Director of Community Services

At the City of Welland, we're continuously rewriting our story. Not because we don't know where we're going, but because we are constantly reaching for new heights, engaging in new approaches, and pursuing what many believe to be unattainable or too ambitious. We're not satisfied with the status quo, and we're certainly not satisfied with doing things a certain way simply because that's how they were done in the past.

We expect our population to increase to over 80,000 in the next 20 years, and serving a diverse, growing community requires strategic thinkers, norm breakers, and passionate civil servants. In Niagara, Welland's growth leads every other municipality, and the City is becoming the region's heartbeat.

So, we invite you to author your chapter and contribute to the overall body of work the City of Welland is creating. At the City of Welland, your ideas are nurtured, your input is invited, a healthy work-life balance is available, and most importantly, your voice will make a difference.

About the Position

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Community Services is an executive leadership position overseeing multiple Divisions including Recreation, Sport and Culture, Parks, Forestry and Cemeteries, and Facilities (city-wide). This position is also a primary connection to various community-based organizations such as the Welland Museum, Library, and Youngs Sportsplex. A direct connection to various community-based service agencies on community matters, programs and initiatives is also directly related to this position and the Department’s objectives.

The Community Services Department is directly involved in improving the quality of life of all residents and is primarily aligned with the Strategic Priorities of Health and Well‑being and Livability. General operations of the Department include assessing community recreation, sport and culture needs, implementing programming and events, partnership development, parks and forestry operations and maintenance, capital planning and development for city‑wide facilities and parks infrastructure, and associated project management. As a significant feature in Welland, the Recreational Canal is a significant aspect of this department, boasting various sporting events and recreational opportunities.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties listed are not meant to provide a description of every job performed but only those which represent the core functions of the job.

• Maintain effective working relationships and act as a resource for City Council, related Boards and Committees and relevant departments within the City.
• Attend Council meetings and prepare reports for Council meetings and any Committee meetings that have topics related to the Community Services Department.
• Actively participate in Corporate Leadership Team meetings and activities.
• Prepare and administer, within approved limits, the annual departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Develop and recommend short‑ and long‑term departmental plans for all services that are provided by the department. Ensure that the delivery of service in the areas of responsibility meets regulatory requirements and internal quality control standards.
• Develop, recommend, coordinate, and administer strategic department policies, procedures and standards specific to the division / service areas within the Department.
• Represent the City at relevant hearings.
• Ensure that the maintenance, care, custody, and perpetual inventory of all departmental equipment.
• Ensure information to the Community regarding the policies and practices of the Department is current.
• Ensure the maintenance of technical, statistical, and other pertinent data, necessary by law, and considered useful in the planning and evaluation of departmental functions.
• Coordinate research and oversee the completion and submission of external grant / funding opportunities for the City within the areas of responsibility.
• Ensure that cash, receipts, billings, grants, etc. are collected / received and accounted for in accordance with procedures and controls specified by the City Treasurer.
• Direct the operation and maintenance of the City’s recreational and park facilities ensuring optimum goals and standards are met.
• Direct the operation and maintenance of the City’s residential and non‑residential facilities ensuring optimum goals and standards are met.
• Develop and implement short‑ and long‑term business plans for parks, recreation and programming activities and events.
• Conduct surveys, analyses and make recommendations on the recreational needs and interests of the Community, including additional facilities and programs.
• Liaise with various community groups, agencies or individuals that provide or propose to provide parks and / or recreation facilities in and for the Community.
• Ensure the development and implementation of such recreation programs as may be approved and / or sponsored by Council.
• Ensure that an adequate level of service in the provision of Community Services Programs is provided to the City.
• Perform such other duties necessary to maintain the continuity of the Department functions for the City.
• Create and maintain an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort; including but not limited to providing, communicating a vision, motivating, inspiring, coaching / mentoring and training, developing the departmental team, facilitating innovation, problem‑solving and collaboration, and maintaining healthy group dynamics.
• For all direct reports and subject to the Human Resources Policies, appraise the performance and conduct of employees, provide coaching and discipline, schedule and manage absenteeism.
• Encourage and assist in maintaining a high standard of morale, for all direct and indirect reports.
• Ensure operations and practices are consistent with the terms of any Collective Agreement and / or By‑Law and that the administration of such agreement and / or By‑Law is carried out.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

What you need to Succeed...

Salary and Benefit Information

$178,664 - $209,011 (2026 rates)

Why Choose Welland?

How to Apply

Submit a current application which includes a current cover letter and resume.

The City of Welland is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes. In addition, the City of Welland is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Should you require any accommodations, we will work to meet your needs.

All applications are held in strict confidence. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. No phone calls, please.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is for employment assessment purposes only.

Corporation of the City of Welland | 60 East Main Street | Welland, ON | L3B 3X4 | welland.ca

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