Manager, Institutional Events, University Events & Ceremonies

Purpose:
The Division of Advancement promotes York University’s teaching and research priorities by engaging our diverse community of alumni and friends to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships to secure philanthropic support for the University’s students.Our team is comprised of four departments:

• Advancement Services and Operations leads efforts to support the Development and Alumni Engagement teams
• Development leads efforts to promote and secure philanthropic support from alumni, donors, parents and friends
• Alumni Engagement provides programs and services to over 325,000 York alumni worldwide
• Principal Giving, Donor Relations & Stewardship leads effort to secure principal giving and is responsible for the full scope of activities related to donor relations, including stewardship and recognition

Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful engagement and philanthropic support within our diverse communities to advance York University’s excellence in education, research, and community service. We accomplish our mission through our values of accountability, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The Manager, University Events and Ceremonies supports this mission by providing strategic planning, overall development, implementation and assessment and oversight of institutional events and ceremonies taking place under the auspices of the Division of Advancement, including a wide range of high-profile events on behalf of the Office of the President and senior administration, donor recognition and events, and other pan-university events. The incumbent works in consultation with the Executive Director, Advancement Services & Operations and the Chief of Government and Community Relations in Office of the President, along with other senior administrators, department heads and with colleagues within the Division of Advancement to develop, manage and evaluate events for the York community, including donors to foster a growing level of pride, engagement with and support for the University. The Manager leads a team of an event planner and coordinators in the provision of standards, direction and support for a wide variety of institutional events and ceremonies to ensure events are aligned with the expected outcome(s) and there is a positive impact on the York brand. Ensures that proper protocol guidelines and University traditions are followed. Provides direction and advice on event procedures and practices to all members of the University community. The Manager has supervisory responsibility for four (4) direct reports. Makes recommendations that affect those supervised, such as hiring, firing, promotion, and/or discipline. This position has responsibility for management action under collective agreements (e.g., notice of job closure, grievances, performance issues, etc.). Responsible for the development and management of budgets for the University’s events and ceremonies, for resourcing the events team and to support budget development for clients who rely on the incumbent’s expertise in event planning to develop budgets that match event objectives. Responsible for addressing all aspects of risk management including the management of health and safety concerns, the protection of University assets and its reputation, and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Education:
University Degree.

Experience:
At least five years in a university environment with a focus on institutional ceremonies, advancement, student services and/or student life. Experience in project management and managing large, multi-faceted and complex events or initiatives. Extensive knowledge of the organization and workings of a university at a departmental and constituency level, highly developed political sensitivity, knowledge of protocol. Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the University health and safety procedures as they apply to the workplace. Knowledge of French would be an asset.

Skills:
The incumbent will have demonstrated the ability to maintain strict confidentiality on a continuous basis, working under pressure of high volume, responding effectively to changing priorities, proven ability to exercise good judgment and initiative, exercising leadership to motivate staff, students and volunteers to provide excellence in service, establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all parts of the University, government and corporate offices at a senior level,proven public relations skills, high degree of discretion, tact and diplomacy, excellent oral and written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation and composition, excellent computing skills, including word processing, database management, and computerized spreadsheets, skill in preparing, and monitoring budgets, excellent analytical and organizational skills. Demonstrates the ability to manage a variety of events.

Additional Notes:
General office environment. Physical demands include interactive keyboarding skills (approximately 30%), and long periods of standing at events. Sensory demands include a higher than usual level of listening and concentration when working with Advancement and University staff as well as external contacts, and dealing with irate community members or guests. Position includes regular travel to manage events both locally and in major centres nationally and at times, internationally.

Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview.

• Compensation:

York implemented a revised CPM Compensation Framework in 2019. The Framework is a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Merit Incentive Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a performance lump sum Merit Incentive Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York’s CPM Compensation Program.