Help an iconic Canadian company celebrate its first century and launch its next. 36-month contract | full time in office Travel: Frequent travel within Canada The posted salary range reflects varying levels of experience, from professionals developing their expertise to those with several years of directly relevant experience. Placement within the range is based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with internal equity. A national celebration.

De Havilland

Aircraft of Canada Headquartered in Calgary, this iconic Canadian company is preparing to celebrate a remarkable aviation heritage - and set the stage for its next century of innovation and growth. We are seeking a senior communications and program leader to bring this milestone to life.

Program

Director, Centennial , you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of a national program that connects people to De Havilland's story, celebrates its contributions to Canadian aviation, and creates a legacy that extends well beyond the anniversary. From signature events and compelling storytelling to strategic partnerships and lasting heritage initiatives, you will help shape how a century of achievement is celebrated - and how the company’s next chapter is introduced. This is a highly visible mandate with national reach, executive engagement, and the opportunity to turn ambitious ideas into memorable experiences.

Reporting to the designated Executive Sponsor and working closely with the De Havilland Governance and Strategy Committee, you will bring together teams across the business and engage employees, customers, government, industry, and communities across Canada. You will combine strategic vision with hands-on delivery: building the roadmap, developing relationships, managing the details, and ensuring every element contributes to a cohesive and meaningful Centennial Program. Develop and execute a comprehensive Centennial strategy, translating the company’s ambitions into a explicit roadmap and implementation plan.





Establish and manage program governance, budgets, schedules, milestones, and reporting, including biweekly progress updates. Identify legacy initiatives that strengthen De Havilland’s brand, relationships, and community impact beyond the centennial year. Create a diverse national portfolio of employee celebrations, customer and industry events, public open houses, community activities, VIP engagements, and commemorative ceremonies, layering onto existing DHC events and offerings.

Build relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, government representatives, aviation organizations, museums, educational institutions, Indigenous partners, and community organizations. Inspire participation across De Havilland’s sites, connecting local ideas and celebrations to a shared national vision. Serve as the central point of coordination for internal and external stakeholders.

Develop strategic partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, collaborative programming, and co-hosted initiatives that expand the program’s reach and impact. Partner with DHC Corporate Communications and Marketing to develop and deliver an integrated Centennial communications strategy. Identify media and public relations opportunities that showcase De Havilland’s history, achievements, people, and future vision.

Support executive speeches, announcements, publications, digital content, historical storytelling, and promotional materials. Help ensure the company’s legacy is shared accurately, creatively, and meaningfully with audiences across Canada. Collaborate with Corporate Archives and Heritage, retirees, museums, aviation organizations,



and internal experts to bring the company’s history to life.

Support the collection and presentation of stories, artifacts, photographs, and historical content. Develop legacy projects that continue to deliver value after the celebrations conclude. Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, keeping budgets, timelines, resources, and priorities aligned.

Anticipate risks, resolve challenges, and adapt plans as the program evolves. Provide clear progress reports, recommendations, and presentations to senior leadership and governance committees. You are senior leader who knows how to give a major initiative both strategic direction and practical structure. in communications, public relations, strategic marketing, program management, or a related field.

A degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Event Management, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated success leading large-scale national programs, major brand initiatives, or complex stakeholder programs with significant budgets. Your experience could include expos, festivals, product launches, corporate anniversaries, or commemorative programs.

Exceptional program and project management skills, with a track record of delivering multiple priorities successfully. Strong planning, organizational, and financial oversight skills, supported by close attention to detail. Knowledge of Canadian aviation or aerospace, together with an established network in the aviation community, would be a definite asset.

This role requires full-time residence in Calgary, full-time attendance at De Havilland’s offices, and flexibility for frequent travel within Canada. Your collaborative approach helps others see their role in something larger. Your work will help employees, customers, partners, and communities see themselves in the De Havilland story—and share in the excitement of what comes next. #

📌 Program Director - De Havilland Aircraft Of Canada Centennial (Winnipeg)
🏢 Westerkirk
📍 Winnipeg