Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
For 60 years, Heritage Park has been one of Calgary’s most beloved family destinations and community gathering places, and one of Alberta’s top tourist attractions. As a not-for-profit, charitable organization, our mission is to preserve and present the stories and people that reveal the unique heritage and development of Canada’s Prairies. We believe that learning from the past helps our community better understand our world today and thus inspires new possibilities for a brighter tomorrow. In today’s turbulent world, fostering a sense of shared humanity has never been more important.
Located in the heart of southwest Calgary, Heritage Park is situated on a 127-acre peninsula of prime parkland surrounded on three sides by the Glenmore Reservoir, with views of the majestic Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary.
The Park is most famous for its 65-acre seasonal Historical Village, home to Canada’s largest collection of historical buildings, where 55,000 artifacts and 1,500 employees & volunteers create an immersive experience that Brings History to Life. In addition, our year-round Heritage Plaza features two restaurants, ice cream shop, three retail outlets and a 75,000-sq-ft transportation museum. Overall, in 2023 Heritage Park hosted more than 620,000 visitors. We are particularly proud that in hosting more than 50,000 kids for school programs each year, we are one of largest educators of school-age children in Calgary.
The Park’s Management team is led by the President and Chief Executive Officer, a four-person executive team, seven directors, 130 full-time staff, and 600 seasonal and part-time employees. In addition, 800 dedicated community volunteers generously donate their time in a variety of supporting roles. Guiding the organization are two governance boards: Heritage Park Society Board of Trustees, and the Heritage Park Foundation Board of Trustees.
Reporting to and working closely with the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is the Park’s senior leader responsible for cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and government, with the goal of securing new levels of support for Heritage Park’s vision. The CDO provides leadership, management and mentorship to the Fund Development team, developing and implementing strategic plans that integrate the disciplines of fund development, strategic communications, government relations, community relations, grant writing and corporate partnerships. The CDO is a key member of the executive leadership team, working collaboratively with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan and vision.
As the CDO, you will preferably have an earned Master’s or equivalent in a relevant field. In addition, you are preferably a non-profit leader who has maintained an active and growing base of leadership experience for at least 10-15 years. You will be a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated track record of fostering a culture of collegiality and collaboration within an organization. You will have demonstrated a successful track record in leading fund development, government relations and community development.
Heritage Park has engaged DHR Global to manage this search. To explore this exciting opportunity further, please contact or submit your resume to lmiller@dhrglobal.com. This application portal will remain open until the position is filled.
We thank all candidates for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.
Heritage Park is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
