TELUS Spark Science Centre acknowledges it is situated on the traditional Lands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, the Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently Métis Nation of Alberta Region III. Spark recognizes and supports the depth of science within these Lands, Languages, Stories, and Peoples, that have been caretakers of this Land, where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, their home for thousands of years.
TELUS Spark Science Centre, a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math, and the arts. With roots that go back to 1967 and the opening of the Calgary Centennial Planetarium, Spark is a leader in science education programming and science communications. When it opened in its current location in 2011, it was the first purpose-built science centre in the country in 25 years. It is home to one of the largest dome theatres in western Canada, five large science galleries, and a 15-acre park including a playground built around the science of the developing brain.
For over 55 years, Calgary’s science centre has been a pillar in educating and immersing audiences in the fascinating world of science and technology. It’s been a beacon of innovation, a hub for curious minds to explore, and a place for hundreds of thousands of people to come together.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be responsible for the overall leadership and transformation of the science centre into a world class and leading-edge organization for learning, science entertainment, and STEAM education. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and engaging leader to build on the momentum of success, and to evolve Spark into its next chapter of growth. This includes collaborating with the Board to focus the vision supported by the $45 million Keep Calgary Curious campaign. They will be accountable to lead a dedicated team of passionate professionals in re-imagining the centre’s spaces to make them more accessible and inclusive, to develop engaging science programming that inspires curiosity, and to deliver an outstanding and welcoming visitor experience.
The CEO will ensure continued strength in operational and financial performance, and foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and authenticity. They are a champion of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and have a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, Ways of Knowing, and Indigenous science. They will motivate colleagues and volunteers to advance Spark’s offerings through thought provoking, interactive, and immersive experiences, which will empower Spark to inspire and delight visitors of all ages, means and abilities on a whole new level.
The successful candidate is a creative leader who has executive level experience in an audience driven organization, a track record in revenue generation or external funding successes, and the ability to build strong relationships with government, academic institutions, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and community. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of developing, prioritizing, and facilitating capital expenditures for physical spaces with educational and entertaining elements such as programs, events, and experiences. Applicants should come equipped with previous organizational profit & loss and budget responsibility, an understanding of Board governance, strategic planning, marketing, and either working knowledge within or at arm’s length with not-for profit entities.
About Calgary
Recently ranked the 3rd most liveable city in the world (2022) by The Economist Intelligence Unit, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family. Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with an awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, rivers and gorgeous prairie.
Consistently rated by the United Nations as the world’s best country to live in, Canada is the world’s second largest country by total area and is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.
Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of TELUS Spark. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence, with the subject line “TELUS Spark CEO” to apply@janet-soles .
