Welcome To Support Ontario Youth - Applying For The Program and Events Manager Position

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Events, the Programs & Events Manager leads the end-to-end planning, production, promotion and execution of organizational events, and Skilled Trades Bootcamp events across Ontario that inform and engage attendees in the skilled trades and the apprenticeship pathway.

This role owns the full event lifecycle from concept development and stakeholder alignment to onsite execution and post-event reporting while ensuring high-impact, hands-on experiences that connect youth and job seekers to apprenticeship and employment pathways.

The Manager serves as the on-the-ground event lead, responsible for multi-site event delivery, operational excellence, budget stewardship, and creating engaging, safe, and seamless participant experiences. This role requires strong stakeholder management, production oversight, and the ability to lead events in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Strategy, Planning & Production

Lead the strategic planning and operational production of skilled trades workshops and Boot Camp events across Ontario.
Develop comprehensive event plans, run-of-show documents, site layouts, staffing plans, and execution timelines.
Conduct venue sourcing, site visits, and logistical assessments to ensure optimal event flow and participant experience.
Oversee full onsite event production including setup, activation delivery, troubleshooting, and tear-down.
Serve as Event Lead onsite — directing instructors, vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure seamless delivery.
Manage event-day program flow, stage moments, participant briefings, and time management.
Create an engaging, hands-on environment that reflects industry professionalism and safety standards.
Identify risks proactively and implement contingency plans to ensure smooth execution.

Budget & Funded Program Management

Own event budgets in collaboration with the Director of Development and Events and Director of Operations, ensuring fiscal accountability and ROI.
Monitor expenses, track cost efficiencies, and identify vendor savings opportunities.
Ensure all event delivery aligns with funding agreements, participant targets, and compliance requirements.
Prepare post-event reports including metrics, financial summaries, impact analysis, and lessons learned.
Track participant conversion outcomes to measure program impact.

Stakeholder & Partner Experience

Build and manage relationships with employers, school boards, host venues, instructors, and industry partners.
Act as primary point of contact for event hosts, ensuring expectations, logistics, and outcomes are clearly aligned.
Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies and drive attendance.
Represent the organization professionally in unionized, educational, and community-based environments.
Maintain strong employer engagement to support apprenticeship and workforce pathways.

Participant Experience & Engagement

Design and deliver high-impact, interactive experiences that inspire interest in skilled trades careers.
Address participants at each event, providing orientation, safety briefings, and career pathway insights.
Engage directly with attendees to identify high-potential candidates.
Develop post-event summaries highlighting participant engagement and workforce alignment.
Ensure participant targets and engagement metrics are achieved.

Operations & Event Logistics

Oversee equipment, tool, and PPE inventory management for multi-site event deployment.
Coordinate instructor and driver scheduling to support event logistics.
Manage transportation, storage, and safe handling of event materials.
Supervise load-in and load-out operations.
Support event documentation and content capture in collaboration with marketing.
Fleet management including maintaining operational readiness of vehicles, equipment, and supplies.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Evaluate event metrics, participant feedback, and stakeholder input to refine future programming.
Identify opportunities to elevate the event experience, streamline logistics, and enhance operational efficiency.
Contribute to long-term event strategy and program growth initiatives.
Support the Director of Events with strategic planning and program expansion initiatives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Post-secondary education or equivalent combination of certification and relevant experience.
3+ years of experience in event production, experiential programming, project management, or multi-site event coordination.
Demonstrated experience managing event budgets and vendor contracts.
Experience working with government-funded programs is considered an asset.
Experience in not-for-profit, fundraising, workforce development, or education environments is an asset.
Background in skilled trades, apprenticeship pathways, recruitment, or workforce development is an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong event production and project management expertise.
Experience managing multiple concurrent events in dynamic environments.
Ability to lead onsite teams and vendors with confidence and clarity.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to effectively manage and support team members, including contractors.
Safety-minded with a demonstrated commitment to taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safe planning and delivery of programs and events.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high level of professionalism when representing the organization in public and when engaging with industry partners and stakeholders.
Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage others naturally and build rapport with ease.
A confident communicator able to listen actively, respond strategically, communicate with clarity and purpose.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Financial acumen with experience managing event budgets.
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
Proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making abilities.
Comfortable working in live-event, hands-on environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

REQUIREMENTS:

Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with Ontario legislation.
Valid G Driver’s Licence with clean driving abstract.
Reliable vehicle and valid insurance.
Ability to drive across Ontario, including overnight stays.
Required to participate in, complete training for, and actively contribute to the Joint Health and Safety Committee, including fulfilling all associated responsibilities in accordance with Ontario health and safety legislation.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
This role requires the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to up to 20 lbs independently and 50+ lbs with assistance, move and organize inventory, stock shelving, and remain on your feet for extended periods. The position involves frequent walking, bending, and reaching.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Monday to Friday with flexible scheduling.
Regular onsite event execution including occasional evenings, weekends and overnight stays may be required for events and workshops.
Hybrid work model with required travel to Etobicoke head office and event locations across Ontario.

Salary: $77,250

How to apply:

Attach a detailed cover letter and resume to be considered for this role.
Assessment must be completed to be considered for this role. Please copy and paste this link:https://jbtmz.me/s/?e=36WCoqiY

We will ONLY be in touch with candidates who qualify for the position and complete the assessment. We wish all applicants the best of luck.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the hiring process.

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