Events Team Lead

Position Summary

Seabird Island is grounded in our culture and committed hosting events that are vital to our community, bringing people together to celebrate, learn, connect, and grow. We are seeking an Events Team Lead to join our team to oversee all aspects of planning and executing events at Seabird Island. 

Under the direction of the Manager of Custodial and Venue Operations the Events Team Lead will provide leadership as they effectively plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate events to support engagement, strategy, programs, and Seabird Island. This position focuses on collaborating with key stakeholders and interdepartmental teams to develop event requirements including administrative support, communication plans, budgets, and activities based on business needs.

What You'll Do

Staff Management and Development

• Lead and inspire a team of Events staff, promoting a collaborative and respectful work environment. Providing overall leadership to direct reports, including:
  • Authorizing leaves of absence.
  • Work planning, scheduling, payroll processing and assessment of staffing needs.
  • Hiring, staff development, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to staff.
  • Promoting shared team goals and collaboration among members.
  • Conflict resolution, discipline, and termination recommendation.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members, ensuring efficient workflow and effective collaboration.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities that incorporate First Nations perspectives and practices and to ensure safe and effective work practices.
• Foster professional growth and development within your team, ensuring their work aligns with our community values.
• Promote and enforce health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with regulations and community guidelines.
  
  

Event Planning and Logistics

• Oversee the planning and logistics of all Seabird Island community and workplace events, including festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, and day-to-day operations of those events.
• Develop and implement event plans that reflect our First Nations values and principles.
• Ensure events are well-coordinated, inclusive, and reflective of our community.
• Coordinate with community members, leaders, and other departments to ensure events meet the needs and expectations of Seabird Island and the community.
  

Facility Preparation

• Oversee all logistical aspects of events, including venue setup, equipment rental, and scheduling.
• Ensure all necessary approvals are obtained for events.
  
• Coordinate with the Custodial team and Facilities team to ensure event venues are properly set up, clean, and ready for use.
• Oversee the event layout, set-up and tear-down, ensuring smooth operations and minimal disruption.
• Lead the daily operations of events, ensuring smooth execution and addressing any issues that arise.
  
  

Administrative and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of event details, including budgets, schedules, and attendee information.
• Prepare post-event reports, evaluating the success of events and identifying areas for improvements.
• Maintain accurate records of event details, including budgets, schedules, and attendee information.
• Prepare post-event reports, evaluating the success of events and identifying areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation of events and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and standards.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values. 

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively attend events, trainings, workshops, etc. at other locations.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.
  

What You Bring

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning and coordination, preferably within a First Nations community.
• Training or formal education in Event Planning, Hospitality Management, or related fields are an asset. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Proven experience in leadership and team management.
  

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey messages clearly and respectfully.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in using event planning tools and software.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

How to Apply 

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.