Senior Manager, Special Events and Community Engagement

About BGC Ottawa

For more than 100 years, BGC Ottawa has provided children and youth with a safe, supportive place to belong where they can play, learn and grow beyond the pressures of home and school.

Serving more than 12,000 young people each year, BGC Ottawa delivers free programs and services across Ottawa through four Clubhouses, Camp Smitty and community-based neighbourhood programming. The Club is committed to equity, inclusion and opportunity, supporting children and youth from all backgrounds to build confidence, skills and brighter futures.

General Summary

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Manager, Special Events and Community Engagement leads the strategy, development, and execution of BGC Ottawa’s event portfolio.

This role is responsible for delivering high-impact marquee events while also building and growing a pipeline of third-party and community-led events with a target of $500K+ in annual revenue.

The ideal candidate is both a strong operator and a builder—someone who can execute exceptional events while identifying, creating, and scaling new opportunities to drive revenue and community engagement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY

Deliver Marquee Events (currently the Morning Social and Glamping Gala)

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of BGC Ottawa’s marquee events (Morning Social and Glamping Gala), ensuring high-quality delivery and continuous improvement
• Evolve and refresh event concepts, formats, and experiences to keep them relevant and engaging for returning audiences
• Work collaboratively with committees, agencies, and internal teams to shape compelling event experiences
• Oversee budgets, timelines, vendors, and logistics to ensure efficient and effective execution
• Integrate youth voice and storytelling into events in meaningful and impactful ways
• Continuously evaluate event performance and identify opportunities to improve or reimagine events over time

Grow and Scale Third-Party and Community Event Revenue (Target: $500K+ annually; excludes marquee events)

• Develop and execute a strategy to grow third-party and community-led events to $500K+ annually, separate from marquee event revenue
• Identify, create, and secure new third-party event opportunities, including developing event concepts from the ground up
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate, community, and grassroots partners
• Support and enhance existing third-party events to maximize revenue and impact
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for growth, optimization, and expansion
• Act as an ambassador for BGC Ottawa, strengthening awareness and engagement in the community

Project Management & Operations

• Own all aspects of event project management, including timelines, budgets, logistics, and execution
• Manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including marketing, fundraising, and program staff

~Other duties as required~

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 to 8 years of relevant work experience
• Related university degree or comparable combination of education and work experience
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts, as well as securing corporate and community partnerships
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva, Canada Helps and a demonstrated ability to learn new software applications efficiently
• Knowledge of Abila or other fundraising databases is an asset
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule, including travel and occasional weekends and evenings
• A valid driver’s license is required for travel within Ottawa and surrounding areas
• Police Record Check required (processed within the last 6 months)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and secure sponsorship
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills
• Passion for youth and community impact

Working conditions

Much of the work is performed in an office and Clubhouse environment that is generally clean and comfortable. The role may occasionally require standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, and light physical activity while attending programs, events or Clubhouse activities. Prolonged periods of computer use are required, including close vision for screen-based work. Noise levels are typically quiet to moderate, with occasionally higher activity levels during programs or events.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All applicants, employees and volunteers are treated fairly regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion or belief.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.