The City of Guelph is a vibrant community with over 120,000 people located in the heart of Southern Ontario, just one hours driving distance from Toronto. Set in a picturesque natural setting, Guelph is known for its rich architectural heritage, growing economy and excellent quality of life – all good reasons to consider a career in this beautiful city.
Job summary
The successful candidate will provide visible and positive leadership to staff that creates a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff. Reporting to the General Manager, Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, the position will lead culture and tourism services through integrated programs and activations, delivery of visitor information services, further destination development and grow partnerships in the community that support culture and tourism. Additionally, the candidate will manage the Guelph’s Farmers’ Market and grow opportunities that support its operations. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision – an inclusive, connected, prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment.
Leadership
- Recruit, train and lead staff, establish and monitor performance and development plans, provide coaching and discipline as required.
- Develop goals and objectives for the area, set action plans to achieve them; align goals with the Corporate Strategic Plan.
- Grow relationships with the community and users
Department & Financial Management
- Develop and monitor capital and operating budgets, track actual performance against budgets, provide financial forecasts, report on variances and mitigating strategies
- Ensure compliance with Collective Agreements, City policies, Council resolutions/by-laws and other applicable federal and provincial legislation; support all legislated inspection and safety programs.
- Recommend and prepare staff reports and presentations for Council and executive teams, as required by the General Manager. Speak at Council as required.
Culture
- Advocate for Culture and Public Art with the community and the corporation. Intergrading and collaborating on other departmental projects.
- Lead the development and presentation for calls for artists or programs with the Public Art framework
- Lead the Public Art Advisory Committee (with the community leader chair), provide reports back to staff and council
- Ensure detailed Public Art inventory and repair and maintenance programs.
- Lead the strategic direction of annual Culture programs including Artist in Residency program; supporting Sponsor relationships and involvement in the community.
- Lead the promotions of all Civic Event programing. Promote the events to maximize community involvement and overall participation and ensuring financial responsibility.
- Maintain the online present for Culture with other departments or areas.
Tourism
Manage strategic development of Tourism Services, summary of task included:
- Lead the Tourism Advisory Board providing reports and feedback to staff and council as indicated within Tourism framework
- Develop and manage the internal and external communication plan for Tourism Services, managing websites and social media accounts, ensuring detail and high quality of information
- Develop the annual destination marketing plan by conducting research and analysis, and which builds and maintains brand awareness.
- Identify opportunities and lead tourism product development initiatives that drive local tourism sector growth and support the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4) goals and the regional marketing plan, such as the Sports Tourism sector.
- Cultivate and maintain key partnerships to enhance and develop tourism in the Guelph Wellington region, including networking with tourism operators, industry leaders, community stakeholders and government partners.
- Research and prepare grant applications, and assist with sport tournament bids when required.
- Ensure the provision of excellent customer service to all potential and confirmed Tourism Partners; respond in a timely manner to all inquiries.
- Track industry performance at all levels and monitor trends, opportunities and bench marks.
Farmers Market
Manage Guelph Farmer’s Market, summary of tasks include:
- Manage the Farmers Market, identify efficiencies, and ensure high quality of operations and service.
- Liaise with current and prospective clients (vendors) of the Farmers Market, foster relationships within the community, assist with development of continued use
- Liaise with facility staff on the smooth operations and maintenance of the facility operations (maintenance, health and safety, repairs)
- Other duties as assigned.
- Considerable knowledge and expertise related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through a post-secondary diploma or degree in Tourism or destination marketing or a related discipline, and a minimum of 5 years in related tourism, destination marketing and events experience
- Considerable experience managing, leading and training staff in a customer focused environment.
- Considerable experience in destination marketing and promotion; experience in multiple mediums and digital platforms
- Experience managing special events and cultural programs
- Knowledge of Public Art programs and policies
- Demonstrative experience in fostering relationships and partnerships with businesses, a variety of local and regional agencies, city departments and community organizations
- Detailed experience with financial systems, budget forecasting, variances and financial reporting.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to resolve customer inquiries/complaints in an effective manner; demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and quality service.
- Excellent communications skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, stakeholders, council and the general public.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, meeting deadlines, ability to multitask, handle fluent interruptions, as well as the ability to work under pressure.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
- Experience with Management My Market software an asset
Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by Sunday, July 12, 2020. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered. Proof of qualifications will be requested at the interview stage.
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.