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Director of Operations

Edmonton Downtown Business Association

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization 

As the lead activator and advocate shaping Downtown Edmonton, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) works on behalf of member businesses to support and deliver a vibrant and remarkable Downtown experience, rooted in inclusion, diversity, prosperity, and resilience. The EDBA is an independent non-profit organization and is responsible for the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA). 

The EDBA’s work is carried out through many avenues, such as delivering services that improve the downtown experience, advocating on behalf of Downtown Edmonton to all orders of government, creating and supporting public events across Downtown, and promoting Downtown businesses.  

They focus and prioritize their work based on the following strategic priorities: 

  • Serving as the leading voice and convening force in Downtown recovery 
  • Ensuring the Downtown community is active in solutions to systemic social issues 
  • Generating continuous service value for members 
  • Creating and promoting a remarkable, attractive Downtown experience 

For more information on the EDBA, please visit their website

The Opportunity 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 
Direct Reports: 2 full-time: Project Coordinator, Public Space Activations; and Operations Analyst. Seasonally, one summer student.
Location: Edmonton, Alberta (In Office and On-site; with flexibility)  

Mandate 

The Director of Operations leads the Edmonton Downtown Business Association’s (EDBA) Operations department, overseeing the delivery of our Core Care Services, supporting public space activations throughout the year, managing annual beautification programs, and leading on other projects that contribute to a vibrant and attractive downtown experience.  

This role requires an emphasis on strong leadership, diligent program administration, skillful personnel management, and cultivating strong working relationships with external partners, all of which are required to ensure operational excellence and to support the fulfillment of the EDBA’s mandate and strategic priorities.  

Key Accountabilities 

Project Planning and Project Management  

Manage recurring annual beautification projects, for example: 

  1. Blooming Boulevards: Coordinate placement, watering, and maintenance of summer flower planters and hanging baskets as well as winter greenery 
  1. Downtown Safety and Vibrancy Summit: Lead the planning and execution of the annual 200+ person event in collaboration with BOMA Edmonton 
  1. Streetscape Banners and Winter Lights: Manage the inventory of Edmonton Downtown branded streetscape banners and the annual installation, takedown, storage and maintenance of outdoor decorative streetscape winter lights  
  • Responsible for the planning, budget management, project management, and reporting on other new special projects under the Operations banner undertaken by the EDBA, generally in partnership with the City of Edmonton, Government of Alberta, or PrairiesCanada (e.g. microgrant programs, improvements to public spaces, installations of new street furniture or other assets, research projects) 
  • Work closely with the Director, Finance & Administration and the CEO on all budgets, expenditures, and project logistics that have a financial or governance component   
  • Support the EDBA’s public space activations and events such as Downtown Winterval and the Downtown Farmers’ Market by addressing operational needs 

Operational Excellence 

  • Maintain an eye on data collection and analysis, always striving to demonstrate measurable results of our programs and services and to make evidence-based decisions that improve downtown safety, cleanliness, vibrancy and attractiveness 
  • Take ownership of the EDBA’s Salesforce-based CRM platform and our other operations technology platforms, ensuring there are strong processes and systems in place for inputting, managing, and using data, staying up to date on user training for relevant team members, and managing our technology contracts 
  • Serve as the primary liaison with the City of Edmonton for operational matters, including snow and ice management, streetscape and infrastructure maintenance, graffiti removal, etc. 
  • Conduct regular audits of the downtown public realm, working with City of Edmonton partners for timely resolution of cleanliness, safety, and infrastructure issues 
  • Develop and actively manage all program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals 

Relationship Management  

  • Maintain and enhance partnerships with the City of Edmonton, EPS, EPCOR and other utilities, the downtown business community, REACH Edmonton, infrastructure construction contractors, private property managers, the social services sector and social enterprises, and other partners to ensure the EDBA is playing a proactive role in supporting a safe, clean, accessible, and attractive downtown experience.  
  • Collaborate with the EDBA’s marketing and communications team to inform EDBA members and the public about our operational initiatives, events, and programs 
  • Represent the EDBA at events, meetings, and conferences as required 

Candidate Profile 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following: 

  • You’re familiar with and passionate about Downtown Edmonton 
  • You’re interested in public infrastructure, property management, urban planning, major events and festivals, or a related field and have the leadership experience to back this up (relevant education or work experience will be considered an asset)  
  • You have experience in client service, project management, property management, event management, and/or municipal operations roles 
  • You’re a whiz at planning, managing, and reporting on budgets and project delivery  
  • You’re a creative problem solver who loves taking on new challenges 
  • You’re relationship-oriented and comfortable working with multiple external contractors and partners 
  • You enjoy a close-knit, small team environment with fluid, open, and honest communication 
  • You’re able to responsively prioritize and work flexibly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while leading a multidisciplinary team. 
  • You have a high attention to detail and are very attuned to your physical surroundings  
  • You take a structured and well-documented approach to managing projects  
  • You take ownership of projects and are content to work independently  
  • You’re inquisitive and interested in pursuing continual improvement on the status quo 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The EDBA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. The EDBA welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages women, members of racialized communities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at the time of application.  In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and the EDBA throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send a resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com on or before February 17th, 2025, with the organization name and position title in the subject line of your email.