Independent Contractor Project Management Jobs in Calgary, AB

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THE POSITION 

In close partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), Tourism Calgary, and key government stakeholders, the Project Manager, World Cup of Hockey 2028 is responsible for establishing and managing the foundational planning framework for Calgary's involvement in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.

Beginning in August 2026, this role will serve as the operational lead during the initial planning phase, working independently to develop governance structures, project plans, reporting frameworks, budgets, key contributor engagement strategies, procurement processes, funding agreements, and operational roadmaps in advance of the Executive Director's formal start in February 2027.

As the second-in-command to the Executive Director, the Project Manager will play a central role in coordinating internal and external stakeholders, ensuring organizational readiness, maintaining project alignment, and overseeing the implementation of key plans and processes required for the successful planning and execution of the event.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Develop and maintain the master project plan for Calgary's involvement in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
• Establish project management methodologies, governance structures, decision-making processes, reporting protocols, and documentation standards.
• Create and manage detailed work-back schedules, milestone tracking systems, critical paths, risk registers, and risk/issue management processes.
• Develop comprehensive operational plans across all event functional areas and interdependencies within CSEC, WCH term-staff, and external contractors.
• Monitor project progress and ensure all activities remain aligned with approved timelines, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Prepare executive-level reporting materials and briefing documents for senior leadership, partners, and key contributors.
• Establish internal processes, policies, templates, and operational procedures.
• Create project documentation repositories and information management systems.
• Work closely with Tourism Calgary to finalize funding arrangements, hosting agreements, partnership commitments, and related governance documentation.
• Coordinate and support negotiations with government agencies, funding partners, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with the Government of Alberta, City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary, NHL, NHLPA, CSEC, and other strategic partners.
• Support the development and tracking of sponsorship, grant, and funding opportunities.
• Ensure stakeholder requirements and commitments are documented, communicated, and incorporated into planning activities.
• Actively participate in safety programs and follow corporate policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Interim Operational Leadership (August 2026 – February 2027)

• Serve as the primary operational resource for the World Cup of Hockey project prior to the Executive Director's arrival.
• Independently advance planning initiatives, stakeholder engagement activities, and project deliverables.
• Identify priorities, develop recommendations, and make day-to-day operational decisions within approved authority levels.
• Develop onboarding materials, organizational plans, and project status reports to support a seamless transition to the Executive Director upon commencement.

THE INDIVIDUAL 

The ideal candidate will have the following background:

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in project management, event operations, major event planning, sports administration, or related fields.
• Experience leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through execution.
• Experience working with government agencies, funding organizations, host committees, or major sporting events is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing governance frameworks, business processes, operational plans, and project controls.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement processes, consultants, and third-party vendors.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, planning, and execution skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and make decisions in a startup-style environment.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/Sharepoint and project management software.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business, Project Management, Sport Management, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification considered a strong asset.
• Major Events or Sport Event Management experience considered an asset.

This position will remain open until 3:00pm Friday, August 14th, 2026. 

CSEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation