At Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, we deliver excitement. Our mission is to be the heartbeat of our community by creating connections, building champions, and winning, together. If you’d like to join a team that’s people-first, diverse, innovative, and energized about delivering extraordinary fan experiences to our guests, then we’d love to sign you to a player's contract!
THE POSITION
The Grey Cup Festival 2026 is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and highly organized Director of Operations to lead the planning and execution of operational logistics for one of Canada’s most iconic sporting and cultural events. As the Director of Operations, you will be responsible for managing all operational elements of the Grey Cup Festival and serving as a key liaison between the CFL, Calgary Stampeders, and internal and external partners.
This is a pivotal leadership role that requires strategic planning, exceptional coordination skills, and the ability to oversee the delivery of large-scale, multi-day events involving a variety of venues, programs, and partners.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Operational Leadership: Lead the planning and execution of all logistical aspects of the Grey Cup Festival, including venue set-up, temporary structures, equipment rentals, décor, signage, and ticketing.
- Festival Site & Game Day Coordination: Act as the central point of coordination between Festival site operations and stadium/game day logistics in collaboration with the CFL and Calgary Stampeders.
- Project & Timeline Management: Create and manage detailed event timelines, site plans, and operational checklists, including oversight of external production management teams.
- Production Schedule: Develop and oversee the master production plan (with support from external production management contractors), including the oversight of all signage and wayfinding and temporary infrastructure, across all Festival and stadium event sites, including installation and takedown.
- Procurement & RFPs: Lead the RFP and procurement process for service providers and manage vendor contracts from selection through execution.
- Vendor & Contractor Management: Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal staff to ensure services are delivered on time, on budget, and to standard.
- City & Emergency Coordination: Work closely with the City of Calgary and Calgary Stampeders to ensure compliance with all permitting, city services, health and safety regulations, and develop emergency response plans, along with venue partners and contractors.
- Event Delivery & Programming Support: Support the delivery of a diverse lineup of events such as concerts, family zones, community programming, and partner activations, collaborating with other Festival departments and contributing to the overall community impact goals of the 2026 Grey Cup.
- Partner Liaison: Act as a key liaison for performers, presenters, suppliers, and festival partners to ensure seamless execution and communication.
- Documentation & Administration: Maintain accurate records, contracts, checklists, and reports; assist with administrative tasks as required.
- Post-Event Evaluation: Lead post-event debriefs and deliver evaluations and operational reports.
- Other: Active participation in the Safety Program and follow all safety rules; and all other duties as assigned by management.
THE INDIVIDUAL
The ideal individual will have the following background:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in event operations, logistics, and site management—preferably in large-scale festivals, sports, or public events.
- Demonstrated experience managing contractors, vendors, and production teams.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including city departments, partners, sponsors, artists, and community groups.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and project management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; calm and effective in high-pressure environments.
- Comfortable working outdoors and in physically active, on-site settings.
- Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends, particularly in the lead-up to and during the Festival (November 6 – 16, 2026).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with project/event management tools is an asset.
- Experience supervising staff and volunteers is an asset.
This position will remain open until 3:00pm Monday, June 16th, 2025.
