Manager, Agriculture

Ignite a meaningful career at Westerner Park — where opportunity, growth, and purpose converge.

Westerner Park is seeking a dynamic and relationship-focused Manager, Agriculture to join our leadership team. This exciting role is responsible for strengthening Westerner Park's agricultural presence through industry partnerships, stakeholder engagement, sponsorship development, and innovative agricultural programming.

As agriculture continues to evolve, so do the expectations of producers, industry leaders, government, and community partners. This position plays a key role in advancing Westerner Park's long-term agricultural vision by building strategic relationships, leading meaningful agricultural initiatives, and fostering collaboration across Alberta's agricultural sector. The role complements the organization's strengths in event delivery, operations, and community engagement while creating year-round value for the agricultural community.

What You'll Do

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager, Agriculture is responsible for the following:

Agricultural Leadership & Industry Relations

• Provide leadership in agricultural partnerships, industry relations, and sector engagement.
• Represent Westerner Park within agricultural forums, industry associations, commodity groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Monitor emerging industry trends, market developments, and policy changes affecting agriculture and agri-food systems.
• Elevate the visibility and strategic importance of agriculture across the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, agricultural organizations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.

Agricultural Programming & Industry Engagement

• Lead the strategic design and delivery of agricultural programming, events, and engagement initiatives.
• Serve as the lead for key agricultural initiatives, including the Agriculture Food and Innovation Expo (AFIE).
• Translate industry trends and stakeholder feedback into practical, producer-focused programming.
• Support the development of new agricultural events, workshops, and year-round engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with consultants to support event delivery, partnership development, and representation of Westerner Park.

Partnerships & Sponsorship Development

• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with industry partners, sponsors, agricultural organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Create and implement partnership and sponsorship strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities that support agricultural programming and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate partner engagement across events and year-round initiatives.
• Support sustainable program delivery through diversified partnerships, sponsorships, and stakeholder collaboration.

Volunteer Committees & Advisory Structures

• Establish, support, and facilitate agricultural volunteer committees, advisory groups, and focus groups.
• Ensure producer and industry perspectives meaningfully inform program planning and organizational priorities.
• Strengthen volunteer engagement through clear purpose, structure, and communication.
• Foster meaningful participation from industry leaders and agricultural stakeholders.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead agriculture-specific communications and engagement strategies in collaboration with internal teams.
• Ensure consistent, clear messaging to producers, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong year-round relationships with agricultural stakeholders, industry associations, producers, and community partners.
• Promote Westerner Park's agricultural initiatives and strategic priorities throughout the sector.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to participation, engagement, partnerships, sponsorships, and program outcomes.
• Support reporting requirements for grants, sponsorships, and strategic initiatives.
• Use evaluation findings to drive continuous improvement and future planning.

This role is expected to adapt to organizational needs and may take on additional duties or responsibilities as required.

What You'll Bring

• Post-secondary education in agriculture, agri-business, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in agriculture, agri-business, stakeholder relations, partnerships, event programming, sponsorship development, or sector engagement.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing industry, community, or business partnerships.
• Strong understanding of agricultural systems, producer needs, and agri-food value chains.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across teams.
• Familiarity with Alberta's agriculture sector and government priorities.
• Experience working with agricultural societies, industry associations, producer groups, or public-sector organizations.
• Experience with sponsorship development, fundraising, or partnership-based funding models.
• Experience working with volunteers, advisory committees, or governance structures.
• An established network within Alberta's agriculture industry is considered an asset.

Work Environment

As part of a major events organization, flexibility is essential. This role may require evening and weekend work based on event schedules and operational needs.

Occasional travel throughout Alberta to attend industry meetings, conferences, trade shows, and stakeholder events will also be required.

Why Join Westerner Park?

At Westerner Park, you'll be part of a team driven by purpose, collaboration, and community impact. We offer:

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability benefits.
• RRSP matching program to help you invest in your future.
• Professional development and opportunities for career growth.
• Exclusive employee discounts and access to the Perkopolis Discount Program.
• A flexible, inclusive workplace that values work-life balance.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a community-focused, not-for-profit organization.

Explore a career where agriculture, innovation, and community come together. Join Westerner Park and help shape the future of agriculture in Central Alberta and beyond.

Realize your potential and apply today to begin your extraordinary story with us.

Affiliation: Out-of-Scope

Thank you for your interest in Westerner Park. We look forward to reviewing your application. 

Westerner Park welcomes all applicants for this position. Should you be individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, accommodation is available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used.