Director, Community Services

**Company Biography1**:
As one of the fastest growing cities in Alberta, the City of Airdrie is a recognized leader in building a vibrant and sustainable community through innovation.

At the City of Airdrie, incredible opportunities happen every day in a flexible work environment that is tailored to each department. Our inclusive culture and values create a workplace where we welcome aspiring, driven and creative individuals to help us accomplish our business and community goals. We are supportive of one another, and we have fun while we serve our community. We are passionate about improving the lives of our residents through care and respect; that is the foundation of our organization. At the City of Airdrie, we learn, grow and accomplish great things together.

If you have a passion for building a better community and are ready to join the excitement, we’d love to hear from you

**The Opportunity**:
AccessHR is excited to partner with the City of Airdrie for the recruitment of a full-time, permanent, Director, Community Services. This opportunity is due to an upcoming retirement and offers transition time with the current Director.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director, Community Services, reports directly to the City Manager, is a key member of the 5-person Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and is responsible for defining and driving the strategic vision and direction of the City’s community services portfolio, including 1,000,000 square feet of recreation space. As part of the ELT, the Director contributes to shaping organizational culture and ensuring operational excellence.

The Director leads a 2-person management team, a Manager of Recreation Services and a Manager of Culture, Heritage, & Event Services, and is responsible for a broad portfolio including Recreation, Arts and Culture, Community Events, Community Facilities, and Capital Project Delivery.

This role requires a community-centered approach to service delivery, cultural enrichment, and facility development that responds to Airdrie’s rapid growth. Indeed, Airdrie’s population is predicted to increase from 90,000 to 110,000 by 2028, bringing tremendous challenges and opportunities for this portfolio.

The Director will collaborate closely with City Council, internal departments, and sports, recreation, and other community-based groups. Success in this role requires extensive municipal experience and financial acumen as well as the ability to lead teams, modernize systems, and deliver innovative, user-focused services through effective use of technology.

KEY DELIVERABLES
- Leadership and Development: Foster a culture that supports team growth and organizational success through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
- Strategic Community Planning: Lead the development and implementation of recreation and cultural services, ensuring alignment with community needs and municipal priorities.
- Coordinated Service Delivery: Oversee the delivery of services across multiple departments and facilities, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and positive customer experiences.
- Financial Leadership: Provide leadership and oversight for budgeting, funding strategies, and long-term financial sustainability of community services.
- Public Engagement: Facilitate inclusive, evidence-based engagement strategies to define standards and guide council decision-making.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation; establish policies that safeguard public funds and minimize organizational risk.
- Public Speaking and Communication: Prepare and deliver clear, impactful reports, briefing notes, and presentations to Council and Council Committees.

**You Bring**:
QUALIFICATIONS
- Leadership: Ability to inspire individuals and teams to a well-defined purpose; able to coach and mentor through the highs and lows of publicly visible portfolios in high-growth municipalities.
- Emotional Intelligence: Genuinely curious; asks open-ended questions, actively listens, celebrates successes, ensures a psychologically safe work environment, and remains composed.
- Trust Building: Gaining public trust, balancing stakeholder interests, and navigating political dynamics are essential; ability to effectively message, resolve conflicts, and negotiate solutions.
- Technology and Innovation: Keen interest in and knowledge of global trends and emerging technologies in municipal community services management; ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify and implement new solutions to enhance service delivery.
- Financial Management: Ability to effectively manage complex, multi-departmental budgets and align financial decisions with strategic priorities and community expectations.
- Project Leadership: Experience overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of community infrastructure projects while managing risk and stakeholder expectations.
- Personal Attributes: Approachable and curious; builds trust