Basic Function:

The Manager, Recreation and Culture Programming, oversees the development and execution of recreational and heritage programs, ensuring visitor engagement and satisfaction. This role includes planning, organizing, and managing programs, as well as supervising staff and volunteers.

Position Description:

• Lead staff ensuring informed practices are utilized in providing efficient, effective, and quality services

• Provide direction, advice and guidance to the supervisory staff who are responsible for the delivery of day-to-day programs and services
• Foster a learning environment to assist staff in reaching their full potential.
• Develop policies, procedures, rules and regulations for the department in accordance with evidence-based standards
• Assess staffing needs, participate in the recruitment process, and prepare recommendations concerning selection of staff
• Manage a staff complement of union and non-union staff
• Increase and maintain the current volunteer base in order to create a sense of community and ownership in heritage and culture facilities and recreation.
• Provide staff with a programming plan to follow for the year and a method to accurately record progress and achievements
• Build and support employee commitment to a high level of performance in all areas of customer service, employee safety and delivery of individual goals and objectives
• Plan and organize staff’s workloads and their assignments; review progress and direct changes as needed
• Actively maintain a positive workplace by communicating with staff; regular visits to county facilities; supporting staff in performing their duties; and effectively addressing workplace challenges

• Provide approved levels and standards of service through effective management of human, physical, information and financial resources of the department
• Provide Supervisors with an operational plan to follow for the year and a method to accurately record progress and achievements
• Oversee and manage license agreements with community partners
• Oversee and manage recreational facilities advertising
• Collaboration with Communications and provide content for the Recreation and Community Guide
• Oversee and manage the Norfolk County Heritage and Culture website
• Collaborate with Communications and provide content for Norfolk County website and social media posts
• Oversee the Norfolk County Dogwood Awards program
• Oversee and manage the Municipal Alcohol Policy
• Oversee and manage the Ice Allocation Policy
• Determine operating needs and manage the annual operating budget, making recommendations regarding workloads and employee resources
• Prepare and present reports to Council for approval of budgets, new initiatives, new regulations, or work improvement programs
• Identify revenue opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support programming initiatives
• Assess vision and objectives of the department and conduct research to evaluate the ability of the division to meet internal and external stakeholders needs
• Acts as project manager responsible for capital projects
• Prepares tender, quotations and implementation strategies for parks, cemeteries and marina capital projects
• Evaluate issues and prepares estimates for parks, cemeteries and marina repairs and capital improvement projects
• Support the monitoring of regular maintenance inspection programs
• Promote the rich arts, culture and heritage of the County and to entice visitors to the area through unique cultural experiences.  To generate interest for residents and attract tourists to an area rich in natural and social history
• Direct the development, implementation and enforcement of internal safety policies, rules and regulations and ensure that they are communicated to departmental staff
• Oversee the administration of scheduling programming to maximize the usage of recreational facilities
• Ensure that the level of service required for the programming of all recreational facilities are maintained
• Representative on the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Fame Committee, Community Days
• Staff Liaison for Seniors
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Post secondary education in Public Administration, Recreation and Sport Administration, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Public History, Museum and Curatorial Studies or equivalent
• Parks and Recreation Management Certificate considered an asset
• High Five considered an asset
• Additional certification through professional organizations such as Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, Parks and Recreation Ontario, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, National Recreation and Parks Association, Ontario Museums Association, Association of Municipalities Ontario an asset
• Minimum three (3) years current related experience in the Recreation and/or Museum/Culture Programming including progressive leadership experience.  Municipal experience preferred.
• An understanding and appreciation of heritage preservation, conservation practices, and interpretation methods are vital for effectively managing museums and archives

Skills and Abilities:

• A leader who is visionary, credible and a trusted role model who inspires and challenges others to achieve their full potential.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and always maintain a high degree of confidentiality, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and corporate policies and procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills, supervisory, leadership and team building skills
• A demonstrated ability to contribute to and build upon a positive and healthy work environment
• Knowledge of professional procedures, equipment, technology, principles, theories and/or ideas as it relates to recreation and museum programming.
• Working knowledge of municipal legislation, and regulations, along with a solid understanding of recreational programming, revenue generation and volunteer management
• Computer knowledge in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office, Pearl, FMW) and department specific software (Xplore, PastPerfect)
• Ability to work independently with little direction in a fast paced and stressful environment, and to meet deadlines with constantly shifting priorities
• Ability to make appropriate decisions and solve problems effectively
• Proven organizational skills demonstrating effective time management, accuracy, and adaptability
• Excellent communication, administrative and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent public relations skills to work with community partners, advisory committees and agencies
• Proven ability to research, assemble and present information and recommendations in a professional manner
• A high degree of integrity and discretion due to exposure to confidential and/or politically sensitive information
• Experiences and leadership in a unionized environment, project management and working with community organizations
• Proven ability to communicate effectively within the municipal organizational structure
• Ability to work in a team environment, accept and follow verbal and written instructions, complete duties to an acceptable level of quantity and quality with minimal supervision and follow all of Norfolk County Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Must be familiar with The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Standards for Community Museums in Ontario, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, etc.
• A valid Ontario G driver’s license and have access to a vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
• Awareness of safe work environments as they relate to job responsibilities and have a solid understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Work schedule may require working some evenings and weekends as required to attend committee meetings and special events and periodically meet with community organizations when required

Benefits

Posting #: NU 32.25

Title: Manager, Recreation and Culture Programming

Number of vacancies: 1

Status: Permanent Full Time

Employee Group: Non-Union

Wage: $97,600 - $122,000 per annum

Division: Community and Development Services

Department: Parks, Recreation and Culture

Reports To: Director, Parks, Recreation and Culture

Location: Simcoe, ON

Posting Period: October 7, 2025 - October 28, 2025

Application information:

·         Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf

·         If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.

·         Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.