Conference Lead Hand

We are currently seeking the ideal candidate to fill the position of:

CONFERENCE LEAD HAND – 6 MONTH CONTRACT

ABOUT US:

The Palin Foundation administers the Toronto Metropolitan Student Centre (TMU-SC) along with Oakham House. TMU-SC is home to student unions, affiliated campus groups, The Eyeopener newspaper, Met Radio and the Good Food Centre. Inside Oakham House you'll find the Office of the Ombudsperson, Oakham Café, The Met Campus Pub and a host of rentable venue spaces.

Mission

The Palin Foundation provides stable student employment, affordable and healthy food, a platform for advocacy, flexible space for student needs and a connection to community.

"FACES" of the Foundation

We operate with a mandate to provide:

Affordable and healthy food, a platform for advocacy, connection to a broader community stable student employment, and flexible space that fits your needs.

Vision

A thriving, inclusive and independent student-led space.

Values

• Respect for all members of the Foundation's community
• Integrity in service delivery, external partnerships and operations
• Accessibility by reducing barriers so everyone benefits from shared space
• Equity, addressing all forms of oppression
• Innovation in adapting to the needs of new student generations

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Conference Lead Hand will be responsible for helping coordinate staff and executing events and conferences while meeting client needs within the TMU-SC Venue Services department. This role will act as the main point of contact for conference clients and guests on the day of their booking. This role ensures seamless execution of events and supervises conference staff ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures at the TMU-SC.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises conference staff ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures at TMU-SC, with specific focus on the Venue Services department
• Leads and supports a team of student staff with a focus on mentoring, support and leadership development
• Liaises between management and conference clients to ensure that events and bookings are operating properly, and conference staff are tending to all customer concerns, providing outstanding service
• Assists the Manager, Venue & Sales with the development of purchase planning
• Ensures all event spaces are set-up and torn down in compliance with daily event contracts and requirements as per the Venue Services Handbook
• Assists with compiling feedback from clients for review and evaluation by management
• Makes appropriate recommendations for improvement to management
• Attends departmental meetings as needed
• Delivers exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive experience throughout events hosted at the TMU-SC
• Is proactive in resolving issues and ensuring client satisfaction

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the hospitality industry
• Completion of Hospitality and/or Tourism related program or certificate is an asset
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in supervising and training staff
• Smart Serve Certification
• Bonus Points:
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment
• Familiarity with working in a university setting

Required skills & demonstrated knowledge

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of food and dietary restrictions
• Knowledge of audio-visual event requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft-365 Suite
• Commitment to providing inclusive, diverse, and accessible events
• Excellent time management skills
• Proven communication skills: demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills to ensure effective interaction with students, staff, and external clients
• Sound judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Is extremely organized and detail oriented

COMPENSATION & CULTURE:

Position Title: Conference Lead Hand

Department: Venue Services, The Palin Foundation

Compensation: $26.79/hr

Benefits: 4% pay in lieu of benefits; 4% pay in lieu of vacation + paid winter shutdown per year

Contract Type: Full-time, Temporary, Contract (6 months term limited till May 1, 2026 with the possibility for extension)

Tentative start date: December 2025

Supervisory: This position reports directly to the Manager, Venue & Sales

Location: Onsite

Don't meet every single requirement? We strongly encourage you to still apply At The Palin Foundation, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage your application even if you don't believe you meet every single qualification outlined – part of our organizational ethos is the development and building of capacity within our team.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

The Palin Foundation is committed to employment equity and the creation of a staff group that reflects the community that we serve. As such, we do not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, ancestry, colour, place of origin, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, family status or marital status, or any other protected category recognized by provincial or federal laws. We strongly believe that alleviating the under-representation of equity-seeking individuals will create a stronger team and allow us to better serve the needs of our diverse community.

Should you require any accommodation, please inform us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. For any accessibility-related assistance, requests for information in accessible alternative formats or to report any accessibility problems, please share in your application.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

Please submit your application by email to with the subject line "Conference Lead Hand – Contract". In your application, please include a resume and cover letter that demonstrates your fit for the position. Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. The Palin Foundation thanks all those who apply; however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: From $26.79 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Experience:

• Supervising: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person