Events and Communication Manager

About the Role

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is small, hard-working, highly collaborative charity that leads work to complete, expand, enhance and promote the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. The Trail is a foundational part of the Trust’s mandate to regenerate waterfronts. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, it connects 177 communities over 3600 km. Our key promotional and engagement program is an annual multi-day cycling event called the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA). The highly-rated event showcases a different section of the Trail every year in collaboration with our community partners. It has become a remarkable story-telling vehicle.

We are looking for a new team member who shares our passion for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and its watersheds, who can build on the success of the GWTA and other events and help the Waterfront Regeneration Trust share its story with partners, decision-makers and the public. This position will particularly suit someone who loves people and cycling.

The Events and Communications Manager is responsible for delivering high-quality public engagement, communications, and events on behalf of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT), with a significant focus on leading the successful planning and execution of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA).

A core purpose of this role is to raise the profile of WRT programs and initiatives—including the GWTA but will encompass additional WRT programs—by showcasing their impact, purpose, partners, and the communities they serve.

This position blends event organization, communications strategy, community outreach, and partnership engagement to deliver on program commitments, raise awareness of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the mission and vision of WRT.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications Leadership

• Raise the profile of WRT programs, including the GWTA, through strategic communications and storytelling.
• Lead development and implementation of an annual communications plan.
• Coordinate the production of regular newsletters for the public.
• Manage and grow WRT social media platforms; develop engaging, consistent content.
• Develop and manage promotional campaign to drive GWTA and other event registrations.
• Prepare newsletters, partner updates, website content, and marketing collateral.
• Support media outreach: draft press releases, respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews.

2. Event Management & Program Delivery

• Lead planning and execution of one-time and reoccurring events, e.g. GWTA, Farm Fresh Tours
• Develop and manage a GWTA itinerary showcasing Trail communities and program initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics including transportation, accommodations, meals, rest stops, and shuttles.
• Oversee event registration; respond to participant inquiries.
• Ensure on-site delivery of a safe, well-organized, enjoyable tour.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers.
• Work with WRT colleagues to produce GWTA and other event related mapping and navigational resources.
• Plan and support additional events which are part of the WRT’s funded and core programs, including Farm Fresh cycle tour in 2026.

3. Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with municipal partners, Indigenous communities, tourism organizations, NGOs, cycling groups, and sponsors.
• Represent WRT at meetings, community events, and conferences.
• Support the development of sponsorship proposals and in-kind contributions.
• Coordinate WRT presence at trade shows—including booth registration, setup, and staffing.
• Support political engagement during the GWTA and other events, including meetings with elected officials on-route.

4. Planning, Reporting & Evaluation

• Working with senior staff, prepare event/program budgets, and obtain approval for agreements and contracts.
• Track and evaluate participant and partner feedback; measure program impacts such as economic benefits.
• Present findings and insights at partner and stakeholder meetings.

5. Other

• Perform additional duties that support successful delivery of events and WRT’s strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary Diploma in a relevant field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years’ relevant event experience.
• Strong commitment to service excellence.
• Experience in event planning and logistics.
• Demonstrated communications experience, including social media and content creation.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Apple O/S.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse partners.
• Volunteer or team leadership experience.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends during events.
• Valid driver’s license and excellent record; access to vehicle an asset.
• Knowledge of cycling tourism, community engagement, environmental initiatives, or waterfront development is an asset.
• Being a strong cyclist is a major asset.
• Knowledge of Constant Contact, RaceRoster, WordPress is an asset.