Manager, Ceremonies & Events

Union / Affiliation : Administrative and Professional Staff (APSA)

Pay range : $74,288 to $88,609 annually SFU Department Descr : Ceremonies and Events

Position Grade : 8

of openings : 1

Biweekly Hours : 72

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Ceremonies and Events Office (C&E) advances Simon Fraser University's strategic vision of engagement by producing and managing key university celebrations and milestone events including convocation and the university's high-profile presidential, institutional, advancement, alumni, ceremonial, government and partner events. Delivering approximately 75 – 85 events annually, locally, nationally and internationally, the department also ensures that ceremony and event protocols and traditions are maintained at events.

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director, Ceremonies and Events, plans, manages and executes a variety of annual events (e.g., for the President's office, local and international alumni receptions, and ad-hoc Advancement, Alumni or government events, as needed). Provides assistance with logistics and event coordination to the Associate Director, Convocation and Events for annual Convocation ceremonies. The incumbent of the position manages all pre-, on-site and post-event activities including the development and implementation of event budgets, timelines, procedures and programs; and oversees staff and event volunteers. Liaises and negotiates contracts with internal and external stakeholders and vendors; manages the creation of event promotional and marketing materials; research, compiles and / or drafts briefing notes and scripts for the President, Chancellor and other event speakers / stakeholders, as well as bios and citations for Convocation. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with other departments, SFU service providers, and other external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Arts (i.e., English, Fine Arts, Theatre, Recreation, Communications) or Business (i.e., Marketing and Communications) and / or diploma / certificate in Marketing, Communications, Development, or Event Management, with four years of relevant experience in event management and communications, including experience managing high profile events or multiple smaller events simultaneously, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Excellent understanding of university protocols and policies.
• Excellent budget management and event management skills with the ability to set, communicate and maintain timelines and priorities while working on a number of different initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communications (oral and written) and marketing skills, including demonstrated writing and editing experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with accuracy and a high attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively with event partners, senior university administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni in a variety of settings and to exercise mature judgment, tact, diplomacy, sensitivity and a high level of discretion.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA) :

Additional Information

The assignment end date is September 5, 2025.