Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide leadership in directing and administering Program Development and Implementation operations at Fort William Historical Park through the creation of quality programming and expanded program offerings responsive to the needs of students, visitors, tourists and group stakeholders from Ontario, Manitoba, the Mid West USA , and internationally. To provide strategic planning leadership, specialized program expertise, stakeholder relations, and policy and land use development advice to senior management to position Ontario as a leader in delivering a first class destination tourism attraction, and to strengthen attendance, revenue and economic development for the province.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within Fort William Historical Park which is a unique, leading, multi-component destination tourism attraction that provides outstanding cultural, recreational, entertainment and educational experiences for residents and visitors to North western Ontario, the position:

1. Leads and manages staff engaged in designing and implementing quality programming for tourists, visitors, schools, students, community organizations, stakeholders and the general public that includes: curriculum-based programs in such areas as historical (fur trade), native heritage, family life, environmental/ecological education and astronomy: adult and leisure-focused learning; recreation, camping, R/V and on-water programming;
exhibit fabrication; and innovative interpretive programming for all theatrical, educational and special event programs, including Bourgeois, Voyageur Tour Guide, Native Life, Women's history functional areas, multi day festivals, military re-enactments, and other special projects and events.

2. Promotes greater revenue generating potential for FWHP through the development and implementation of expanded programming by positioning user needs at the forefront of programming design and implementation for customers from within Ontario, Manitoba, the Mid West USA and internationally. Leads programming content for the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory utilizing current and historical astronomical principles to develop and implement programs associated with FWHP's Observatory Facility and Learning Centre. Plans and leads the development of DVD's, CDROM's, websites, virtual classrooms, TV and film production traditional media for schools and commercial markets.

3. Oversees the evolution of Aboriginal programming, including the development of an Aboriginal tourist attraction offering unique opportunities for learners, the public and stakeholder groups. Leads progressive approaches and the development of cross-disciplinary pedagogy. Leads the implementation of a rare skills retention and development plan encompassing First Nations artisans to preserve valuable Aboriginal cultural knowledge. Cultivates ongoing consultation with Aboriginal communities, organizations and contacts within the school system, the Nishnawbe-Ask Nation, Fort William First Nation, and the Métis Nation of Ontario, to promote cultural programming.

4. Coordinates land acquisition projects and land development initiatives for FWHP. Coordinates discussions with environmental and landscape engineers, and architects in initial planning stage. Leads program feasibility analysis, and recommends scope and design of land development. Serves as FWHP's liaison with regulatory authorities, and advises senior management on regulatory issues, financial viability and cost options. Ensures regulation adherence, approvals by local government and necessary permits. Oversees flood prevention projects and mitigation efforts. Manages land/road development including secondary emergency ingress/egress.

5. Prepares presentations, business cases, position papers, cost analyses, budget reports and briefings for the General Manager, the ADM, the Deputy Minister and the Minister. Provides advisory services on sensitive issues e.g., risk mitigation factors concerning potential land holders in proximity.
Seeks counsel from Legal Services concerning land use development, environmental considerations, risk management, and intellectual property development pertaining to learnware and other multi media products.

6. Acts as a key member of FWHP's senior management team to develop long term planning strategies to increase attendance, expand revenue and strengthen regional economic development. Leads policy development pertaining to FWHP interpretive policy and procedures across all program areas, and concerning land use development and risk management. Investigates and advises on potential legal, regulatory, financial, jurisdictional and legislative issues. Implements performance measurement and assessment mechanisms to ensure quality control of program content and delivery standards across all FWHP's heritage and contemporary programs. Acts for the General Manager during absences.

7. Cultivates linkages with stakeholders and builds partnerships with learning institutions (elementary to post secondary), alternative learning facilities (home schooling), school boards, universities, community groups (Guides and Scouts), the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and Francophone heritage and cultural associations. Leads projects related to joint commercial ventures, sponsorships, strategic partnerships, land-use development opportunities and alternative service delivery initiatives. Liaises with private sector service providers; and provincial, federal, municipal and regional conservation authorities, pertaining to flood mitigation, watershed management, land use development, parkland usage, zoning and by-laws.

8. Leads and directs FWHP's Volunteer Program (approximately 150) which includes recruitment and deployment across all program areas, in the provision of quality interpretive, education and event programming. Leads volunteer evaluation and recognition program delivery.

9. Leads and/or contributes to committees e.g., Thunder Bay Arts Heritage Alliance, Kaministquia Watershed Advisory Committee, City of Thunder Bay Cultural Planning Committee, Heart of the Continent Partnership Group, and the Canadian Heritage River System Development Group. Acts as Cochair of FWHP Health and Safety Committee.

10. Manages staff, makes decisions on selection, performance measurement and merit increases. Responds to grievances at Stage 1, and acts as Stage 2 designee on behalf of FWHP. Makes recommendations on discipline and release from employment. Ensures compliance with all relevant workplace legislation and programs/policies/directives. Oversees the development and delivery of training programs. Develops and administers a diversified operating budget and multi million dollar capital projects budget. Manages the procurement of services, supplies and capital assets.

Knowledge :

Progressive living history methodologies and applications; Canadian fur trade history; traditional old world and First Nation's artisan techniques, Women's History, material culture (i.e. canoe building, gunsmithing, ship, canoe building, bush craft) and structure fabrication; period music, dance, folklore and recreation) to ensure accurate depiction and quality programming activities. Aboriginal culture, history and the role of the Ontario Métis and Aboriginal Association, and Métis Nation of Ontario, to promote partnerships with Aboriginal communities. Retail product development relevant to heritage and educational learnware products; and business planning methodology, capital project management, and cost-benefit analysis applicable to a public attraction operating a diverse heritage, education, cultural, and historic/contemporary recreational program menu. FWHP corporate focus, and multi-year, strategic and operational planning processes to make decisions and recommendations supporting increased visitor attendance and revenue for FWHP. Theories and practices of land acquisition and land development to meet FWHP expanding requirements, and the principles of cost estimating and budgetary control to oversee capital projects. Relevant legislation, policies and directives concerning property rights, land use, planning, surveys, public lands and municipalities, and environmental considerations, to promote authoritative recommendations and compliance with established regulations. Program and policy development skills to develop and implement policies for programming operations within a non-traditional workplace, to
develop and implement standards of performance, and to assess program delivery effectiveness. Issues management, strategic planning and analytical skills to evaluate feasibility and recommend options, and advise on/recommend action to senior management. Managerial, leadership and project management skills to direct staff, and lead capital projects and initiatives. Legislation, regulations, and policy directives across provincial, municipal and federal jurisdictions that may influence current and emerging business at FWHP. Fiscal management, procurement, financial forecasting, budget administration, and relevant workplace legislation, e.g., human resources policies, collective agreements; workplace health and safety practice, including passenger vessels, and commercial kitchen operations, the use of regulated explosives, and the operation of day and residential programs for children. Oral communication, presentation and interpersonal skills to provide committee leadership, provide specialized advisory services and discuss issues with regulatory authorities. Written communication skills to prepare briefings, proposals and submissions for executive management. Partnership building, negotiating and consensus building skills to develop stakeholder relations and linkages.

Judgement :

The position functions with considerable independence under the direction of the General Manager, and within the framework of FWHP objectives, policies, procedures, guidelines, relevant acts, regulations, codes, requirements, criteria and standards. FWHP reflects a business enterprise approach which requires the position to exercise judgement in addressing the challenge of FWHP's ever-expanding and evolving mandate; visitor expectations; and multi-party agreements and partnerships. The position leads program diversification through land-use development and the restructuring of core programs, where programming is under continual revision and development, necessitating a high degree of leadership, creativity, flexibility and judgement by the position in order to achieve goals affected by a concentrated/seasonal operating environment, and to reassess priorities to accommodate additional program offerings; to exceed quality expectations of visitors, and to identify greater revenue generating opportunities for partnerships and commercial ventures that reflect the highest and best use of FWHP's resources. Judgement is required to ensure accurate depiction of sensitive and revisionist themes in Canadian fur trade history, particularly those that apply to Aboriginals, French Canadians, women and children, and the development of cross-disciplinary pedagogy; and to coincide competing issues of accuracy in historical depiction with those of customer comfort, safety and market demand. Judgement is required to develop and recommend new programming, standards, guidelines, procedures and policy; to lead staff, and provide specialized expertise, strategic planning and advisory services as a member of the senior management team; to oversee flood mitigation and emergency road access projects; to assess and respond to health and safety risks associated with public program and operational activities, and participation in FWHP programs, residential/day camp activities, and artisan, on-water and recreation activities, in order to
mitigate adverse impacts on staff, volunteers, students, children and the general public. Authoritative recommendations are expected by the position as it is viewed as FWHP's specialist with respect to land acquisition and land development. The position makes recommendations for real property acquisition and investment decisions with potential significant financial impact, and anticipates and advises on the impact/long range ramifications of all decisions. Land acquisition and development projects overseen by the position must reflect legal liability and audit supportability.

Accountability - Programs :

Program delivery directly impacts on the public, and the prosperity of local and regional communities in North western Ontario. The position provides leadership in directing and administering Program Development and Implementation operations at FWHP through the creation of quality programming and expanded program offerings responsive to the needs of students, visitors, tourists and group stakeholders from Ontario, Manitoba, the Mid West USA , and internationally. The position provides strategic planning leadership, policy advice, and land use development expertise to senior management; cultivates stakeholder relations; and prepares briefings for the ADM, Deputy Minister and Minister. Decisions and recommendations made by the position can have significant impact on FWHP's attendance and revenue generating potential.

Accountability – Personnel :

The position directly manages 1 Coordinator Education and Life Long Learning, 1 Interpretive Specialist, 1 Family Life and Volunteers Team Leader,1 Native Heritage Program Officer; and indirectly manages the following seasonal staff: 1 Education Team Leader, 1 Education and Recreation Specialist, 1 Bourgeois, Voyageur and Tour Assistant, 1 Native Heritage Specialist and 1 Native Program Assistant. The position provides technical direction to approximately 80-90 seasonal student positions, and approximately 150 volunteers.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

The position is responsible for budget administration, estimates and forecasting, and coordinates approximately 13.2 million dollars in capital projects. The position secures the integrity of period and reproduction artefacts, the safe operation of canoes and kayaks, and the use and storage of explosives. The position is entrusted to protect FWHP's material culture, heritage structures and intellectual property.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

The position leads program delivery supporting FWHP efforts to expand program offerings and strengthen its economic impact upon North western Ontario through its role as a major North American attraction. Program mismanagement could seriously restrict FWHP's strategic goal to increase revenue, meet the needs of stakeholders, and promote partnerships and sponsorships. Errors in judgement could result in reduced visitation and economic impact, decreased revenue, erosion of interpretive integrity, unfavourable publicity, damage to equipment and rare artefacts, and potential injury or unsafe situations and civil litigation. Failure to effectively lead land acquisition and development initiatives could also result in FWHP's inability to implement flood prevention measures.

Contact - Internal :

Maintains regular contact with program delivery staff, the General Manager, the Manager Maintenance and Facility Services, the Manager Marketing and Visitor Experiences, and the Manager Business and Enterprise Services to exchange information, discuss issues, make recommendations and collaborate on projects. Resolves issues with human resources and finance specialists in support of staff and fiscal resource activities. Exchanges information with the Investment Development Office and Ontario Shared Services. Maintains contact with Legal Services as it pertains to land use development, regulatory issues, intellectual property development and risk management. Discusses issues with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of the Environment. Leads and/or provides strategic planning and policy advisory services to
internal committees and project teams. Prepares/presents briefings to the ADM, Deputy Minister and occasionally the Minister concerning land acquisition and development.

Contact - External :

Maintains consultation with education and cultural organizations, community groups, tourism industry representatives, educators, schools, school boards, program partners, stakeholders and participants in national and USA historic sites\museum community, and guide/scout organizations; and with Aboriginal communities, organizations and contacts within the school system, the Nishnawbe-Ask Nation, Fort William First Nation, and the Métis Nation of Ontario, to promote programming. Shares information with provincial, federal and USA counterparts (historical and wilderness parks), land developers, city stakeholders, volunteer organizations and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Discusses land use, land erosion and flooding issues with contracted service suppliers, engineers, Ontario Power Generation, Lakehead Conservation Office and representatives of the City of Thunder Bay. Represents FWHP on committees such as the Thunder Bay Arts Heritage Alliance, Kaministquia Watershed Advisory Committee, City of Thunder Bay Cultural Planning Committee, Heart of the Continent Partnership Group, and the Canadian Heritage River System Development Group.