📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Events & Communications Coordinator
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary
🔹 Category: Student Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Planning, executing, and assessing events for student career exploration and development
- Collaborating with colleagues, students, and employer partners to deliver high-quality events
- Managing event logistics, including schedules, materials, and vendor coordination
- Conducting post-event evaluation and analysis to improve future events
- Promoting events through outreach materials and digital platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Experience in event planning within a career or recruitment setting is essential.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conceptualize, organize, and execute event activities using work back plans and critical paths
✅ Handle expenses for events and coordinate the schedule for program and event calendars
✅ Determine operations and logistics for organizing events and programming across the unit
✅ Organize materials for workshops, conferences, and events
✅ Determine changes to an event based on unusual and/or unexpected circumstances
✅ Conduct post-event evaluation, analysis, and recommendations for changes
✅ Coordinate the preparation and distribution of promotional/outreach materials
✅ Document and maintain standard operating procedures
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work independently. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues and external partners.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: Minimum three years' experience in event planning within a career or recruitment setting.
Required Skills:
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Extensive experience with databases
- Superior organizational and project management skills
- Strong writing skills and excellent analytical skills
- Ability to lead work teams and collaborate with colleagues
- Strong track record of building and maintaining partnerships
- Ability to synthesize and analyze data; attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with survey tools and report preparation
- Familiarity with the University of Toronto and its programs
- Bilingualism (English/French)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education or student services may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 66,715 - 85,319 per year (based on USW Pay Band 09)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (with some flexibility for event scheduling)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the University of Toronto's pay scale for USW employees. Benefits may vary depending on the employee's position and length of service.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1827 (as a whole; the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education was founded in 1965)
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world.
- The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) is a professional faculty within the University of Toronto, offering a wide range of programs and research opportunities in education and related fields.
- The Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE) is a dynamic and inclusive learning community comprised of scholars focused on educational leadership and administration, policy and change, social justice, and community engagement.
Company Specialties:
- Research and teaching in education and related fields
- Student services and support
- Community engagement and partnerships
Company Website: https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a large and complex organization with many departments and programs. Applicants should research the specific department and role they are applying for to ensure a good fit.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Assistant Director, Employer Recruitment & Engagement, and is supervised by the Lead Coordinator, Employer Recruitment & Engagement
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site, with some flexibility for event scheduling
Growth Opportunities:
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Potential for career progression within the University of Toronto system
- Opportunities to work on diverse and innovative projects
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as the chance to work on a variety of projects and events.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with opportunities for remote work for certain events or tasks
Office Location(s): 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, CA
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a diverse population and a vibrant arts and culture scene
- The University of Toronto's St. George campus is located in downtown Toronto, with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and entertainment
- The campus is surrounded by parks, museums, and other attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time, with some flexibility for event scheduling
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. Applicants should be comfortable working in a busy and sometimes unpredictable setting.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Event planning and management skills
- Organizational and project management skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Alignment with the University of Toronto's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your event planning experience and relevant skills
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with event logistics, vendor coordination, and post-event evaluation
- Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Event Planning, Career Services, Student Engagement, Higher Education, Project Management, Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Event Logistics, Vendor Coordination, Post-Event Evaluation
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your application materials can help ensure that your application is seen by the hiring manager.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Database management software
- Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
- Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the department and the events being planned.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Inclusion
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Dynamic
- Fast-paced
- Adaptable
- Creative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively?
- Do you have strong communication and problem-solving skills?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners?
- Do you share the University of Toronto's commitment to excellence, inclusion, and integrity?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto values diversity, inclusion, and equity. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple events and tasks simultaneously
- Working with tight deadlines and conflicting schedules
- Adapting to unexpected changes or challenges during events
- Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners
- Navigating a large and complex organizational structure
ASSUMPTION: This role can be challenging at times, but also offers opportunities for growth and development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to Event Coordinators in other industries, but with a focus on higher education and student services
- Compared to other Event Coordinators, this role may require more collaboration with faculty and external partners
- Career progression in this role may lead to positions such as Event Manager or Senior Event Coordinator
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on higher education and student services, but shares many similarities with Event Coordinator roles in other industries.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a large-scale career fair for students and recent graduates
- Coordinating a series of industry-specific information sessions and workshops
- Managing the logistics for a multi-day conference, including vendor coordination, scheduling, and materials distribution
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of events and tasks that may be required in this role. The specific projects and events may vary depending on the department and the needs of the students and partners.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Events & Communications Coordinator in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader career exploration and development efforts of the University of Toronto?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth in this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and units within the University of Toronto system?
- What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how is it supported by the department and the University as a whole?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the department, and the University of Toronto as a whole. Applicants should feel free to ask additional questions during the interview process.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your event planning experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching the University of Toronto and the specific department you are applying to
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
- If selected for the position, complete the onboarding process and start your new role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
