Manager, Arts & Creative IndustriesCompetition Number: 23844
Primary Work Location: Waterloo City Centre
Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting
Salary Range: $119,375.00 - $149,229.00 (Band D - 2027 rates)
Number of Positions: 1 (Current Vacancy)
Employment Group: Management
Job Status: Regular Full Time
Posting Release Date: October 29, 2026
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Posting Closing Date: November 26, 2026
What you will do:The City of Waterloo is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Manager, Arts & Creative Industries. This position is responsible for leading the planning, development and delivery of programs, services and strategies that support the growth of Waterloo's arts and creative industries within the broader creative sector.
Working within the Economic Development Department, the Manager will lead a team of professionals and work in partnership with internal divisions, external stakeholders and community organizations to advance the City's priorities related to the creative sector. The role contributes to city-building by supporting a vibrant creative ecosystem, strengthening the local creative economy, celebrating Waterloo's diverse local cultures through arts, cultural programming, festivals and events, and enhancing quality of life for residents.
Key Accountabilities
Leadership & People Management
- Provide effective leadership, direction and supervision to assigned staff, including performance management, coaching and development.
- Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative team environment aligned with the City's values.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration and foster positive and effective working relationships with internal departments and external partners.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with community stakeholders, creative organizations and sector leaders.
Strategic Planning & Policy Development
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the City's Arts Strategy and related plans.
- Research, develop and recommend policies, programs and initiatives that support the arts and creative industries.
- Monitor trends, emerging issues and opportunities within the creative sector to inform strategic decision-making.
- Provide advice and recommendations to senior management and Council on investments and priorities related to the creative sector.
Arts & Creative Sector Development
- Oversee the City's public art program, including policy implementation, procurement processes and collection management.
- Lead the start to finish planning, coordination and delivery of programs, festivals, cultural programming and community-led initiatives, in collaboration with internal departments and external partners, that showcase local talent, celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences of Waterloo's communities, and contribute to a vibrant public realm.
- Collaborate with other City departments to support the delivery of other cultural and neighbourhood events.
- Facilitate community engagement and audience development opportunities across diverse artistic disciplines, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience, participate in and connect through arts and cultural activities.
- Provide guidance and support to arts organizations and creative practitioners, including funding and grant navigation.
Creative Industry Development
- Develop and implement initiatives to support the growth of creative industries, including digital media, film, music and design.
- Collaborate with post-secondary institutions, industry partners and entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for sector growth.
- Support the attraction and retention of creative businesses and productions within Waterloo.
- Strengthen partnerships with key organizations within the creative sector.
- Strengthen connections between the creative industries, local arts organizations, festivals and event organizers to foster collaboration, support local talent and enhance the visibility of Waterloo's creative and cultural offerings.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Develop, monitor and manage operating and capital budgets.
- Prepare reports, business cases and funding applications.
- Oversee City facilities and creative spaces as assigned.
- Support advisory committees and working groups, ensuring effective governance and administration.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
What you will bring: - Minimum three (3) year diploma in arts administration, creative sector management, economic development, public administration or a related discipline. University degree in the above fields is preferred.
- Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in arts, creative industries or the creative sector, including supervisory or leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development and program implementation.
- Experience working with community stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, government agencies and industry partners.
- Knowledge of municipal government processes and the Canadian arts, creative industries and broader creative sector.
- Familiarity with relevant federal and provincial funding programs.
- Strong project management, research, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the City effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business applications.
- Experience managing public art programs or collections is considered an asset.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
- A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.
What we will require:- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City.
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications.
- Regular schedule Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required.
