Events & Engagement Representative (Temporary)

Events & Engagement Representative (Temporary)

Job Title: Events & Engagement Representative
Job Classification: Union Representative
Bargaining Unit: Union Representatives
Contract Type: Temporary (1 year contract, with possibility of extension)
Location: Head Office, New Westminster
Reports to: Senior Director of Communications

We are hiring an Events & Engagement Representative to join our team. This role supports UFCW 1518’s goal of engaging workers outside of contract negotiations to foster solidarity, develop leadership, and build collective power.

ABOUT UFCW 1518

UFCW 1518 is BC’s largest private sector union, representing over 28,000 frontline workers in the retail, grocery, healthcare, food production and cannabis sectors. We are a member-driven, progressive union that takes pride in our dynamic approach to member engagement, innovative organizing tactics, and commitment to improving the lives of working people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Events & Engagement Representative you will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing all member engagement and outreach events — including large-scale conferences — that directly support the organization’s strategic goals. You will also play a key role in maintaining internal and external stakeholder relationships, including community organizations and political offices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Event planning and execution: Conceptualize, plan, and execute all member engagement events and outreach initiatives, including virtual events and large-scale, in-person conferences.
• Strategic thinking: Collaborate in the development of a yearly calendar of member engagement events, ranging from small gatherings to major conferences.
• Agenda creation: Design engaging and relevant event agendas, in alignment with membership needs and departmental goals, and seek input from key stakeholders during program development.
• Project management: Create and maintain detailed project plans with timelines, milestones, and dependencies for each event. Establish and track critical deadlines for various event components.
• On-site event management: Act as key contact during events. Provide hands-on support during events to ensure all aspects, from registration to breakout sessions, run efficiently. Lead event rehearsals as needed. Address unexpected issues.
• Budget management: Manage event budgets and ensure cost-effective execution.
• Stakeholder relations & coordination: Maintain and nurture relationships with external stakeholders (e.g community organizations, ministerial offices, labour councils, vendors, venues, and service providers). Liaise with internal teams regarding event details such as registrations and logistics.
• Third-party event coordination: Identify and coordinate member development opportunities provided by external labour and other associated organizations (e.g. labour councils, CLC’s Winter School).
• Curriculum development: For educational events, collaborate with facilitators to customize training curriculum to fit the needs of our membership and goals of the engagement and representation departments.
• Communications support: Collaborate with the Communications department to develop materials and resources for trainings.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Track event participation, member interactions, and engagement metrics within UFCW 1518’s database. Develop feedback surveys and create post-event reports to improve future event planning and outreach efforts.
• Accessibility and inclusion: Ensure events are accessible and inclusive for all members.
• Member Representation: Support members by clearly communicating union initiatives. As needed, assist in first contract campaigns, workplace visits, and fostering relationships with management while advocating for members in areas such as health & safety, human rights and grievance management.
• Member Engagement & Organizing: Develop and implement engagement strategies to connect with members and non-members in the workplace and community. Support organizing campaigns as needed by participating in outreach events to educate members of the benefits of joining the union.
• Member Education: Educating workers/members about union membership and other relevant topics. Planning and facilitating education programs and workshops for members if required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial experience in event planning, preferably in a labor union or non-profit setting.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale events is an asset.
• Strategic thinking skills and the ability to develop programming that directly supports the organization’s strategic goals.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed event production timelines.
• Excellent time management abilities and experience with project management and scheduling tools (e.g. Asana).
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to collaboration and relationship building.
• Able and flexible to travel across the province and work irregular hours when required by an event.
• Familiarity with budget management and cost control.
• Some experience developing training materials and educational curricula preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of B.C. and Canadian labour unions and the history and values of the labour movement in Canada.
• Knowledge of the general political context in BC.
• Experience working with multicultural communities and people from diverse backgrounds; ability to create inclusive events that acknowledge cultural differences.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while maintaining accountability.
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability and flexibility in fast-paced environments.
• Valid class 5 driver’s license.
• Fluency in a language other than English is an asset.

WHY UFCW 1518

At UFCW 1518, our team members are the foundation of our efforts to fight for fairness. As a member of our team, your work will directly impact thousands of workers’ lives, and we are committed to recognizing your contributions and investing in your professional development.

In terms of compensation, you can expect:

• Compensation range: $65,000 CAD – $85,000 CAD per year depending on qualification and experience.
• In addition to the salary, you will be eligible to participate in UFCW 1518’s extended health and dental plan benefits package (subject to standard waiting times).
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel costs.
• Paid statutory holidays to prioritize work-life balance.

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the members we serve and brings varied perspectives to our work. Your unique experiences and viewpoints will enhance our ability to connect with and serve our diverse membership. If you’re passionate about bringing people together and creating meaningful events that foster solidarity and build collective power, we want to hear from you.

Apply with your resume and cover letter today by emailing your resume and cover letter to careers@ufcw1518.com.