Programming & Events Manager

POSITION TITLE: Programming & Events Manager

SUPERVISOR: General Manager

HOURS OF WORK: 35hrs weekly September-April, 30hrs weekly May-August

REMUNERATION: Salary $53,647 - two weeks vacation with additional three weeks paid leave over winter holiday break, one day remote work, casual dress, parking or bus pass, cell phone subsidy, annual 3% increase, health & dental package, RRSP matching program, Health Spending Account, Wellness Fund.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Mar 20 2026 resume and cover letter

ABOUT

The Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) is an incorporated non-profit with the objectives of:

• acting as the official representative organization of Dalhousie students;
• serving as the medium of communication between Dalhousie students and the governing bodies of the University;
• encouraging Dalhousie students to have an awareness of their responsibilities in the local, provincial, national, and international community;
• providing services and programming that enhance student life in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible manner.

With over 20,000 members, the DSU is here to make sure students get the most out of their experience at Dalhousie. The DSU advocates for student rights, builds community on campus through events, supports over 250 societies, and provides discount services!

OVERVIEW

The Programming & Events Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering diverse programs and large-scale campus wide events aimed at enhancing the student life experience for the undergraduate students on campus. The Programming & Events Manager will function primarily in the area of entertainment involving student engagement, programming and event management, volunteer management and administrative capacities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Responsible for delivering successful large scale (1000+ attendees) campus wide events with positive attendee experiences and programs tailored for the students at Dalhousie University including:
  • O-Week (1st year orientation)
  • Dalfest
  • Tree Lighting
  • Late Night Breakfast
  • Winter Welcome
  • Sn-O-Fest
  • Super SUB

• Research current campus programming options by keeping up with industry trends
• Responsible for seasonal displays in the Student Union Building
• Negotiates with agencies to book performers where contract costs stay within budget and positively impact the experience of our students
• Develops clear event documentation highlighting objectives, risk, resource requirements, people requirements and timelines and evaluation metrics
• Ensures event compliance with all laws, municipal by-laws, Dalhousie and DSU regulations, and insurance conditions
• Oversee the dismantling and removal of the event and clear the venue efficiently
• Performs post event evaluation to highlight and review results of programming efforts, overall impact, and identify areas of improvement for future events
• Coordinates additional student union in-house events and Executive Officer initiatives as assigned by the General Manager

Student Volunteer Management

• Responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of student volunteers to help with planning and delivery of programs & events
• Ensures student input is gathered during development of events through consultation with Executive Committee and any other relevant Council sub-committees and incorporated into the overall efforts
• Ensures volunteers are provided with effective training and development programs and equipped with the right tools and resources to meet deliverables

Relationship Management & Outreach

• In coordination with the Marketing & Design Department raises $50k+ annually in sponsorship dollars and materials with off campus businesses & partners to enhance programming efforts
• Works with key stakeholders and partners across campus (Facilities Management, Conference Services, Campus Security office, grounds, athletics, etc.) throughout event development and delivery efforts
• Maintains positive relationships with vendors that we purchase/book goods, services or equipment from
• Works closely with the Marketing & Design Department to ensure programming efforts are effectively marketed and developed successfully for the current student market and their needs/wants

Budgeting & Procurement

• Prepares annual programming plan and budget of $100k+ to senior management for review and board/council approval
• Ensures all submitted expenses are within budget and revenue projections are met for sponsorships & ticket sales
• Responsible for purchasing goods, equipment and services for programming and ensuring the organizations purchasing efforts result in best value for money, including adherence to the DSU Purchase Order processes
• Responsible for pricing events and programs to ensure adequate cost recovery and participation

Risk Management

• Responsible for completing risk assessment for all major programming efforts highlighting areas of risk, mitigation efforts and overall risk factor for review of senior management prior to any programs/events being booked
• Ensuing all major events/programs have comprehensive Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
• Training volunteers to efficiently and safely execute emergency action plan protocols at times of need
• Work with partners to ensure risk is mitigated at all events (Campus Security, Police Services)

Duties may be expanded to other functionsasassignedbythe General Manager.

There is an expectation that this role is present at the majority of events. Work schedule will be adjusted to maintain 35hr week.

There are moderate physical demands required when executing events. Some lifting and moving of supplies/equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree in a related discipline
• Must be available to work flexible hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays as well as academic breaks when events occur.
• Must be able to lift and control at least 25 pounds.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills,and a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage complex situations with a high level of sensitivity, discretion, and diplomacy in mind.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment, including excellent organizational skills and time management skills. Must be ableto prioritize and meetdeadlines.
• Highly adaptable and solution oriented.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Must exhibitdiligentwork ethic,ability to take initiative,good decision-making skills andability toresolveissues accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with all stakeholders, including direct customer service and/or membership-related management experience.
• Strong event management and budgeting skills.
• Ability to effectively identify, mitigate and manage risk.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learnnew online collaboration software, including the Microsoft Suite,Airtable, and/or other software used by the DSU.
• Experience recruiting, coordinating, and motivating volunteers an asset.

The Dalhousie Student Union welcomes the contributions that individuals from traditionally marginalized communities, as outlined under the prohibited grounds for discrimination in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, bring to our organization. Marginalized communities include racialized people; Indigenous people; women; lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and queer people; and people with disabilities. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter or application if they are a member of a marginalized community.