Event Director

Contract Duration : Estimated 18 months (through event execution and close-out)

Compensation : CAD $90,000 – 120,000 annually (commensurate with experience and expertise)

About the Event

This event will bring people together to celebrate our region’s culture, strengthen community connections, and drive lasting economic and social impact. With thoughtful programming and local partnerships, it will inspire creativity, foster unity, and continue a meaningful legacy for the future.

Position Overview

Initially reporting to the VP of Festivals and Events at Discover Halifax, later reporting to the Board of Directors, and with the support of Discover Halifax and Build Nova Scotia, the Event Director will drive all aspects of planning and executing the event, while serving as the main point of coordination among local stakeholders, international partners, and community volunteers. This role requires a highly skilled individual with experience managing large-scale events, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

The Event Director will work closely with a steering committee to execute the event’s vision while ensuring operational excellence and adherence to established goals.

Key Responsibilities :

• Early Planning & Development (with Discover Halifax) :
• Establish an initial strategic roadmap, setting key milestones and deliverables
• Recruit the event steering committee and operational committee members
• Develop and refine the event vision and business plan with the steering committee and key stakeholders
• Complete initial funding requests to the Province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality
• Relationship building with international organizations, host partners, tourism partners, and local leaders
• Attend relevant events nationally and internationally as a representative of Halifax
• Assist in the creation of the host society, including incorporation and creation of financial and IT systems
• Strategic Leadership :
• Collaborate with the steering committee to develop and refine the event's strategic framework.
• Align event operations with overarching goals, ensuring stakeholder alignment.
• Working in partnership with Discover Halifax - represent the event to high-level partners, including municipal, provincial, and federal entities, as well as international maritime organizations.
• Operational Management :
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture among staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and management of a multi-disciplinary event team, including staff and key volunteers, for marine operations, event operations, volunteer coordination, revenue development, and marketing.
• Lead and coordinate international organizations
• Manage agreements and relationships with local partners
• Programming
• Work with the steering and operational committees to design compelling event programming, including educational exhibits, live performances, markets, installations, and fireworks.
• Work with relevant community members to develop large-scale public programming to highlight both the African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq peoples and stories
• Develop revenue-generating opportunities through staff and volunteers, which may include tours, hospitality, and other avenues, which add to the public program, as required in hosting agreements
• Create partnership programs to encourage region-wide participation by BIDs, businesses, and communities
• Ensure all programming is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to a broad audience
• Volunteer and Community Engagement :
• Recruit and oversee leadership volunteers to manage key event functions (e.g., liaison, public programs).
• Foster a sense of community ownership and participation in the event.
• Budget, Revenue Development, and Compliance :
• Develop and manage the event budget, ensuring financial sustainability and transparency
• Identify and secure funding through sponsorships, grants, and other revenue streams
• Work with the board of directors to track expenditures and report on financial performance
• With the board, oversee financial audits and reporting requirements
• Marketing & Audience Development (led by Discover Halifax) :
• Support and collaborate with Discover Halifax to develop and execute a marketing strategy to maximize attendance, especially from regional and overnight visitors
• Support and collaborate with Discover Halifax to create event packages, hotel promotions, and visitor experiences that enhance the festival’s economic impact
• Support public relations efforts, while acting as a spokesperson when event chairs are not available
• Oversee event-owned communications channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, etc.
• Event Delivery and Risk Management :
• Lead the operational planning and execution of all event activities, ensuring they meet high standards of quality and safety
• Working with the board and committees, develop and implement policies to manage risks, including safety protocols, environmental standards, and emergency response plans
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations – including but not limited to maritime law, public safety, workplace safety, and building standards
• Ensure all host requirements contained within contractual agreements are funded and met
• Post-Event Reporting & Evaluation :
• Lead the post-event impact assessment, including financial reporting, economic impact analysis, and stakeholder feedback collection
• Submit final reports to sponsors, funding agencies, and government partners
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and operational recommendations for future events
• Archive all files and materials
• Potential to travel to conference(s) to present a lessons learned and debrief

Qualifications

Contract Structure

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