Events and Member Relations Specialist

(Fourteen-month contract)

Universities Canada is the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad. We are a membership organization providing university presidents with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation. Universities Canada advances the mission of our member institutions to transform lives, strengthen communities and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world.

As an events and member relations specialist you will be responsible for organizing the association’s member-facing programming including virtual, hybrid and in-person meetings, workshops, and leadership development initiatives.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

the operational planning and execution of all member events and programs, including Board meetings and retreats;
the provision of advice, consultations and support regarding all aspects of meetings involving Universities Canada members, stakeholders, or senior representatives from member institutions organized by other units of the secretariat;
overseeing membership support tools such as the membership database, new virtual event platforms, and the member portal to ensure accurate and timely services, analytics and other insights essential for member relations and engagement.

We’re looking for a team player, someone who can delve into strategy and that can still flex your creative muscles while always being happy to roll up your sleeves and pitch in where help is needed. You will not be in this alone; you will draw on the strengths and expertise of our team as well as others throughout the organization who have contributed to the ongoing success as the voice for Canadian universities.

The successful candidate will possess the education, experience, and knowledge listed below:

Education and experience

A certified meeting professional (CMP) designation, or a combination of relevant education and experience).
A minimum of five years of relevant experience.
Risk assessment and risk management experience.
Establishing and managing events budgets.

Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
Understanding of protocol in working with senior executives.
Knowledge of the university system and environment an asset.
Program design and development, site selection, event details, marketing, logistics, post-event activities, trade shows and exhibits.

Abilities/Qualities

Strong administrative, organizational and planning skills.
Ability to prioritize and balance complex, inter-related and often competing deadlines and demands.
Ability to take initiative.
Tact and diplomacy.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Bilingualism essential.
Conference management and planning skills.

The position is based in Ottawa. Universities Canada has adopted a hybrid work model where employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of three (3) out of ten (10) days.

The hiring salary range for this position is from $71,664 to $85,101 depending on experience. Candidates who do not meet all of the position requirements may be considered in an underfill capacity, in which case the candidate would be hired at a lower level than the position level.

Universities Canada is a National Capital Region Top Employer. We offer a comprehensive benefit package which includes four weeks of vacation, an attractive pension plan, group insurance, free gym membership and scholarships for children of our employees.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to the human resources service, Universities Canada, 1710-350 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1B1 by December 4, 2022. Email address: [email protected].

To learn more about us, visit us at www.univcan.ca or find us on social media.

Twitter: @univcan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/univcanada
Insta: univcanada
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universities-canada-/

While all responses will be appreciated and handled in strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.

Universities Canada promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. Universities Canada provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Universities Canada respectfully acknowledges that our offices are situated on the traditional lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.