Event Specialist

Edmonton Unlimited (EU) is the city's innovation agency, here to back bold thinkers and builders-entrepreneurs tackling real challenges and creating what's next. Our vision? To establish a critical mass of entrepreneurs working to scale technology and innovation companies toward global impact. We're building a culture where trying, failing fast, and trying again is part of the process because every idea has the potential to spark something bigger.

Your Opportunity

You're the person who notices the one chair out of place - and the one who makes sure the room is buzzing anyway. As Events Specialist, you'll be the operational backbone of Edmonton Unlimited's events: managing the details behind community partner relationships, venue contracts, liquor licensing, event insurance and vendors, and serving as the on-site lead when events come to life in our space. This is a chance to be a true builder: you'll help shape the future of Edmonton's tech and innovation community, support the many local businesses and founders who gather in our space, and have real room to bring your creativity to how we bring people together. You bring an exceptionally high attention to detail, genuine hospitality, and a sense of fun that makes guests, partners and teammates want to come back. This role supports the broader marketing team, works cross-functionally across the organization, and requires a flexible schedule that includes regular evening and weekend events.

What You'll Do

• Plan and coordinate event logistics from booking through wrap-up, including timelines, run-of-show documents, floor plans, checklists and budgets, with an exceptionally high level of accuracy.
• Support the development and implementation of Edmonton Unlimited's event strategy, and contribute ideas to enhance event formats, programming and audience engagement.
• Maintain detailed event records and post-event reports to support evaluation and continuous improvement.

Community Partner Relationships

• Serve as a primary point of contact for an extensive network of community partners, coordinating communications, expectations, timelines and deliverables.
• Lead tours of our space for prospective and returning partners, showcasing its capabilities and helping them envision their events.
• Track partner commitments, follow-ups and agreements so that nothing falls through the cracks.

Contracts, Licensing & Risk Management

• Prepare, update and track venue rental contracts, booking confirmations and related documentation, ensuring every detail is accurate and current.
• Coordinate liquor licensing for events (e.g., AGLC special event licences) and support compliance with responsible liquor service requirements.
• Secure and verify event insurance and certificates of insurance for internal and partner events, along with any other required permits.
• Uphold health, safety and accessibility standards at all events.

Vendor & Catering Management

• Place, confirm and manage catering orders, accounting for headcounts, timing, dietary needs and budget.
• Coordinate other event vendors and services such as rentals, AV, décor, security and cleaning.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships; source quotes, negotiate where appropriate, and reconcile invoices against event budgets.

On-Site Event Operations

• Serve as the on-site support for events hosted in our space, including evenings and weekends.
• Set up and tear down event spaces, including moving and arranging chairs and tables, installing pipe and drape, managing garbage and recycling, and resetting the space after events.
• Anticipate needs and troubleshoot issues in real time to maintain a positive guest and partner experience.

Customer Service & Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer service as a warm, professional point of contact for attendees, partners and vendors.
• Host Edmonton Unlimited's weekly Community Coffee, welcoming attendees, making announcements and confidently leading the room from the microphone.
• Lead through fun: bring energy, positivity and creativity that makes events memorable and helps volunteers and teammates enjoy the work.
• Bring creativity and fresh ideas to how we connect founders, local businesses and the broader tech and innovation community.
• Reflect Edmonton Unlimited's values in every interaction.

Collaboration & Support

• Support the broader marketing team with event promotion, storytelling and campaign needs.
• Work cross-functionally with programs, facilities and other internal teams to deliver seamless events and bring learnings into future planning.
• Support the VP, Brand and Strategic Partnerships in identifying opportunities for sp