Senior Manager of Cultural Services and Development at City of Niagara Falls

The City of Niagara Falls is a dynamic and internationally renowned city with a prosperous business community and economic foundation anchored by tourism, manufacturing, retail and knowledge-based sectors. Located at one of the natural wonders of the world and in the heart North America's most affluent consumer markets, we are linked to the world by extensive road, rail, air, water and telecommunication networks. With over 14 million visitors a year and a growing resident population of nearly 100,000, we invite you to discover why Niagara Falls is a premier place to live, work, and play.

Position

Senior Manager of Cultural Services and Development

Closing Date ( closes at 11:59 pm on date noted below):

August 14, 2026

Job Type

Permanent

Department

Culture & Museum

Salary

$107,730.00 - $134,664.00

Hours per week

Openings

Vacancy Status

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The following description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the position identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in such classification.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager of Cultural Services and Development provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of municipal cultural programs, festivals, special events, community celebrations, and civic engagement initiatives. The position is responsible for advancing the municipality's cultural vision, music city strategy, fostering community partnerships, enhancing resident experiences, and ensuring the effective management of operating and capital resources.

The Senior Manager leads a multidisciplinary team and works collaboratively with community organizations, businesses, tourism partners, elected officials, and other municipal departments to create vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community experiences.

Responsible For

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement long-term strategies, master plans, and business plans for cultural services and community events.
• Lead initiatives that support Council's strategic priorities related to culture, placemaking, tourism, community engagement, and quality of life.
• Research emerging trends and recommend innovative programming and service delivery approaches.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for senior leadership and Council.

Cultural Programs & Services

• Oversee the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of municipal arts, heritage, cultural, and community programming.
• Oversee programming schedule at the Exchange and in the community that is associated with culture.
• Lead implementation of cultural master plans and cultural development initiatives.
• Foster partnerships with local arts organizations, cultural groups, museums, heritage organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and community participation in cultural activities.
• Secure and administer grants, sponsorships, and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure onsite lease agreements are upheld by all parties.

Community Events & Festivals

• Direct the planning and execution of municipal festivals, music concerts, community celebrations, parades, civic ceremonies, and special events.
• Establish event strategies, policies, standards, and operational procedures.
• Ensure event risk management, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance requirements are met.
• Collaborate with tourism organizations, sponsors, vendors, community groups, and external agencies.
• Evaluate event performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, sponsorship agreements, and grant funding.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies, revenue generation, and service enhancements.
• Oversee procurement activities, contract administration, and vendor relationships.

Stakeholder & Community Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, residents, business associations, educational institutions, tourism agencies, BIA’s and cultural groups.
• Represent the municipality at community meetings, events, committees, and industry conferences.
• Facilitate public consultation and community engagement initiatives.
• Respond to public inquiries, complaints, and emerging issues.

Position Requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree preferred disciplines: Cultural Studies, Arts Administration, Event Management, Recreation, Fine Arts or other related disciplines.
• Valid class “G” license.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in the management of Culture and Special Events.
• Experience managing large-scale events, operating budgets, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Municipal government experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in community/public relations, strong communication skills, strategic planning and collaborative service delivery.
• Five (5) years of experience in solicitation of sponsors and donors for major events and activities.

Supervises

• Cultural Development Coordinators (3)
• Culture Services Assistant (1)
• Seasonal / Part-time Staff

Working Conditions

• May require evening and weekend availability based on event schedules.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter and resume through Workday at www.niagarafalls.ca/jobs.

The City of Niagara Falls is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive organization and fostering a workplace culture which reflects the diverse nature of the residents we serve. In accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the City will accommodate the individual needs of candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 905-356-7521 ext 4317.

Personal information is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act and will only be used to determine suitability for this position. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those advancing through the selection process will be contacted.