Community Events Coordinator – Recreation
Organization: University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA
Location: Vancouver, BC
Position Type: Permanent Part-Time (30 hours/week)
Start Date: May 17, 2026
About the UNA
The University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) is a not-for-profit organization that provides municipal-like services, recreation programs, and community events for residents in UBC’s residential neighbourhoods. Our work is guided by three foundational principles: Building Belonging, Enriching Experience, and Fostering Well-Being.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Assistant Recreation Manager – Programs & Events, the Community Events Coordinator – Recreation is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering community events and activations across UNA neighbourhoods. The role provides both strategic leadership and hands-on coordination for key UNA events such as Neighbours Day, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Canada Day, seasonal celebrations, and community showcase events. The coordinator works collaboratively with staff, contractors, community partners, and volunteers to create inclusive, safe, and engaging community experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Community Events Planning and Delivery
- Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate a year-round calendar of UNA community events of varying size, scope, and significance (e.g., Neighbours Day, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Canada Day, Easter celebrations, Halloween events, Spring Art Fair, Spring and Fall Community Yard Sales, Community Night showcase events).
- Develop event concepts, work plans, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with the Recreation Manager and relevant UNA staff.
- Coordinate event logistics including site layouts, equipment and supplies, staging and AV, décor, food vendors, waste management, signage, accessibility, and risk management.
- Secure and liaise with performers, exhibitors, vendors, contractors, and campus/community partners; support or prepare contracts and agreements as required.
- Lead on-site event operations, including set-up, event supervision, troubleshooting, and takedown, ensuring a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and maintain effective relationships with residents, cultural groups, student organizations, UBC units, and local businesses to support co-creation, sponsorship, and participation in events.
- Engage community stakeholders to identify emerging interests and needs and incorporate feedback into event planning and design.
- Represent the UNA at community meetings and partner tables related to events, as assigned.
Volunteer and Staff Collaboration
- Work with the UNA volunteer program to recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers for events.
- Provide on-site leadership, direction, and support to volunteers and casual staff, modelling strong communication, teamwork, and a service-oriented approach.
- Collaborate closely with Recreation, Facilities, Communications, and other UNA departments to ensure coordinated delivery of events and initiatives.
Event Administration and Communications
- Develop and monitor event budgets; track revenues and expenses; support financial reporting related to events.
- Maintain accurate event records, calendars, inventories, and documentation, including debriefs and post-event reports.
- Collaborate with the Communications Department to promote events through the UNA Program Guide, website, social media, newsletters, and on-site signage.
- Provide customer service and event information to residents and participants through various communication channels.
Risk Management and Community Centre Support
- Ensure events are delivered in compliance with UNA policies, safety standards, and relevant regulatory requirements, including emergency procedures and incident reporting.
- Assist in the development and implementation of event-related procedures, guidelines, and best practices for UNA community centres and outdoor spaces.
- Support general Recreation and community centre operations as required, including occasional assistance to front desk or facilities staff during peak periods.
Qualifications Education
Degree or diploma in Recreation, Event Management, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Community Planning/Development, Leisure Services, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience coordinating cultural, recreation, sport, or community events and programs, preferably in a municipal, campus, or community centre setting.
- Experience planning and delivering special events and working with volunteers, contractors, and community groups.
- Experience in a not-for-profit or public sector environment is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and familiarity with registration and scheduling software (e.g., Explore Recreation, Activenet, Vome, or similar).
- Ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple events and projects simultaneously, with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and report on basic event attendance and feedback data to inform decision-making.
Soft Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with residents, partners, and colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and lead on-site teams and volunteers during events.
- Ability to positively influence others and lead with a community-focused, service-oriented approach.
- Strong organizational skills, including setting priorities, developing work schedules, monitoring progress, and tracking details.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, especially in dynamic event environments.
- Commitment to anticipating and responding to community needs in alignment with UNA parameters.
- Adaptability, discretion, and the ability to work effectively in a changing environment, including sensitivity to political issues affecting the UNA.
Other Requirements
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector, as required.
- Standard First Aid and CPR, or willingness to obtain.
Work Schedule and Conditions
- Regular schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, 30.0 hours per week (7.0 hours per day plus a 0.5-hour unpaid lunch).
- Flexible hours are required, including evenings and additional weekend work, to meet operational needs for major events and peak periods.
- Primary work locations are Wesbrook Community Centre and the Old Barn Community Centre, with frequent work in outdoor and other UNA neighbourhood locations.
- The position involves standing for extended periods and assisting with event set-up and takedown within safe physical limits.
Compensation
- Salary Range (20z26): $49,000 – $67,000 annually (prorated to 30 hours/week)
- Midpoint: $58,000
- Employee Benefits (3-month probationary period)
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume, in a single PDF document, indicating “Community Events Coordinator – Recreation” in the subject line, to:
Email: dave.gillis@myuna.ca
Application Deadline: May 17, 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Description
