Manager, Agriculture & Innovation
Westerner Park View all jobs
- Red Deer, AB
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide leadership in agricultural innovation, partnerships, and sector engagement
- Represent Westerner Park within agricultural forums, industry groups, and collaborative initiatives
- Monitor emerging trends, research, and policy developments impacting agriculture and agri-food systems
- Elevate the strategic importance and visibility of agriculture within the organization
- Lead the strategic design and delivery of innovation-focused agricultural programming
- Serve as lead for flagship initiatives such as the Agriculture Food and Innovation Expo (AFIE)
- Translate research, industry trends, and stakeholder input into practical, producer-focused programming
- Support the development of additional agricultural events, workshops, and engagement initiatives
- Collaborate with Consultants for Agri-Trade and Ag Smart to support event delivery, partnerships, and representation of Westerner Park
- Develop and sustain long-term relationships with industry partners, sponsors, research institutions, and government stakeholders
- Create and implement partnership and sponsorship strategies aligned with organizational objectives
- Coordinate partner engagement across events and year-round initiatives
- Support sustainable program delivery through diversified partnerships
- Establish and facilitate agricultural volunteer committees, advisory groups, and focus groups
- Ensure producer and industry perspectives inform program planning and priorities
- Strengthen volunteer engagement through clear structure, purpose, and communication
- Lead agriculture-specific communications strategies in collaboration with internal teams
- Ensure clear, consistent messaging to producers, partners, and stakeholders
- Support meaningful year-round engagement beyond individual events
- Establish and track performance indicators related to participation, partnerships, and program outcomes
- Support reporting requirements for grants, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives
- Use evaluation findings to inform continuous improvement and future planning
- Post-secondary education in agriculture, agri-business, communications, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in agriculture, agri-food, event programming, partnerships, or sector engagement
- Demonstrated experience building and managing industry or community partnerships
- Strong understanding of agricultural systems, producer needs, and agri-food value chains
- Proven ability to lead projects, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively across teams
- Familiarity with Alberta’s agriculture sector and government priorities
- Experience working with agricultural societies, industry associations, or public-sector organizations
- Experience with sponsorship development or partnership-based funding models
- Experience working with volunteers or advisory committees
At Westerner Park, you’ll be part of a team driven by purpose and community. We offer:
- Competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, life, and disability coverage.
- RRSP matching program to help secure your financial future.
- Generous vacation and paid time off to recharge and explore.
- Opportunities for professional development and internal growth.
- Exclusive staff discounts and access to the Perkopolis Discount Program.
- A vibrant, flexible, and inclusive workplace culture where work-life balance truly matters.
- The satisfaction of contributing to a non-profit organization that strengthens the local community.