A rewarding, exciting and challenging experience awaits!
The Town of Slave Lake is seeking an experienced, progressive and collaborative leader to lead the department staff in the planning, development (and where appropriate provision) of community image, special events, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), volunteer development, communications and parks and recreation facility management, by employing a strong community services approach.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the successful individual will take a holistic systems approach, ensuring activity is consistent with long-term planning.
SALARY: $116,805.00 - $153,718.50
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assumes a leadership role in the development and delivery of the department’s goals and objectives to support the successful achievement of Council’s Strategic Plan.
- Participates as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership and expert advice.
- Reviews, develops and recommends new and revised departmental policies and procedures to respond to changing needs and legislation and/or achieve improvements, cost savings and revenue generation.
- Recommends and implements departmental objectives that support Council’s Strategic goals and objectives and the evolving business environment.
- Manages the Recreation Facilities and Programming Fee-for-Service Agreements. Guides periodic re-negotiations of service agreements with the parties to the Agreement.
- Balances the need to offer a broad spectrum of contemporary recreation programming options with the need to recover programming and facilities costs and to maximize revenue generating opportunities.
- Provides direction on a broad range of leisure, tourism, special event, volunteer development and family support programs for all ages in conjunction with local groups, agencies, and individuals.
- Coaches and mentors employees who report directly, providing support, advice and direction to assist subordinates to successfully achieve their goals and objectives in a warm and nurturing environment.
- Support the Communications department in coordinating and providing internal and external communications services to the Town.
- Prepares the annual and long-term operational and capital budgets for the Department. Control departmental spending within the budget allocation.
- Responsible for managing talent acquisition and retention, performance management including discipline, and makes recommendations regarding promotion/termination of staff. Responsible for planning and recommending adequate staffing levels. Hires, trains, and appraises all permanent and part-time staff within approved personnel policies. Conducts annual and interim appraisals.
- Acts as the principal advisor to the Community Services Portfolio on matters relating to their jurisdiction.
- Attends Council meetings in an advisory capacity and presents information and advice, as required. Advises senior staff and Town Council on the planning, acquiring, leasing, sale, or development of public parkland.
- Provides input for land development applications and permits affecting park areas.
- Directs ongoing needs assessments and evaluates departmental programs and services.
- Analyzes community needs with respect to mandated area and ensures that programs, services, and marketing efforts meet the needs of the community.
- Recommends the final departmental goals and objectives to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Community Services Portfolio and Town Council.
- Guides professional development and growth of departmental managers.
- Cooperates with and supports other senior managers and departments in their efforts as required.
- Ensures compliance with legislation and ensures the safety of the public while using Town facilities.
- Identifies any unusual occurrences or circumstances to the CAO.
- Performs other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
- University Degree or equivalent in the Human Services or Recreation field.
- Three to five years’ management experience, preferably in municipal government.
- Combination of education and experience may be considered.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Proven written and verbal communications and public relations skills.
- Strong planning, supervisory, communication (oral and written) and time management skills.
- Ability to lead an assertive and performance-oriented team of community development personnel.
- Change management skills.
Note: The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and activities required for this position but gives a general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
- Occasional light lifting.
- Long periods of sitting.
- Extensive use of computer and telephone.
- Good lighting, temperature, and noise control.
- A normal working day consists of a maximum of 7.5 hours; however, occasional extended hours may be required.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
All personnel working at the Town of Slave Lake are governed by the Health & Safety Policy.
- Ensure proper ergonomic requirements are met, and good ergonomic procedures are practiced.
- Ensure all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with Town Policies and all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations.
COMPENSATION AND REWARDS:
The Town of Slave Lake offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and an employer-matched pension plan. We foster a culture of learning and development to support employees as they grow, through a variety of employee development initiatives, an education assistance program and special project opportunities.
How to apply:
- A cover letter clearly indicating the position title, accompanied by an up-to-date resume, is required.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a skills and personality assessment test.
- The successful candidate will be required to provide professional references and an acceptable criminal record check.
Send your cover letter and resume (ensuring to include the job title in your email subject heading) to:
Human Resources, Town of Slave Lake
10 Main Street S.W., P.O. Box 1030, Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0
E-mail: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: The opportunity will close for applications on July 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will contact only those under consideration.
