Events and Student Engagement Specialist

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2025-00962Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Event ManagementEmployment Type:PermanentDepartment:Faculty of Arts - Stratford Programmes - AdministrationHiring Range:$60,384.87 - $75,481.09Posting Information:Internal posting expires December 4th at 11:59Job Description:Primary PurposeThe Events & Student Engagement Specialist is responsible for three critical areas: event management, oversight and coordination; student engagement in enrichment activities with respect to entrepreneurship, commercialization and digital media. This person works closely with internal and external contacts to ensure quality project delivery, execution, mutually beneficial partnerships, and excellent communications and processes. Key AccountabilitiesEvent management including, but not limited to:· Leads all planning and execution of all Stratford School events, both internal and external;Develops annual strategic plan for roster of events that support the objectives of Stratford School;· Acts as point of contact with internal and external stakeholders to provide knowledgeable and timely communication that ensure the delivery of successful events;· Supports Development and Alumni Affairs in developing and executing donor recognition and alumni events;Develops and implements an integrated communications plan for the promotion of events using both print and electronic media; manages and monitors web-based communication (promotion, registration, post event feedback, etc.);Establishes targets of success (including event registration/attendance), measures event outcomes and acts accordingly;Plans and oversees event associated budgets, ensuring compliance with UW financial policies and procedures;Oversees and organizes technical support (audio and visuals), logistics and event deliverables, including digital assets, catering requirements and third-party procurements;Leads project meetings associated with events; organizes and oversees execution of all details;Leads post-mortem meetings and follow-up with all stakeholders, actions post-event report;· Manages supplier relationships to ensure quality, budget and delivery objectives are met;Establishes best practices for registration and oversees this system for all events;· Approves and completes contracts and all appropriate documentation associated with event requests and Stratford School room bookings;· Provides superior customer service to internal and external stakeholders;· Recruits and manages student volunteers to support the delivery of events;Student engagement: entrepreneurship and commercialization· Develops and implements student engagement programming that promotes entrepreneurship and professional development opportunities;· Seeks and fosters relationships with internal and external mentors and partners (Velocity, Accelerator Centre, etc.) to establish and strengthen entrepreneurial activities on campus and beyond;· Builds relationships with faculty members to understand and support value-add educational activities both in the classroom and extra-circularly (ex: lunch and learns, guest speakers);· Creates and maintains a roster of guest lectures and workshop leaders that compliment program objectives;· Collaborates with colleagues to identify gaps and act on opportunities with respect to extra-curricular activities that promote intellectual, personal, and professional development;· Provides direction and advice to student groups with the Stratford School regarding student-led events· Monitors and reports regularly on student engagement initiatives; provides end-of-term statistics so that initiatives may be assessed for effectiveness. Required QualificationsEducationPost-secondary degree, college diploma or equivalent experience.Experience· Minimum of 3-years experience demonstrated in one or more of: event planning and management, partnership building, community engagement· Proven ability to multi-task and manage a large volume of work, conflicting priorities and deadlines· Knowledge of the Stratford programs, UW entrepreneurship ecosystem (i.e., Velocity, Accelerator Centre) and understanding of student experience in Stratford and at UW an assetKnowledge/Skills/Abilities· Excellent written and verbal communication skills· Demonstrated superior planning and organizational skills· Effective problem solving and conflict management skills· Ability to exercise proactive project leadership, communicate effectively with project participants who need to understand progress, and identify risks/mitigating strategies before problems occur· Ability to build and maintain new relationships· Ability to take initiative where minimal direction is provided· Detailed knowledge of event management and community engagement best practicesEquity StatementThe University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.