Event Officer

Employment details

Department: Communications

Reports to: Communications Director

Supervises: None

Location: Hybrid (2 days in-office), Montreal (Canada)

Travel: Occasional international travel will be required

Position summary

Are you passionate about bringing people together through meaningful, well-crafted experiences? At World Design Organization (WDO)Ⓡ, events are where design leadership comes to life and as Events Officer, you will be at the center of it all.

In this role, you will imagine, plan and deliver global events that reflect WDO’s mission, values and ambition. Working with an international network of partners, cities and creative leaders, you’ll help shape experiences that elevate design’s role in addressing global challenges.

The Events Officer is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of all WDO events. This role oversees the full lifecycle of events, from concept through execution and post-event reporting, ensuring alignment with WDO’s strategic objectives, brand standards and stakeholder expectations. The Events Officer works cross-departmentally with internal teams, partners, service providers and host organizations to deliver high-quality, engaging and well-managed online and in-person events worldwide.

Responsibilities

Event strategy and planning

• Lead the planning and delivery of WDO’s events portfolio, including conferences, assemblies, award ceremonies, webinars, and partner-hosted events
• Develop event plans and timelines in alignment with organizational goals and available resources
• Identify opportunities to enhance event impact, reach and participant experience.

Event management and delivery

• Manage all logistical aspects of events, including venues, travel, accommodation, catering, production, registration, and on-site coordination
• Liaise with host cities, partner organizations, sponsors and service providers to ensure smooth execution
• Oversee online, hybrid and in-person event delivery where applicable, coordinating platforms, technical requirements, and support
• Oversee event contracts and service agreements
• Maintain accurate records, timelines and documentation for all events.

Stakeholder coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external event stakeholders, including speakers, delegates, sponsors, and partners
• Coordinate with internal WDO teams (Communications, Programmes, Leadership) to ensure consistent messaging and alignment
• Support relationship-building with existing and prospective stakeholders through professional event delivery.

Communications and promotion support

• Collaborate with the Communications team to support event promotion, registration and participant communications
• Ensure event materials align with WDO branding and quality standards
• Support on-site and post-event communications.

Evaluation and reporting

• Conduct post-event evaluations to assess performance against objectives
• Collect feedback, analyze outcomes and prepare reports with insights and recommendations for future events
• Contribute to continuous improvement of WDO’s event processes and standards
• Measure and analyze results of communications activities and contribute to quarterly reports on project progress.

Qualifications, required skills and competencies

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Project Management or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• +5 years experience in event planning and management, preferably in an international, nonprofit or cultural organization (experience with a NGO, membership-based organization an asset)
• Excellent command of English, superior written and oral communications skills
• Excellent organizational skills and time management abilities, with a focus on attention to detail
• Ability and skill to plan and coordinate events
• Demonstrated experience using applicable software programmes, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom
• Related knowledge of graphic design principles and print production an asset
• Familiarity with virtual and hybrid event platforms is an asset
• Experience leveraging social media platforms for events
• Creative, strategic thinker with a passion for international work.

Abilities

• Ability to work independently and willingness to work within a collaborative environment
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage high volumes of work in a deadline-oriented environment
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify opportunities
• Demonstrates sound judgment
• Creative problem-solver with a solution orientated approach
• Comfortable working across time zones and with diverse international stakeholders.

What we offer

• Salary according to experience (between $45-50,000)
• Group benefits package including health insurance and dental plan
• Three weeks vacation, including 1 week over the winter holiday break
• Opportunities for professional development and participation in international conferences and events
• A collaborative, innovative and flexible workplace that values both creativity and autonomy
• Opportunity for international travel and to promote design for a better world.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume by Friday, 16 January 2026. Applications should be submitted by email to hr@wdo.org, indicating the job title in the subject line. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be held in February with the intent to commence employment in March.