Program Manager, Convening and Summits
/JOB TITLE:
Program Manager, Convening and Summits
ORGANIZATION:
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
DEADLINE:
Aug. 15, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus—artists, leaders, and thinkers—to unleash their creative potential.
WEBSITE:
http://www.banffcentre.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Program Manager works in collaboration with departments across the organization—from Leadership and Program Administration to Finance, IT, and Marketing—to coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables. Acting as both a program and project manager, the Program Manager ensures that every stage of a program, from initial planning to final evaluation, runs smoothly. A strong emphasis is placed on clear communication, team coordination, and respectful engagement with staff, participants, and guests to support Banff Centre’s reputation as a premier hub for arts, leadership, and conference programming.
The Convening and Summits portfolio is a core area of leadership activity at Banff Centre, alongside Cultural and Indigenous Leadership. These convenings support Banff Centre’s strategic goal to be a national and global leader by hosting thought leaders, artists, scholars, and changemakers in facilitated, retreat-style gatherings that shape arts and leadership programming. The Program Manager will support the development, planning, and delivery of these convenings in alignment with institutional learning outcomes. Events in this portfolio vary in nature—from research and development gatherings that inform future programming, to high-profile national and international summits that elevate Banff Centre’s thought leadership profile, to companion gatherings that enrich participant experiences in both arts and leadership programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with key stakeholders and document the scope of the program plan and events
Break projects down into manageable tasks, schedule deliverables, identify resource needs, and assign responsibilities
Communicate clearly with delivery teams to support smart decisions during design and implementation
Manage daily project activities, ensuring alignment with Banff Centre’s values, strategic objectives, and design signature
Monitor and guide resources and procedures as outlined in project plans
Oversee application, adjudication, and notification processes according to Banff Centre policies
Develop regular communication and reporting processes for milestones, deliverables, and risk mitigation
Coordinate resource planning and allocation within approved budgets and timelines
Establish and manage program and event deadlines to ensure quality experiences
Engage teams throughout project implementation and promptly communicate issues beyond their control
Understand and respect operational needs of facilities, locations, production, and hospitality
Ensure marketing, communications, and donor engagement milestones are included in project planning
Provide timely information for grant applications and donor/government reports
Oversee operations to ensure seamless service delivery and support for the organization
Foster open communication, clear direction, and a supportive, inclusive team culture
Ensure adherence to Banff Centre policies, systems, and planning procedures
Maintain current data in program management and financial systems and communicate changes to stakeholders
Coordinate or participate in program evaluations and provide recommendations
Develop and implement stakeholder communication plans and evaluate internal success through meetings
Promote excellent customer service, guest experience, and operational integrity
Maintain positive relationships with staff, partners, unions, and stakeholders
Collaborate with HR and Program Administration for participant-related matters including recruitment, training, discipline, and orientation
QUALIFICATIONS:
A degree or diploma in a related field or equivalent professional experience
Professional experience in related management roles
Experience working in a unionized environment
Demonstrated leadership in promoting a safe and healthy workplace; experience developing risk assessments and safe practices
Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively
Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations and best practices
Experience with technical assessments and project budgeting
Effective under pressure with strong prioritization skills
Exceptional organizational and time management abilities
Self-motivated with a commitment to participant service excellence; flexible availability
Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
HOW TO APPLY:
We are accepting applications for the Program Manager position until a suitable candidate is found. Candidates offered a position will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record prior to receiving a final offer. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist with obtaining Canadian work authorization.
REMUNERATION:
$68,714 – $102,040 based on experience
