Executive Director, Physical Facilities and Capital Projects

Executive Director, Physical Facilities and Capital Projects

Banff Centre exists to inspire artists and leaders to make their unique contribution to society and aspires to be the global leader in arts, culture, and creativity. Founded in 1933 and located in Banff National Park, on Treaty 7 land, Banff Centre’s history is comprised of the stories of some of the most iconic and outstanding artists and leaders from Canada and around the world who have helped forge the Canadian cultural identity.

In January 2009, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education and Technology confirmed a mandate for Banff Centre as a specialized Arts and Culture Institution providing non-parchment, post-secondary education programs in the arts and creativity, as well as in leadership development, mountain culture, and the environment. As Canada’s leading post-graduate arts institution, Banff Centre offers intensive training and career development programs for emerging and established artists across all artistic disciplines, including opera, music, dance, film and media, mountain culture, visual arts, and Indigenous arts. As a champion of arts and creativity, Banff Centre Leadership programs prepare and empower leaders from a wide range of sectors to make an impact in a rapidly shifting world. Its programs integrate the power of the arts, the wisdom of Indigenous practice, and the extraordinary beauty of Banff National Park. Programs in the cultural, Indigenous, and corporate sectors connect participants with others who share their commitment to positive change in cultural institutions, Indigenous communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government.

The Role : Executive Director, Physical Facilities and Capital Projects

The Executive Director, Physical Facilities and Capital Projects provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the stewardship, maintenance, and development of the organization’s physical plant. This role ensures that all facilities, buildings, grounds, and utilities systems are safe, reliable, and aligned with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and long-term campus planning. The Executive Director leads a multi-disciplinary team responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance, capital project delivery, asset lifecycle management, and sustainability initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Works with The Leadership Group to ensure new and existing facilities align with organizational goals, asset management principles, and long-term campus development plans.
• Lead the creation and execution of multi-year capital plans, including prioritization, budgeting, and risk assessment.
• Provide executive-level guidance on infrastructure needs, energy management, sustainability practices, and operational efficiencies.

Advise senior leadership on facilities conditions, emerging risks, and opportunities to enhance organizational resilience.

Operations & Maintenance

Promote reliability, uptime, and safety through high-performing operational processes.

Capital Projects & Construction Management

Ensure capital projects embody the organization’s culture, values, aesthetic standards, and sustainability commitments.

Team Empowerment and Oversight

Commit to leading a healthy work and learning environment free of harassment.

Financial Management

Lead procurement and contract management processes for services, equipment, and capital works.

Stakeholder Engagement

Works with area leaders to ensure facilities meet current standards within specialized industries (e.g. galleries and performance spaces).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Identify opportunities for improving communication processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing productivity across the organization.

Risk Management

Identify potential brand and reputational risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards.

Change Management

Lead organizational changes, restructures, process reengineering efforts, ensuring seamless transitions, and maintaining operational continuity.

Resource Management

Budget Management : Develop budgets and forecasts as per established deadlines while meeting targets, managing the budget for marketing and communication activities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field. A master’s degree is an asset.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, capital project delivery, and / or operations in a complex, multi-building environment.

Demonstrated success managing large capital projects, budgets, and infrastructure portfolios.

Strong knowledge of building systems, construction practices, asset management, and regulatory requirements.

Exceptional leadership, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Ability to develop long-term strategies while managing day-to-day operational demands.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Banff Centre offers a comprehensive compensation package with a competitive and equitable salary, professional development opportunities, and subsidized fitness membership, among other benefits. The Banff Centre offers extended health and dental insurance, life insurance, vacation time, and participation in an employer-matched pension plan. The quality of life in Banff and surrounding communities is simply extraordinary. Note : this position includes housing.