Senior Conference Coordinator in St. Catharines

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. We are one of Canada’s outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive!

This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Administrative Professional (Employee Group). This is a fixed-term contract position, expected to begin by December 2026 and conclude January 2028.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Associate Director, Conference and Parking Services, the Senior Conference Coordinator is responsible for planning and organizing the smooth execution of events services and conferences across Brock University. In addition, the successful candidate will optimize the development and implementation of marketing and communications plans and promotional materials to increase sales in support of the achievement of annual departmental revenue targets.

The Senior Conference Coordinator will:

• Provide input and participate in the development and implementation of a proactive marketing plan to promote conferences of various sizes;
• Coordinate the development, monitoring, and maintenance of a suite of compelling conference package options and services that can be used to engage prospective conference/event clients as part of the sales process;
• Build a strong network of prospective and current clients in order to develop a steady pipeline of conferences and events using marketing activities including direct marketing, online marketing, tradeshows, and cooperative marketing initiatives;
• Coordinate and facilitate all on-site conference/event logistics including conducting site tours, room booking, space & equipment set-up, and food services to ensure a positive conference experience for guests;
• Address and resolve conflict and/or client concerns that staff or clients bring forward, ensuring high quality client service;
• Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved, including surveying clients to determine satisfaction;
• Provide leadership to student staff, including assigning tasks, supervising, coaching, mentoring, and motivating to develop a client-centered culture;
• Coordinate all financial transactions for each conference, including developing and managing appropriate files on each group, preparing individual and master invoices, following up on delinquent receivables, and reconciling finances;
• Prepare reports and documents to inform metrics reporting, budget preparation, sales projections, and departmental projects;
• Provide input and participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of Conference Services policies, processes, and standard operating procedures.

Please note: This position may require evenings and weekends based on events and operational needs.

Key Skills and Experience:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Valid G class driver’s license with an acceptable drivers’ abstract;
• Relevant work experience in an area such as retail, hospitality, conference and event planning, or customer service environment;
• Supervisory experience;
• Strong computer competency, including knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Experience providing high-quality customer service and the ability to build plans to exceed customer expectations;
• Effective budgeting and record keeping skills;
• Ability to negotiate contracts and pricing with clients and service providers;
• Ability to identify and act upon emergency situations;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas and persuade others to achieve common outcomes;
• Ability to generate sales opportunities;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and propose approaches to improve outcomes;
• Ability to appropriately handle urgent situations in a calm, diplomatic and tactful way;
• Demonstrated project management skills and the proven ability to independently design, implement, manage, lead and execute multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• Knowledge of Brock’s facilities, services, contracts, and policies around use of space;
• Certified Management Professional (CMP) designation;
• CPR and First Aid certified.

Salary and Total Rewards:

Job Grade L, Salary Scale ($67,721 - $108,353); Target Hiring Range: $67,721 - $72,000. This is a fixed term contract position that includes:

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed. Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region.

Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups. We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact talent@brocku.ca if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process. We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.