Volunteer & Competition Coordinator

Leighconsulting; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community organization is seeking a Volunteer and Competition Coordinator to support the planning and delivery of competitions. The role focuses on event coordination, volunteer management, and stakeholder engagement, offering a flexible hybrid work model. Candidates should have relevant education and experience in volunteer management, alongside strong organizational and communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in promoting skilled trades among youth in Ontario.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits plan

Pension program

Home office allowance

Paid time off during annual holiday shutdown

Flexible schedule

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education an asset in a related field.
• 3 years related experience in coordination or volunteer management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the planning of the Skills Ontario Competition.
• Liaise with volunteers, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Develop and launch volunteer programs and maintain guidebooks.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Volunteer Management

Event Coordination

Relationship Management

Ability to Work as a Team

Education

Post-secondary education (Event Management, Administration, Business, Skilled Trades, Teaching/Education)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM Databases (e.g., CentrixOne)

Jotform

Job description

About Us

Skills Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting careers in skilled trades and technologies to Ontario youth through a variety of programs and competitions across the province.

We are looking to add a new member to our current team. Our employees enjoy a casual work environment, flexible schedules, and a real opportunity to make a difference. Some administrative tasks may be completed from home.

Skills Ontario is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our organization and is an equal opportunity employer. Representation throughout all programs is essential to Skills Ontario. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Job Summary

As the Volunteer and Competition Coordinator, you will play a role in supporting the successful planning and delivery of the Skills Ontario Competition and related competition programs. Reporting to the Competition Manager, this position bridges event and volunteer coordination with administrative support, ensuring smooth operations, clear communication, and positive engagement with our volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

This is a newly created role; however, the majority of the responsibilities are already well-established within the department and are now being transitioned to this position to allow for more dedicated focus, structure, and growth. While some elements, such as the enhanced volunteer program, will involve new processes and improvements, much of the work is already in place and/or started and will benefit from increased attention, formal documentation, and the development of new ideas to expand existing initiatives.

The Competition Department is a collaborative, fast-paced team that relies on strong communication, trust, and adaptability. We work closely to deliver high-quality events, support one another through demanding periods, and maintain a positive, solutions-focused environment. We value professionalism, teamwork, and resilience, and we’re looking for individuals who thrive in a dynamic setting and contribute to a cohesive, supportive team culture.

Hybrid work model

• Remote: virtually from home office
• In-person:
• October to January: 1 day per week
• February: 1 to 2 days per week
• March: 2 to 3+ days per week
• April: 4 to 5 days per week
• May: most of month (events/ prep)
• Summer: 1 to 2 weeks
• Schedule and on-site location are flexible and determined by department

Key Responsibilities

Competition and Contests

• Liaise with volunteers and stakeholders; review and update contest floor plans with contractor and documentation; coordinate translation as needed.
• Gather contest-specific requirements, quotes, and materials; secure in-kind donations.
• Serve as liaison to Technical Committee members for 15–20 assigned contests.
• Recruit and onboard new Technical Committee Chairs and judges as required.
• Coordinate competition and contest ordering (e.g., consumables, tools, fencing, tents, bleachers, water trailers/jugs).
• Support administrative duties including document updates, contest scopes, etc.
• Serve as backup to the Competition Registration Coordinator for working knowledge and occasional utilization of the CRM, Jotform, and related platforms.
• Work in partnership with the Competition Registration Coordinator for Results Night.
• Maintain select distribution lists for purchased, owned, and in-kind materials/equipment.
• Attend occasional in-person meetings, typically held in the evenings or weekends, with potential overnight stay required. Additionally, staff the competition 1.5 weeks onsite in Toronto, with overnight stay required.
• Act as tear-down lead and work in collaboration with others.
• Meet contractors onsite as required.
• Arrange and drive the rental van to transport office and sensitive supplies between offices and venues for events (first and last event days typically Waterloo or Toronto).
• Coordinate post-event digital distribution of certificates.

Volunteer Program

• Develop and launch the volunteer program creating new documents, training tools, and templates derived through the Volunteer Canada project, in coordination with the Director.
• Maintain and communicate Volunteer Guidebook to volunteers.
• Organize volunteer reimbursements in coordination with Accounting.
• Conduct the annual distribution and review of the Volunteer Feedback Survey.
• Source and order appreciation gifts.
• Attend fall and spring Tech Chair Meetings (two per year, typically held in the evening).
• Prepare and distribute competition training.
• Track and administer years-of-service awards.
• Lead nominations for the Glen Beatty Award and John Oates Award for the department.
• Serve as the primary contact for new volunteer inquiries (website, email, etc.).
• Coordinate volunteer appreciation initiatives throughout the year (e.g., National Volunteer Week, discount communications, etc.).

Elementary Workshops

• Secure and organize workshop leads, infrastructure, training, and space in floor plan.
• Coordinate with the programs department for the programming side of activities.

Qualifying Competitions

• Conduct meetings, scope reviews, and contest updates in coordination with provincial committees.
• Order and arrange contest materials (where not handled by local hosts).
• Coordinate with locations for catering, participant transportation, and onsite logistics.
• Update event materials, powerpoints, scripts, binders, and shipping of bins.
• Order medals and coordinate staff training and staffing schedules.
• Support budget reviews with Manager and Director.
• Coordinate post-event digital distribution of certificates.
• Serve as point person for attending select institution qualifiers where possible.

Team Ontario (Skills Canada National Competition - SCNC)

• Assist with Team Ontario packing and logistics.
• Travel with Team Ontario (five or more days, out of province, with overnight stays required).
• Engage with competitors to identify potential alumni spokespeople; maintain post-event alumni database of candidates for outreach.
• Support onsite logistics and emerging needs.
• Listed as an additional driver for rental vehicle(s).
• Coordinate annual post-event competitor and delegate surveys.
• Manage mailing of SCNC banners and certificates post-event.

Warehouse and Inventory

• Assist with inventory management during summer and other designated times as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education an asset (e.g., Event Management, Administration, Business, Skilled Trades, Teaching/Education, or relevant experience).
• Volunteer management experience considered an asset; certification in volunteer management or willingness to obtain one.
• 3 years of related experience in coordination or volunteer management considered an asset.
• Knowledge of skilled trades and technology careers considered an asset.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Canva, Adobe, or similar platforms an asset; training available.
• Experience with CRM databases (e.g., CentrixOne) and Jotform considered an asset; training provided.
• Valid G driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to travel occasionally within Ontario, with overnight stays as required, including out-of-province travel for nationals
• Ability to work extended hours during peak periods (e.g., mainly March–May).
• Comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and maneuvering carts or trolleys.
• Forklift certification (propane and electric) or willingness to obtain.
• Standard First Aid, CPR, and/or Mental Health First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Must provide a clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Fluency in English required; French considered an asset.

Why You Should Apply

• Make a Difference: This is more than just a job— it’s an opportunity to help shape life-changing experiences for students, educators, industry partners, and volunteers across Ontario. As part of the Competition Department, you’ll play a key role in delivering one of the largest and most influential skilled trades and technologies events in Canada.
• Your work will directly support programs that inspire youth, empower educators, connect industry with emerging talent, and showcase the incredible opportunities available in the skilled trades and tech sectors. Every detail you organize contributes to the success of an event that transforms futures, strengthens Ontario’s workforce and changes lives.

• Competitive Employee Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, a pension program, a home office allowance, and paid time off during our annual holiday office shutdown. Employees also enjoy holiday and milestone gifts, years of service recognition, a flexible schedule and opportunity for lieu hours, and a special birthday meal. Additionally, we provide a dedicated learning budget for Truth and Reconciliation education, opportunities to participate in Bring Your Kid to Work Day, and continuous professional development resources to support career growth is provided (example: college continuing education).

How To Apply

Applicants should send one document which includes a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Competitions Manager, Kate Belair at [e-mail], and Director of Competitions and Business Development, Jennifer Green [e-mail] no later than February 6, 2026.

This posting is for a new vacancy. Our hiring process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.

Skills Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or status. Skills Ontario welcomes and encourages applications from people with exceptionalities. Skills Ontario is committed to accommodating applicants with exceptionalities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).