Manager, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services

Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town's architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

Build something meaningful. Shape a community's cultural future.

Cochrane is growing, and so is our commitment to arts, culture, and heritage. As one of Alberta's fastest-growing communities, Cochrane is entering an exciting chapter of growth and organizational maturity. With an approved Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan and a community that deeply values its cultural identity, we have a unique opportunity to shape how arts, culture, and heritage contribute to community life for generations to come.

We’re seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-focused leader to become our Manager, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services. In this role, you'll lead a diverse portfolio spanning strategy, partnership development, policy development, community engagement, and municipal planning. Working across the organization and throughout the community, you'll build programs and partnerships from the ground up while ensuring arts, culture, and heritage are reflected in municipal planning, public spaces, civic initiatives, and new developments.

Your Impact

This is a rare opportunity to turn vision into action. You'll lead the implementation of Cochrane's Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan while advancing initiatives that celebrate, preserve, and strengthen community identity, heritage, placemaking, and cultural vitality.

Working with passionate community members, organizations, developers, Council, and colleagues across the organization, you'll help shape a community where culture, creativity, and heritage continue to define what makes Cochrane special.

As a team of one with plans to grow, you'll have the opportunity to create momentum, establish partnerships, implement strategic initiatives, and lay the foundation for the future of arts, culture, and heritage services in Cochrane.

This Role Is for You If You Are…

• A strategic thinker with a bias for action and a passion for building something from the ground up.
• Energized by the opportunity to turn a vision and master plan into meaningful community outcomes.
• Passionate about the role arts, culture, and heritage play in fostering community identity, belonging, and quality of life.
• Skilled at building trusted relationships with community organizations, volunteers, artists, heritage groups, developers, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Comfortable wearing many hats and balancing strategy, planning, partnerships, funding, community engagement, and project delivery.
• Confident working independently while influencing outcomes through collaboration and relationships.
• Diplomatic, politically astute, and able to navigate competing priorities and diverse perspectives.
• Someone who sees possibilities where others see barriers and enjoys bringing people together around shared goals.

In this role, you will:

• Lead implementation of Cochrane's Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan and advance initiatives that strengthen community identity and cultural vitality.
• Develop policies, programs, partnerships, and funding frameworks that support a thriving arts, culture, and heritage sector.
• Support the delivery of the Community Grants Program and contribute to the administration of partnership, funding, and service agreements with community organizations.
• Build strong relationships with community groups, artists, heritage organizations, developers, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Champion arts, culture, and heritage through municipal planning, placemaking, public spaces, and community development initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and Council, secure external funding opportunities, and ensure responsible stewardship of municipal investments.
• Navigate diverse stakeholder interests with diplomacy, political acumen, and a collaborative approach.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Shape and implement Cochrane's Parks, Culture & Active Living Master Plan and help define the future of arts, culture, and heritage in a growing community.
• Build programs, partnerships, and community investments that strengthen community identity and leave a lasting legacy.
• Work alongside passionate community organizations, volunteers, artists, heritage groups, developers, and civic leaders who care deeply about Cochrane's future.
• Influence how arts, culture, and heritage are reflected in new developments, public spaces, and community gathering places.
• Enjoy diverse and meaningful work spanning strategic planning, community engagement, partnership development, placemaking, and community development.
• Join a collaborative, community-focused organization that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Access a comprehensive benefits package, pension plan, and professional development opportunities.
• Benefit from a flexible work environment that supports work-life balance while accommodating occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and community initiatives.

We're looking for someone with:

• Strong strategic planning, policy development, financial management, and program delivery experience.
• Knowledge of municipal governance, community development, and partnership-based service delivery.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, relationship-building, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, influence outcomes, build consensus, and navigate complex stakeholder, political, and community environments.
• The ability to analyze complex issues, develop practical recommendations, and present information to senior leadership and Council.
• Membership in a professional association related to arts, culture, heritage, community development, or municipal leadership is considered an asset.

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees. As part of our team, you'll take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, and participate in orientations and training.

If you're energized by the opportunity to build partnerships, bring a community vision to life, and help shape the future of arts, culture, and heritage in one of Alberta's fastest-growing communities, we'd love to hear from you.

$69.97/hour, 35 hours/week + benefits and pension!

Applications will be accepted until 9pm MST August 23, 2026 atwww.cochrane.ca/jobs

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