Events Specialist

Indigenous Perspectives Society; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

CMHA, BC Division is seeking an Events Specialist to coordinate two signature events, the Compassionate Minds Luncheon and Bottom Line Conference, in a hybrid Greater Vancouver setting. You will manage plans, timelines, budgets and multiple vendors, while engaging speakers, sponsors and volunteers.

Applicants should have 3+ years in event coordination or fundraising, with experience in CRM systems and a collaborative, inclusive approach aligned with CMHA’s values.

Qualifications

• A diploma or degree in event management, marketing communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience in event management, fundraising or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in event coordination, event planning, community engagement, fundraising, donor relations or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the two signature events within established plans, timelines and budgets.
• Maintain workback schedules, task lists and deadlines; follow up on deliverables.
• Coordinate venues, catering, rentals, audiovisual, signage, registration, suppliers and other logistics.
• Liaise with speakers, sponsors, partners, vendors, staff and volunteers.
• Prepare briefing documents, schedules and run-of-show materials.
• Coordinate post-event follow-up, evaluation and impact reporting.

Skills

CRM systems

Vendor coordination

Volunteer management

Interpersonal communication

Project coordination

Education

Event management degree

Fundraising experience

Related field experience

Tools

Salesforce

Teams

Asana

Canva

SharePoint

Job description

About The Job

The Events Specialist coordinates the day-to-day delivery of two signature events: the Compassionate Minds Luncheon in April and the Bottom Line Conference in October. Reporting to the Manager, Development and Partnerships, the role carries out established event plans, timelines and budgets, and coordinates the operational details that create welcoming and effective experiences.

About The Job

The Events Specialist coordinates the day-to-day delivery of two signature events: the Compassionate Minds Luncheon in April and the Bottom Line Conference in October. Reporting to the Manager, Development and Partnerships, the role carries out established event plans, timelines and budgets, and coordinates the operational details that create welcoming and effective experiences.

The work of this position will ensure the inclusion of the following core values and principles:

• Embracing the voice of the people with mental health and substance use/addictive behavior issues
• Promoting inclusion
• Working collaboratively
• Influencing the social determinants of health (housing and justice)
• Focusing on the mental health needs of all age groups
• Being transparent and accountable
• Using evidence to inform our work

Duties And Responsibilities

Signature Events

• Coordinate the operational delivery of the Compassionate Minds Luncheon and Bottom Line Conference within established plans, timelines and budgets.
• Maintain workback schedules, task lists and deadlines; follow up on deliverables and escalate issues as needed.
• Coordinate venues, catering, rentals, audiovisual, signage, registration, suppliers and other event logistics.
• Liaise with speakers, sponsors, Community Partners, vendors, event staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Work with the Database Coordinator on invitations, registration, seating, attendance and participant needs.
• Prepare briefing documents, schedules and run-of-show materials.
• Coordinate with the Donor Communications team on marketing, branded materials, and sponsor and partner recognition and deliverables.
• Prepare staff and volunteer recruitment and training materials and presentations; provide direction during events.
• Support event setup, delivery and takedown, troubleshoot issues, and anticipate operational needs.
• Coordinate post-event follow-up, evaluation, documentation and impact reporting.

Community Partner And Donor Support

• Support the Resource Development and Special Events Coordinator with local activation of community events in Greater Vancouver.
• Coordinate local logistics, supplies, staffing, materials and on-site support under established plans and direction.
• Support donor stewardship activities, including first-time donor journeys, tribute giving, special thank-you initiatives, donor recognition and thank-you calls.
• Provide local follow-up and report updates, issues and needs to the Resource Development and Special Events Coordinator and Manager, Development and Partnerships.
• Apply the Agency’s Diversity Lens and Framework for Support in all assignments associated with this role.

Event Administration And Reporting

• Work closely with the Database Coordinator on registration, database updates, financial administration and related reporting.
• Maintain organized event files, materials and documentation.
• Support event communications, attendance tracking and post-event follow-up.
• Work with Donor Communications to ensure materials and messaging align with organizational branding and communications.
• Handle confidential donors, partner and organizational information with discretion.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required to support organizational events, engagement and development priorities.

About You

Education & Experience

• A diploma or degree in event management, marketing communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Relevant education, training or an equivalent combination of education and experience in event management, fundraising or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in event coordination, event planning, community engagement, fundraising, donor relations or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience with event registration and CRM systems; familiarity with Salesforce, Teams, Asana, Canva, SharePoint and general office software is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events from planning through delivery and an interest in developing broader event management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Strong organization, project coordination, prioritization and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities, solve problems and know when to seek guidance.
• Strong relationship-building skills and sound judgment when working with staff, donors, partners, vendors and other stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating volunteers and providing clear directions to event staff and volunteers.
• Lived experience with mental health issues and services, directly or through loved ones, is an asset.
• Commitment to accessible, welcoming and inclusive events and engagement with diverse communities.
• Experience in the nonprofit sector is an asset.
• Experience coordinating venues, suppliers and event logistics, and basic experience with event budget and invoices.

Our key values and principles

The Events Specialist consistently conduct themselves in alignment with CMHA BC’s Core Values of:

• Inclusive
• Proactive
• Compassionate
• Steadfast
• Collaborative

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time contract position in Greater Vancouver, ending in November 2027, with hybrid arrangements to be confirmed.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required, particularly around signature events.
• The role requires reliable access to a vehicle and travel throughout Greater Vancouver, as well as the ability to assist with event setup and takedown and remain on one’s feet for periods during events.
• The Events Specialist is a unionized position with the Health Services and Support – Community Subsector Association. The rate of pay is between $31.98 – $33.84 per hour.

CMHA, BC Division is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our staff. Personal experience with mental illness and or addiction, either through self or a loved one, is an asset.

About Us

Founded in 1918, The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health and addiction, CMHA helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience and support recovery from mental illness and/or addiction.

We respectfully acknowledge xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səl’ilwətaʔɬ (TsleilWaututh), Lkwungen (Songhees) and Wyomilth (Esquimalt) peoples on whose traditional, unceded lands the CMHA BC offices are located.