays through a rotating schedule with the facility management team.Will be scheduled on rotation with the facility management team to respond to emergencies outside of working hours.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Demonstrated experience managing teams in a unionized environment, including mentoring, performance management, and ensuring exceptional customer service.Proven ability to schedule community programming and optimize high‑demand, multi‑use sports facilities to ensure maximum use of amenities.Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.Proven ability to understand and interpret data in order to make data‑driven decisions around service improvements and efficiencies.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Knowledge of health and safety regulations; food safety regulations; licensing and permits requirements, and building, fire, and electrical codes to ensure the facility and its vendors are in compliance with legislation.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).Proficiency in facility booking software.Note: All interested applicants are encouraged to apply. In the event there is no successful applicant with the stated level of education and experience, other applicants will be considered if a combination of their education and experience meets the following pre-determined equivalency:2‑Year Diploma (or 2‑Year Specialized Post Secondary Program) with 4 or more years’ related and relevant experience, or4‑Year Honours Degree with minimum 1 year related and relevant experience.Department / Division: Community Services, SportGroup: Non‑Union/ManagementCompetition Number: 2025‑311Job Code: 1549Number of positions: 1Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at City of Kitchener by 2x.Get notified about new Program Supervisor jobs in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. #J-18808-Ljbffr