Director of Cultural Experiences

Location: Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake, AB

Closing Date: Open Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Full Time, Permanent

Step Into a Story That’s Bigger Than You.

At Métis Crossing, you won’t just find a workplace, you’ll find a calling. This is a place where the past breathes through every fiddle strum, every bead, every story told around a crackling fire under the northern sky.

Perched on the banks of the majestic North Saskatchewan River, Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination; a place of learning, healing, and celebration. Our Lodge, Cultural Gathering Centre, and sweeping landscape are not just buildings or land; they are living reflections of Métis pride and perseverance.

The Prospect

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Cultural Experiences will play a key leadership role in bringing the vision of Métis Crossing to life by ensuring that all cultural experiences, programs, interpretation, and visitor engagements authentically reflect Métis history, culture, traditions, stories, and contemporary realities.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with senior leadership, cultural knowledge holders, cultural experience providers, community partners, and operational teams to develop innovative and meaningful cultural experiences that educate, inspire, and engage visitors while supporting the growth and sustainability of Métis Crossing.

The ideal candidate will be a strong relationship builder and communicator with demonstrated experience in cultural programming, Indigenous tourism, interpretation, education, community engagement, or a related field. They will have a strong understanding of Métis culture and history and the ability to translate cultural knowledge into authentic, engaging, and respectful visitor experiences.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the cultural vision, programming, and experiences at Métis Crossing.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of cultural programs, activities, tours, demonstrations, workshops, and interpretive experiences.
- Ensure all cultural programming and visitor experiences are authentic, respectful, accurate, engaging, and aligned with Métis Crossing’s vision, values, and cultural standards.
- Work closely with senior management and cultural leadership to establish short- and long-term cultural objectives and priorities.
- Develop and maintain systems, standards, and processes to support consistent and high-quality cultural programming.
- Collaborate with Métis knowledge holders, Elders, community members, artists, storytellers, historians, and cultural practitioners to support the development and delivery of cultural experiences.
- Build strong relationships with Métis communities, organizations, educational institutions, tourism partners, government agencies, cultural organizations, and other external partners.
- Support the identification, documentation, preservation, and appropriate interpretation of Métis stories, traditions, knowledge, artifacts, and cultural resources.
- Provide guidance on the appropriate presentation and interpretation of Métis culture, history, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Develop and implement cultural standards and guidelines to ensure cultural integrity across all visitor touchpoints.
- Oversee the development of interpretive materials, educational content, exhibits, signage, storytelling, and other cultural resources.
- Work collaboratively with the Guest Experiences, Business Development and Facilities teams to ensure a consistent cultural experience throughout Métis Crossing.




- Identify opportunities to enhance the visitor journey through innovative cultural programming and immersive experiences.
- Evaluate cultural programs using visitor feedback, participation data, performance metrics, and other measures to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Establish quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the effectiveness, quality, and impact of cultural programs and experiences.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets and ensure cultural programming is delivered within approved financial parameters.
- Identify opportunities for grants, funding, sponsorships, partnerships, and other resources that support cultural programming and initiatives.
- Support the development of new cultural products, experiences, programs, and revenue-generating opportunities.
- Monitor trends and developments in Indigenous tourism, cultural interpretation, education, and visitor experiences to maintain Métis Crossing’s leadership position.
- Contribute to the development of long-range plans, organizational goals, and growth strategies.
- Represent Métis Crossing at conferences, community events, industry meetings, cultural gatherings, and other appropriate forums.
- Develop and maintain strong internal and external networks that support the cultural and organizational objectives of Métis Crossing.
- Communicate new initiatives, standards, policies, and procedures to staff and ensure effective implementation.
- Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, training, mentoring, and development of the cultural team and other team members involved in cultural programming.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and constructive feedback to direct reports.
- Conduct annual performance reviews of direct reports.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and culturally respectful workplace.
- Ensure cultural activities and programming are delivered in accordance with applicable legislation, organizational policies, safety standards, and cultural protocols.
- Support risk management and ensure appropriate procedures are in place for cultural activities, demonstrations, tours, and guest programming.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with sensitive cultural knowledge and information.
- Work collaboratively with the CEO and senior leadership team on strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Perform other duties as required.

Skills & Competencies

- Strong knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, history, traditions, stories, and contemporary issues affecting Métis people.
- Experience working in Indigenous tourism, cultural programming, museums, heritage, education, interpretation, attractions, or a related sector.
- Strong understanding of cultural protocols and the importance of cultural integrity, authenticity, and respectful representation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams, communities, cultural knowledge holders, Elders, partners, and stakeholders.
- Strong program development and project management skills.
- Experience developing and implementing cultural programs, educational experiences, interpretive content, or visitor experiences.
- Excellent storytelling, presentation, facilitation, and public-speaking skills.




- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate organizational vision into practical cultural initiatives.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.
- Results-driven with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience developing and managing budgets and monitoring financial performance.
- Ability to identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, funding, and program development.
- Strong understanding of guest experience principles and the ability to create engaging and meaningful cultural experiences.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to handle sensitive cultural information with confidentiality, tact, and discretion.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant technology.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, growing, and changing environment.
- Commitment to mentoring, developing, and retaining a strong cultural team.

Qualifications

- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Cultural Studies, History, Education, Tourism, Arts, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in cultural programming, Indigenous tourism, heritage, interpretation, education, visitor experiences, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership or management experience with direct reports.
- Must be a Citizen of the Métis Nation within Alberta.
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing cultural programs, guest experiences, educational initiatives, or interpretive programming.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Métis culture, history, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities, cultural organizations, tourism organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies is considered an asset.
- Experience working in a tourism, hospitality, museum, heritage, or cultural attraction environment is considered an asset.

Other Requirements

- Métis Crossing is located in Smoky Lake; this position will be based on site.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.
- Must have a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and reliable transportation.
- Must provide Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Willingness to participate in Métis cultural learning and career development.
- Ability to work respectfully with Elders, knowledge holders, community members, visitors, staff, and external partners.

What We Offer

- The opportunity to contribute to one of Alberta’s most exciting tourism destinations in the making.
- The opportunity to help shape and grow authentic Métis cultural experiences for guests from Alberta, Canada, and around the world.
- Learnings about Métis history and culture, and a rich Indigenous cultural experience.
- Personal and professional development opportunities.
- A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
- Three weeks paid vacation.

Applicants must be Métis and must provide valid proof of Métis citizenship or membership upon request.

Please apply online at [email protected].

Métis Crossing thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate

- Smoky Lake, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Director of Culural Experiences (Smoky Lake)
🏢 Métis Crossing
📍 Smoky Lake