Manager of Recreation and Culture

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan,
Cambridge Connected,
and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Job Profile

Join our team as a key leader in the Recreation and Culture Division, where you'll oversee the development and delivery of inclusive recreational programs and services that enrich the community. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across a diverse portfolio, including neighbourhood associations, arts and culture, older adult services, community development, special events, and the Cambridge Farmers Market.

You will lead a dynamic team of supervisors and staff across multiple facilities, manage work planning and budgeting, and contribute to city-wide Placemaking initiatives. If you're a visionary leader passionate about vibrant community spaces, operational excellence, and meaningful programming, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What you will be doing

• Responsible for the operation and delivery of a variety of recreation services including arts, culture, older adult services, special events, the Cambridge Farmers Market CFM and associated programming. Responsible for the development of an effective team of recreation professionals. Including but not limited to recruitment, two-way communication, coaching and mentorship, maintaining positive leadership and ensuring fulsome skills inventory for the various lines of business.
• Responsible for the management and enforcement of all applicable non-legislated and legislated regulations pertaining to recreation program delivery, special events and the Cambridge Farmers Market. Provides direction and advises supervisory staff related to the management of programs relating to area of operation.
• Oversees the department's community neighbourhood association program and operating strategy.
• Identifies training needs and makes training recommendations, conducts or facilitates training sessions for vendors and staff as appropriate.
• Accountable for the development and monitoring of program area budgets and providing input into forecasting and annual operating and capital budget programs. Accountable for the development and monitoring of recreation program area budgets and providing input into forecasting and annual operating and capital budget programs. Responsible for completing project management on operating and capital projects including the coordination and completion of projects on time and within budget and scope. Oversees all aspects of the assigned project including setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, monitoring and reporting.
• Consults with staff, community and senior leaders in the organization to develop strategic work plans consistent with the goals and objectives of the corporation. Responsible for implementation, monitoring and delivery of the Older Adult Strategy, our commitment to Age Friendly Community as identified by the World Health Organization, the Arts and Culture Action Plan.
• Represents the City and the department to external partners and the community. Supplies ongoing liaison with market vendors, volunteers, the BIA, local businesses, suppliers, the media, and other community groups, Advisory Committees and associations in an effort to enhance all lines of business
• Prepares reports for City Council and General Committee.
• Responsible for the management and enforcement of all applicable non-legislated and legislated regulations governing program operations and public events including but not limited to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations, and Corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Oversee collaboration with Service Cambridge for effective service delivery to support recreation services.
• Serve as backup to Director. Responsible for Stand-by duties within the Recreation & Culture Division.
• Consistently models the Corporate Values and Behaviours: Respect, Integrity, Service, Inclusiveness

Education

University Degree in Recreation or equivalent.

Knowledge of applicable legislation, codes and regulations. i.e. Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ministry of Health

Past experience and knowledge of food delivery systems and farmers market operations

Experience and Knowledge

• Five to seven years of progressive experience in community engagement, leisure programming, arts and culture, festivals and events, and municipal operations.
• Proven leadership in managing municipal events and markets, including budgeting, facility operations, and staff supervision (union, non-union, and contractors).
• Skilled in marketing, promotions, and developing strategic community partnerships and business development initiatives.
• Strong background in recreational program planning, particularly with seniors and diverse community groups.
• Experience in project management, developing Master Plans and strategic documents, and navigating collective bargaining agreements and processes.
• Effective communicator with experience in media relations at federal, provincial, and local levels.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired

Supervisor Health & Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour

Valid G driver's license in good standing and access to a personal vehicle.

Proof of your current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications.

Your compensation

This position is located in Band Level 7 of the Non-Union Salary Scale and has an annual salary range of $114,005 to $139,030. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and are an Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) employer.

Hours of work

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm (35 hours per week). Some evening and weekends may be required. This position participates in an on-call rotation.

Advertisement expiration date

Interested candidates should apply at This posting will close on November 16, 2025.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge recognizes and appreciates diversity and inclusion enhances our public value commitment.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience and encourage all qualified people to apply, including and especially people from equity-deserving groups. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with honour and respect toward their individual dimensions of diversity.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Contact to make your needs known in advance.

For more information on our Employment Equity, please read our full policy.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.