Art and Culture Program Specialist (Temporary FT Position)

ABOUT US
The City of Spruce Grove is a fast growing, dynamic city committed to building and maintaining a fiscally responsible community that serves our residents, attracts visitors, and promotes future growth.

The “Values, We Live By” are accountability, communication, leadership, integrity, and respect while we work towards maintaining a work/play balance.

We are an organization that cares, an organization that is committed to our city and committed to you. The City of Spruce Grove is committed to public service, where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work. We believe that by working together in a spirit of collaboration and respect, we can achieve great things.

THE OPPORTUNITY
This position is responsible for the coordination and delivery of high quality and sustainable City-led Art and Culture Programs to meet identified needs and opportunities that exceed industry standards and foster collaborative relationships within the community, maximizing resources and partnerships. Programs and services overseen include, but are not limited to, Horizon Stage Theatre productions, Municipal Art Collection, public art installations, community activations, outreach and in-reach programs, as well as year-round art and culture programs and summer camps.

The Art and Culture Program Specialist plays a public-facing role, engaging with internal departments, external agencies, and community partners to facilitate program success. They provide day-to-day supervision and leadership to contract instructors/performers, volunteers, staff program coordinators, and leaders involved in delivering art and culture programs throughout the year and during summer camps. This includes regular assessment of program outcomes, gathering feedback from participants, fostering partnerships and collaborating within the community (i.e., organizations, schools, businesses and local artists, etc.) to enhance program quality, relevance, and access to resources. They provide effective leadership and supervision to establish clear program policies, practices, and standards to ensure high-quality programming that addresses identified needs, gaps, and City priorities.

This is a temporary full time position until June 4, 2025, and reports directly to the Manager of Recreation and Culture, Programs and Events.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
• Is able to effectively communicate and integrate the benefits of art and culture into messaging, training and other materials and contexts.
• Represent the City and the Recreation and Culture Department in a professional manner.
• Act as the professional face of the corporation within the community, ensuring integrity, respect, accountability and confidentiality are standard.
• Aligns with the City’s Strategic and Corporate plans as well as City values and guiding principles.
• Creates and facilitates comprehensive training for identified program delivery staff to ensure standards for content, delivery, safety and reporting are met.
• Monitors the efficient and effective ongoing operation of art and culture programs provided by the City as well as continual enhancements to the programs and their processes.
• Through modeling, training and feedback, lead employees to meet the organization’s expectations for productivity, quality and goal accomplishment.
• Actively participates in the strategic and service planning activities of the work unit.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of corporate planning documents, tools and how they are applied.
• Develops and fosters positive relationships with community agencies, service groups, residents and participants utilizing or partnering to implement programs.
• Provides day-to-day supervision and provides coaching, training, and mentoring to program delivery staff in the achievement of their roles and responsibilities.
• Receives and investigates complaints or concerns relative to the delivery of department services and ensure appropriate information is provided, or appropriate action taken, elevating the issue to supervisor as required.

Art and Culture Program Service Delivery
• Develops comprehensive program and performance plans for Horizon Stage and other City spaces, arts and culture programs, and community interests.
• Collaborates with Horizon Stagelighters for artist sponsorships and presentations.
• Ensures program planning aligns with outcome and output targets, using varied measurement tools.
• Utilizes traditional and non-traditional facilities to deliver diverse programs.
• Implements key standards like High 5, Developmental Assets, GBA+, and Truth & Reconciliation recommendations, environmental strategies, arts and theatre standards and practice, Fundamental Movement Skills, etc.
• Collects data for program development and evaluate new program requests.
• Coordinates schedules efficiently and maintain appropriate work records and documentation.
• Oversees program logistics, including supplies, staff apparel, and participant needs.
• Manages program scheduling and fees, ensuring effective financial management.
• Reports on program progress, successes, and recommendations to the Manager.

Risk Management and Safety
• Oversees the development of risk management and safety programs consistent with City standards, policy, and provincial/federal legislation for employees and public facility users.
• Ensures program facilities are clean, safe, and tidy, with leaders and volunteers assisting in facility clean-up.

Budget Administration
• Recommends and prepares specific program/event and area budgets, including supplies, staffing, fees and contractors to Manager.
• Assists in managing program budgets as per City policies and practices, by tracking expenses and reporting accordingly.
• Recommends increases and decreases in fees and charges to reflect changes in market when requested.

Contract Management
• With support from the Manager, establishes and manages formal and informal relationships between The City and arts and culture groups, community organizations, performers, and contractors to direct the use and development of community facilities. This includes program contractors, performers, artists, and technical support.
• Collaborates and communicates contract requirements to staff promptly, ensuring timely completion.
• Coordinates program and event contractors for short-term or specialized project work within City policy.
• Facilitates contracts and permits related to this area with strategic guidance from the Manager, including contract program instructors, grants, special event permits, field trips, etc.

Public Relations and Marketing
• Facilitates, actively contributes, and monitors the development of program and event marketing and promotional strategies.
• Contribute to marketing and promotional strategies, assess feedback for service improvements, and support public relations initiatives.
• Assesses feedback from partners on their future needs and evaluates current services.
• Supports the creation and content of promotion and marketing tools to raise community awareness about participating in various activities throughout various platforms (social media, newsletters)
• Reviews content for media releases and public messaging relevant to programs and events.
• Provides professional public information, education, referral, and advocacy, following corporate standards.
• Provides guidance and support for marketing and communication materials, updating signage, policies, and procedures, and recommending improvements.

Other Duties
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of City bylaws, policies, statutory regulations, service plans, decision-making processes, and associated timelines.
• Adheres strictly to all established City policies, procedures, and standards, whether written or implied, acknowledging potential changes or modifications as necessary.
• Continuously enhances professional and technical expertise through participation in educational workshops, seminars, networking opportunities, and engagement with professional societies.
• Assumes leadership responsibility for Health and Safety initiatives, prioritizing the well-being of staff and ensuring compliance with safety incident reporting protocols
• Actively promote and embody the City’s Corporate Culture by fostering empowerment and providing support to personnel
• Fulfill additional job-related responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Post-secondary education or Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Science, Fine Arts, Education, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of related experience (i.e., arts administration, event planning, program planning and delivery).
• Experience in staff supervision and/or leadership.
• Advanced communication skills and excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent collaborative negotiation and problems solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with all levels within the organization and externally.
• Ability to effectively transfer ideas, concepts, and information into effective and efficient strategies.
• Ability to develop, implement and evaluate innovative plans.
• Ability to work both independently as well as within a multifaceted team environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to build positive, productive business relationships.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in interpersonal dealings which are difficult, highly sensitive and confidential and may involve exposure to the media or public criticism.
• Enhanced knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint.

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
• High Five.
• Quest 1 (Programming Planning/Development).
• Public Speaking.
• Experience in preparing grant applications.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• Driver’s License – must obtain a satisfactory review of a three-year Driver’s Abstract, with a maximum of six demerits.
• First Aid /CPR Certificate.
• A criminal record from an appropriate policy enforcement agency (i.e., RCMP or Police Service in a form and content satisfactory to the City).
• Access to a motor vehicle.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
• Monday to Friday, some weekends and evenings.
• Hours of Work: – 8:30AM – 4:30PM.
• Willingness to work overtime and travel.

NEXT STEPS
• Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be considered.
• You must apply through this portal to be considered. We do not accept applications through other forums.
• Candidates may be interviewed as applications are received, so apply early.

WHY WORK FOR US?
WHAT WE OFFER:
– Competitive annual salary
– Work/Life Balance
– Recognized General Holidays
– Flexible Work Arrangements
– Positive Work Atmosphere
– Volunteer and Fundraising Opportunities

Apply Now at: https://myavanti.ca/careersatsprucegrove/Job/Details/RR2024053