Entertainment & Special Projects Lead - Seasonal

About the Calgary Stampede!

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes our western heritage, cultures and community spirit with a vision to create a world-class, year-round gathering place for the community. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a Board of Directors with over 2,500 passionate volunteers and 1,200 year-round employees. 

As an organization that exists for the benefit of the community, inclusion and equity are woven into our core values of western hospitality, pride of place, integrity and commitment to the community. The world-class, year-round gathering place we have built for the community also welcomes visitors from around the world and those who are new to the local community. We know that blending diverse cultures with our long-standing traditions makes community spirit thrive.

Position Summary

The Entertainment & Special Projects Lead is a member of the Programming Department and is responsible to oversee the execution of a portfolio of unique programs for the Calgary Stampede. Reporting to the Entertainment Manager, the Entertainment & Special Projects Lead will oversee the planning, development, implementation and fulfillment requirements for new programming initiatives, ranging from operationalizing new attractions and entertainment to evaluating the feasibility of potential activities for Stampede 2026. This is an exciting role that works across all areas of the Stampede’s programming strategy to advance new and unique initiatives for our event that include entertainment stages, and strategic guest experience opportunities within iconic experiences at The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth.

This is a seasonal role from March to August of 2026.

Closing Date: Wedensday Feb 25, 2026

Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the planning process for entertainment attractions in the assigned portfolio from concept to execution, including determining project scope, objectives, and desired outcomes.


• Generate comprehensive event plans for each program/project within the portfolio


• Lead new and early stage programming initiatives requiring project leadership and execution


• Research the feasibility of potential new initiatives and make recommendations on programming activations


• Accurately manage all project budgets assigned to their portfolio, including the planning of expenses, tracking of expenses and revenue, and reporting on these budgets post event and year around, ensuring the needs and status of these budgets are communicated to the department manager consistently.


• Source and manage relationships with suppliers, vendors, and contractors


• Collaborate with organizational departments, supporting the execution of Stampede’s programming strategy, actively informing the organization of how to execute potential special projects during 10 Day Stampede. Identify key stakeholders and support needs for the entire assigned portfolio, establishing working groups to fulfill program requirements.


• Oversee the event logistics during the 10 day Stampede, including the setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring everything runs according to plan.


• Prepare post-event reports, including budget breakdowns, timelines, and overall event performance.


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Post-secondary Diploma or Associate Degree in Fine Arts, Tourism, Event Management, Business Management or related field


• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the tourism or entertainment industry with exposure to project management, guest experience design, event operations & logistics,  sourcing, contract negotiations, & scheduling.


• Comfort with exploring the feasibility of new programming initiatives, working with ambiguous information, and determining if a project is possible or not


• Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Proficient in MS Word, Excel and database applications


• Ability to determine priorities and recognize importance of deadlines


• Full comprehension of event safety


• Awareness of industry associations and unions


• Demonstrated ability to take initiative


• Strong attention to detail


• Availability to work a seasonal full-time role from early March to August


• Must be available to work all 10 days for Stampede. July 2-12, 2026

Benefits

The Calgary Stampede offers a unique and exciting work environment and the opportunity for advancement and employee training.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume.

All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted