Lethbridge offers an ideal mix of work and lifestyle for professionals and families. Just two hours from Calgary and an hour from the U.S. border, it boasts a sunny climate, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. With nearby outdoor adventures, 70+ parks, cultural attractions, and a short commute, Lethbridge provides the perfect balance between career growth and quality of life.
Life in Lethbridge offers the best of both worlds—the welcoming charm of a close-knit community and the amenities of a growing urban center. Come see why so many professionals and families are making Lethbridge their home!
Bring your passion for events, partnerships, and revenue-driven strategy to one of Southern Alberta’s premier entertainment destinations. The VisitLethbridge.com Arena is searching for a forward-thinking Business
Development Manager to lead event programming, ticketing operations, marketing initiatives, and business growth for a vibrant, high-impact community venue.
Job Posting
STATUS: Full Time Permanent
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week
As the Business Development Manager, you play a pivotal leadership role in driving growth, innovation, and customer experience at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. You will lead strategic ticketing initiatives, oversee marketing and promotional planning, cultivate strong partnerships, and identify new event opportunities that strengthen our reputation as a top entertainment venue.
This position also provides leadership to our Ticket Center and Marketing teams, offering direction, mentorship, and vision to ensure exceptional service to clients, partners, and patrons. You will contribute to revenue forecasting, risk analysis, and long-term business planning, all while supporting event execution and occasionally acting as the Event Manager on site.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced business development professional who thrives at the intersection of entertainment, community engagement, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Programming & Business Development
· Identify, solicit, and secure events, shows, and special programming that drive revenue and community engagement.
· Evaluate event opportunities, assess risk, build budgets, and prepare business proposals and offers.
· Build and maintain relationships with promoters, agents, partners, and third-party collaborators to expand the event mix.
· Ensure event delivery aligns with organizational goals and provides exceptional patron value.
· Attend conferences and industry events to attract new business and maintain key connections.
· Act as Event Manager during assigned events.
Ticket Center Leadership
· Lead the Ticket Center’s operations, strategy, budget performance, and customer experience.
· Provide leadership and direction to the Ticket Centre team.
· Oversee ticketing systems, including contracts, service agreements, ticket stock, and software.
· Guide development of ticket maps, event setup requirements, and group sales strategies.
· Drive upselling opportunities, promotional initiatives, and cross-department ticketing support.
· Ensure all ticketing revenue meets or exceeds budget expectations.
Marketing & Audience Engagement
· Oversee the work of the Marketing Coordinator and ensure seamless delivery of advertising, promotions, and creative content.
· Collaborate with creative teams to produce compelling campaigns and promotional materials.
· Build brand awareness and grow audience engagement through data-driven strategies.
· Analyze campaign performance to maximize ROI and event success.
What You Bring to the Table:
You’re a self-starter who digs into trends, researches what other venues are doing, and identifies creative ways to maximize space, attract new events, and build strong partnerships—while understanding the costs and risks involved. You bring established community connections and a strong understanding of Lethbridge’s landscape,
helping you quickly identify opportunities and build trust with stakeholders. With experience in arenas or event environments, you think big-picture, anticipate future needs, and approach challenges with a strategic, forward-focused mindset.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Undergraduate degree in Business, marketing or event management with a minimum of four years related experience.
• Prior experience in the entertainment/special events sector, including knowledge of event development and promotion.
• Strong understanding of ticketing systems, programs, and software (in-person, online, phone sales).
• Knowledge of various booking software programs and other related products that assist in booking events.
• Experience developing business and communication plans, as well as overseeing special event projects.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and marketing automation tools.
• Ability to lead both short and long-term initiatives that support departmental and organizational growth.
• Analytical and financial skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and risk assessment; knowledge of accounting practices is an asset.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office; proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint are an asset.
• Prior leadership experience including coaching and developing staff, assessing training needs, and performance management
Why You’ll Love It Here:
You will be part of a dynamic, collaborative department committed to creating memorable entertainment experiences for the community. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of event programming and business development in a growing, high-energy environment with meaningful community impact.
• Shape the future of entertainment in Lethbridge by attracting high-profile events and building innovative audience experiences.
• Partner directly with leaders on high-impact initiatives.
• Work in a dynamic, unionized municipal environment where your expertise makes a real difference.
• Contribute to a culture of respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive salary range, commensurate with experience.
• Competitive benefits package
For further information on this opportunity, please contact: Jennifer Norsworthy, GM, VisitLethbridge.com Arena at 403-329-7361 or jennifer.norsworthy@lethbridge.ca
Applicants must apply online. We are unable to accept paper copies of resumes or applications sent via email.
Closing Date: December 17, 2025, at 4:00PM MST
All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.
The City of Lethbridge () proudly acknowledges that we are located at the heart of Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot)Territory, home of Kainai, Piikani, Siksika and Amskapi Piikani (Montana, USA) First Nations. Lethbridge is also located within the Métis Nation of Alberta. The City of Lethbridge recognizes the diversity of our community and is working to ensure programs, services, facilities, and employment opportunities are inclusive to all people.
