Service Area: Public Services
Department: Culture and Recreation
Work Location: Choose an item.
Work Mode: Hybrid
Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy
Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position(s) 
Salary Range: $108,726.80- $135,908.50 per year
Affiliation: Non-Union
Posting Period: May 1, 2026 to May 19, 2026 11:59 p.m.

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Reporting to the General Manager of Culture and Recreation, the Manager, Recreation Programming is responsible for the oversight and governance of all City recreation programs across all age groups, outreach community programming , and volunteer services. The Manager, Recreation Programming will also be involved in a variety of special projects, , creation of departmental training plans and the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Administrative Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, excellence and wellness, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision – to be the city that makes a difference.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall leadership of City-wide municipal recreation, aquatics, camps, active living programs and volunteer supports for all ages and abilities.
• Oversees the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of staff.
• Responsible for the completion of performance development plans which includes setting annual objectives and identifying the training and development needs of staff.
• Maintains positive and effective relationships between internal and external stakeholders, including staff, community organizations, and program participants.
• Identifies, develops and maintains programming opportunities in the community with local partners and with other government levels and community agencies.
• Develops, supports, and promotes the City of Guelph partnerships and manages existing partnership agreements.
• Analyses metrics and satisfaction ratings to identify areas for improvement and assists staff in making changes that meet customer needs.
• Researches and investigates programs and delivery methods, identifying improvements for Guelph.
• Plans implementation activities while ensuring cost efficiency and customer service.
• Liaises and represents the City of Guelph in a positive manner while working with consultants, contractors, suppliers, schools, the general community and other levels of government.
• Ensures that incidents are addressed in a timely and professional manner. Investigates and resolves escalated customer complaints and concerns.
• Develops business plans and work plans for applicable programs and/or recreation services and produces corporate reports as needed.
• Pursues and negotiates funding, donations, services/products in kind, and partnerships to facilitate optimal facility services, events and projects.
• Utilizes the Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a guiding document, providing leadership to team on advancing the work of the Older Adult strategy, the Youth Strategy and other recommendations within the plan.
• Assists with preparations of annual operating and capital budgets for assigned areas of responsibility; manages budgets in a fiscally responsible manner, maintains accurate financial records and systems.
• Reviews budgets on a continuous basis to ensure the achievement of goals; monitors, forecasts and mitigate shortfalls.
• Lead in the preparation of program related grants, which includes the implementation of the program, reporting requirements, and sustainability of all successful grants and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and requirements

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation and Leisure, Sport Management, or a related field. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Extensive experience in municipal recreation, community services, aquatics, camps, or related public-sector programming.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of recreation service delivery, business planning, customer service, and budget management.
• Experience supervising full time and part time staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets.
• Experience developing or maintaining partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, community stakeholders, elected representatives, and the general public.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under limited time constraints.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders with the ability to practice a high degree of confidentiality, discretion, tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Computer proficiency in MS 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must possess a valid Class “G” driver’s license with a good driving record and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Knowledge of Perfect Mind is an asset.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.
• High Five ® Principles of Healthy Child Development and/or Quest is an asset.
• National Lifeguard (NLS) and/or Lifesaving Instructor or Trainer is an asset.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid CPR/AED/First Aid certificate.

Hours of work
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. Some occasional weekend/evening work is required. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).

How to apply
Click "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by May 19, 2026.

Hiring Process Transparency
The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Privacy Notice
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.