Town of Banff

Maureen Stick

Maureen with daughter Kacee at the Karst Spring Trail in Kananaskis Photo: Dave Stick

Children and Youth Programmer

Maureen joined the community services department back in 2007 covering a leave of absence in the role of child and youth programmer.  This wasn’t the first time Maureen had ventured into the world of programming, as she had previously worked for the town as a summer fun leader and then coordinator.

This first-hand experience has helped Maureen in developing other programs, along with directing, coordinating, operating, and evaluating different social, leisure, and recreational opportunities for the children and youth of Banff.  “The Fridge”, Playground Pals, After School Club, and special events such as National Family Week and Alberta’s Family Day are examples of what Maureen works on throughout the year.

When she’s not coming up with creative day camps or supervising her team of camp leaders and program instructors, Maureen likes to spend time with husband Dave and daughter Kacee by camping, hiking, swimming, making arts and crafts, and bike riding.  When she can find the time Maureen also competes in trail running, road races (running), and half marathons.

What it’s like at work?

• Your creativity is paramount while establishing the overall plan for the development and implementation of children’s and youth’s social, leisure, and recreation programs offered through Community Services, based on a philosophy of community development
• Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates program staff, instructors, and volunteers
• Prepares the appropriate section of the annual department operating budget; develops specific program area and event budgets; establishes a fees and charges schedule in accordance with cost-recovery policies
• Establishes and maintains relationships with community organizations, agencies, individuals, and professionals to ensure the cooperation and coordination of services and programs, and to avoid service duplication
• Pursues partnerships with private and/or not-for-profit sectors to deliver services and programs which respond to the identified needs of the community
• Acts as an advisor to individuals and organizations by providing assistance, information, and resources needed for the enhancement and improvement of existing programs and the development of new programs, services, and opportunities
• Plans, implements and facilitates the provision of special events targeted specifically at or including children, youth and families
• Maintains a general knowledge of grants and funding programs and prepares grant applications for children and youth programs and projects
• Liaises with the Marketing Coordinator and the Communications Manager to coordinate promotions and marketing activities of all programs, projects, and special events coordinated by this position
• Maintains systematic, complete, and accurate records of program/event activities, services, personnel and property, and user statistics; prepares quarterly, annual and special reports
• Prepares written policies and procedures where required; reviews and revises said policies and procedures on an annual basis
• Conducts ongoing analysis of community needs; ensures that systematic program evaluation is carried out

What are the role requirements?

• University undergraduate degree with a major in recreation leadership/administration with the equivalent one year related programming and supervisory experience OR a diploma in recreation from a post-secondary college or institute with a minimum of two years equivalent programming and supervisory experience
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification
• Sound knowledge of the philosophy, principles, and practices of municipal and outdoor recreation programming
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, civic and private individuals and organizations in the community
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and to speak effectively in public
• Ability to deal with issues in a tactful manner
• Extensive knowledge of the community and its human and physical resources
• Required to be available on evenings and weekends for meetings, supervision, and evaluation of staff and program/events
• Current Class 4 Alberta Operator’s License and driver's abstract
  

Want more information?

Catch up with Maureen on the trail, at the school, or in the office to see just what’s in store for next year’s Summer Fun program.

Learn more on the current events and activities for Banff’s children and youth, and about pursuing a career in programming.