Operations Manager

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) is seeking a Manager of Operations for a full-time, one-year temporary position covering a maternity leave from September 1, 2026 to October 12, 2027. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role plays a key part in supporting a clean, safe and vibrant downtown by overseeing core operational programs, coordinating public realm initiatives, and managing relationships with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will lead day-to-day operational projects, support community activations and events, and help deliver the high-quality services that contribute to a welcoming and thriving downtown experience for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

THE ORGANIZATION

As the lead activator and advocate shaping Downtown Edmonton, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) works on behalf of our member businesses to shape a welcoming downtown experience supporting and creating opportunity for businesses to succeed in the heart of Alberta’s capital city. 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.

We focus and prioritize our work based on the following strategic priorities centred on members and on the goal of improving the public experience of Downtown:

· Foster deeper connections with members and champion their success

· Align and unite with businesses and partners shaping downtown

· Create and promote vibrancy

· Support and advocate for safety and security

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager supports the Director of Operations with a focus on creating a clean and safe Downtown environment by overseeing Downtown Core Care programs and ensure a high quality of operational service provision from partners within Downtown.

This role manages the EDBA’s public space activations (Downtown Farmers’ Market and Downtown Winterval), communicating to the internal team and collaborating with the event producer chosen to work on the activations.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Well-being

· Oversee the activities and reporting of the social enterprise contractor for the Downtown Shine program, which provides supplemental cleaning services on public property, such as litter pickup and power washing

· Manage ongoing operations of the Downtown Ambassadors program, including working with external partners and recruiting and onboarding the Ambassadors

· Analyze Downtown Core Patrol program to create key performance indicator reports on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis to track trends and provide insights on program performance.

Construction & Infrastructure

· Work with our partners at the City of Edmonton to find ways to secure additional supplemental/enhanced service provision on public property, within Downtown such as street and sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal, light maintenance of sidewalks and streetscape fixtures, and snow & ice management.

· Support the Director of Operations to hold a proactive and productive relationship with City of Edmonton Operations staff to address ongoing operational matters such as cleaning and maintenance, etc.

· Coordinate with Ambassador Team Lead to conduct regular, thorough audits and assessments of the public realm throughout Downtown, through routine 311 reporting and audits of EDBA assets on public infrastructure. 

· Support the coordination of the installation/takedown of BIA-owned streetscape décor, i.e. banners on streetlights, working with the City of Edmonton and other contractors as required.

Events & Activations

· Support planning and executing the Safety & Vibrancy Summit miniseries.

· Sit on the planning committee of the Downtown Campus Block Party

· Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to execute the Downtown Spring Clean Up on Earth Day, organizing supplies, volunteers, and partnerships with supporting businesses and organizations.

· Coordinate the deliveries of local campaigns for downtown businesses like Explore Edmonton’s business event promotion kits, City of Edmonton’s shop local campaigns, and Chamber of Commerce campaigns/events.

Relationship Management

· Communicate with EDBA members both directly and through the internal Communications team in matters such as property improvement grant programs, seasonal initiatives, safety matters, road closures, and major construction projects.

· Support internal team members, EDBA members and other event organizers with ensuring smooth and efficient execution of events and placemaking activities on public property, (e.g. supporting with traffic operations or arranging for additional street cleaning in advance)

· Maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including EPS, social agencies and outreach teams, City of Edmonton staff, event producers, partner organizations (HireGood, MacEwan, Norquest, and DECL) and major festivals & arts organizations

Requirements

· Full-time, contract (cover maternity leave 09/01/2026 to 10/12/2027)

· 37.5 hrs/week, salaried position (range $65,000 to $90,000)

· 75% indoor, desk work / 25% outdoor, ‘on-site’ (depending on events and schedule)

· Reports to the Director of Operations

· Occasional evenings and weekends planned during events

Skills & Expertise

· You’re familiar with and passionate about Downtown Edmonton

· You’re interested in public infrastructure, property management, urban planning, or a related field (relevant education or work experience will be considered an asset)

· You have experience in client service, project management, property 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 service-oriented and comfortable working with multiple external contractors, stakeholders, 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 fast-paced environment

· 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

CLOSING DATE: July 31, 2026.

PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER WITH YOUR RESUME .