About Us:
The 17th Avenue Business Improvement Area (BIA) advocates, promotes, builds community, and develops programs that enhance the business corridor which encompasses more than 40 blocks and supports 730+ businesses.
We are small team dedicated to enhancing community spaces, fostering community engagement, and driving economic growth. Our goal is to create a vibrant, inclusive corridor that serves as hub for business, culture, and social interaction.
The Role
The Vibrancy and Placemaking Lead will play a pivotal role in bringing the BIA’s signature events and seasonal programs to life.
This position involves developing and maintaining partnerships with local creatives, artists and performers, driving business engagement, awareness and event participation with the BIA business, and leading public realm projects including identifying opportunities for public realm and all aspects of event and programming development, coordination and implementation.
- Oversee development and execution of all BIA signature events including budget management, talent/programming sourcing, implementation and on-site logistics and operations
- Maintain strategic community partnerships
- Liaise with City of Calgary departments for permitting and safety requirements
- Assist with researching, applying for and securing additional funding for events and festivals
- Ensure all event programming is of high quality building connection with community while delivering on organizational strategic plan and annual budget
- Audit other destinations (research and development) for best practises and inspiration
- Conduct outreach with businesses to secure event awareness and participation
- Collaborate with all members of the BIA team to seamlessly deliver high quality experiences
- Organize and lead outreach events, workshops, and public forums to businesses and stakeholders
- Source and lead casual event staff
- Provide top-tier support to the BIA’s 730 businesses
Qualifications:
- 2-3 years experience in event planning or coordination within the arts or entertainment sector
- Ability to negotiate effectively and create contracts
- Skilled at budgeting and financial management
- Leads with creativity and professionalism
- Experience in operations or business advocacy will be considered. This is not an entry level role; therefore, it is not suitable for students or recent graduates
Essential Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences
- Customer service focused - tenacious about finding and delivering quality results for our internal and external stakeholders
- Must be a creative problem solver who is comfortable building and improving processes and best practices
- Possess a growth mindset and is consistently learning new things
- Highly skilled at juggling multiple projects and task switching
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Passion for supporting small business, community engagement, and creating vibrant public spaces
- Must possess a strong work ethic and high standards with a “do it right, or don’t do it at all” mentality
- Desire to provide the best community events in Calgary
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRMs and Mailchimp
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and set up various event equipment independently
- All applicants must be authorized to work in Canada to be considered for this role
Workstyle
- This role is open to home-based entrepreneurs with capacity to add an additional client to their existing and impressive portfolio as well as an individual looking to join a team on a part-time basis.
- Occasional evening and weekend work will be required for special events and programming support.
- This role is not a Monday to Friday /9am-5pm gig. This is a part-time role that will require a mix of dedicated hours each week to be in the BIA collaborating with the team, working independently from a home office and onsite for all BIA events including weekend and evening programming.
- Approximately 70% of this role is ”office work” and 30% of the role will take place out of the office engaging with community partners and overseeing events.
What We Offer:
- Competitive wage of $30 to $38 per hour based on experience
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community development
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Competitive salary, cell phone, and office equipment
- Flexible hours
- Hybrid work environment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.00-$38.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Can you work evenings and weekends?
Experience:
- Event planning: 1 year (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2R 1K1
