Events Planner

**Status**: Full time, temporary, until December 2026
**Location**: Ottawa, Ontario (hybrid)
**Closing date**: May 23, 2025
**Salary range**: $62,220 to $77,520 per year
Canada’s Drug Agency is a pan-Canadian health organization. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ottawa, with a satellite office in Toronto. Created and funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we drive better coordination, alignment, and public value within Canada’s drug and health technology landscape. We provide Canada’s health system leaders with independent evidence and advice so they can make informed drug, health technology, and health system decisions, and we collaborate with national and international partners to enhance our collective impact.
We are proud to be a 2025 National Capital Region Top Employer. Canada's Drug Agency was named one of the National Capital Region's top employers for the second year in a row. This recognition celebrates our dedication to fostering a work environment that nurtures growth; innovation; and inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). It reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding workplace where our employees thrive and feel valued.
Primary Focus
Our in-house Events Planner plays a pivotal role in crafting and executing memorable events that align with our organization’s goals and enhance our brand presence. The Event Planner will manage various in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including the Canada’s Drug Agency Symposium, summits on specific topics, lecture series, and information sessions.
What do the daily responsibilities look like?
**On any given day, the Events Planner will be responsible for**:
Event Planning and Coordination
- developing and executing event plans from concept through completion
- coordinating all event logistics, including venue selection, catering, audio-visual requirements, and transportation
- managing event budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial efficiency
- liaising with internal partners to understand event objectives and requirements

Vendor Management
- sourcing and negotiating with vendors, contractors, and suppliers
- establishing and maintaining relationships with key event partners
- overseeing vendor contracts and ensuring service delivery meets organizational standards

Event Promotion and Marketing
- collaborating with the marketing team to create promotional materials and event communications

Onsite and Virtual Oversight
- supporting event setup, execution, and teardown
- ensuring that all aspects of the event run smoothly and addressing any issues promptly
- providing onsite support and coordinating with employees and vendors to ensure event success
- coordinating use of the virtual platform for abstract submissions and reviews, virtual sessions, event registration, and virtual poster submissions

Postevent Analysis
- conducting postevent evaluations to assess successes and areas for improvement
- gathering feedback from attendees and other interested parties
- preparing detailed event reports and recommendations for future events.

Is this the right role for you?
**The Events Planner will likely have**:

- a postsecondary education in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field coupled with no less than 2 years of experience in event planning in a corporate environment; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
- strong organizational and time-management skills
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- proficient in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite
- the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and key interested parties
- creative problem-solving skill and strong attention to detail
- the ability to be adaptable and handle high-pressure situations
- a proactive attitude and resourcefulness with a strong sense of initiative.

What will set you apart?
**The following are considered asset qualifications**:

- fluency in French.

What’s in it for you?
**At Canada’s Drug Agency, you will find**:

- a team-focused, supportive, and inclusive work environment
- a competitive compensation package, including participation in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) — 1 of Canada’s largest and most successful defined benefit pension plans
- a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents, including health, dental, life, and travel insurance; a health spending account; and an employee assistance program
- paid time off (including a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation leave as well as sick leave and life leave, a December holiday closure, and other leave options)
- opportunities to work with and learn from highly specialized professionals
- personal growth through professional development opportunities, corporate training, and support for continuing education
-