Specialist, Events

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ promotes, cares and advocates for a vibrant and inclusive downtown where business thrives and people are drawn to work, live, shop and explore. We host events, promote downtown, keep the neighbourhood clean and attractive and are a voice for the downtown community. Our downtown is on Treaty No. 1 territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

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Reporting to the Director, Marketing, Engagement and Communications, the Events and Programming Specialist is responsible for creating and executing a broad range of strategic events, tours and activities in public and/or private spaces downtown. This position is primarily responsible for event, programming and tour planning, coordination, execution and collaborating on promotion.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Develop effective and innovative events, programming and tours to draw and engage audiences with the downtown neighbourhood and with Downtown Winnipeg BIZ members
- Lead the planning and execution of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s signature events including but not limited to: Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market, Downtown Sounds Concert Series, Downtown Family Movie Nights, the annual Downtown Spring CleanUp and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Collaborate with the Marketing, Engagement and Communications team to promote Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and other downtown events
- Lead the planning and execution of downtown Winnipeg tours including coordinating Downtown BIZ members and participants
- Manage event and tour budgets including assisting with financial projections
- Identify KPI’s such as tracking event and tour attendance to measure success
- Manage the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s Host It grant program
- Support content development and input for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s website and social media platforms
- Collaborate with the Public Realm team to create activations that enhance their projects

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Relevant post-secondary education in event planning, marketing, communications, or related discipline
- 3+ years of experience in event planning, community engagement or related industry
- Proven ability to develop and execute small to large-scale events
- Strong ability to manage a budget and make financial projections
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to build internal buy-in for event recommendations, and relay event details and requirements to internal and external participants
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities
- Excellent customer service and relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding of creating events to meet strategic objectives, while keeping in mind an audience’s needs, inclusion and accessibility
- Experience in administering a grant program an asset
- Enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to quickly learn and understand concepts, problem solve, take ownership, and manage work with mínimal supervision
- Knowledge of CMS, social media platforms and Microsoft programs (Word, Excel and Power Point)

**WORK ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE**

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ embodies a culture of collaboration and customer service. We have a diverse team that is encouraged to provide input and participate on committees to inform workplace values and influence the culture and environment. Working in the heart of downtown, we take time to enjoy the amenities and community around us; through participation in our own programs, staff celebrations, and the endless number of events located downtown. We offer employer paid benefits, numerous professional development opportunities, a 35-hour work week, subsidized transit passes, “Furry Fridays” (bring your pet to work days) and early access to information about fun things happening in the heart of the city. Our organization’s success is powered by our passionate team. Downtown is moving forward - be a part of the team at the centre of the action
- Applicants should identify if they require accommodation during the competition process on a confidential basis. This posting is available in alternate formats upon request. _

**Benefits**:

- Commuter benefits
- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance

Work Location: In person