Communications Officer, Events Management

University of Ottawa

$72K — $91K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience managing complex, high-profile events.
  • Proven experience in developing strategic communication plans.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Creative capabilities with a solid sense of design.
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and French, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and organize events to ensure visibility of Faculty initiatives.
  • Develop detailed action plans for event execution, including budgeting and promotion.
  • Coordinate visits for international delegations, addressing their needs and planning activities.
  • Lead teams providing logistical support for events, ensuring clear communication.
  • Establish event strategies that support business development within the Faculty.
  • Maintain networks with partners to enhance Faculty visibility.
  • Create and manage communication strategies to promote events.

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
  • Comprehensive health and dental coverage including vision care.
  • Generous paid time off policy including holidays and sick leave.
  • Professional development opportunities through workshops and conferences.
  • Flexible working hours with potential for remote work options.
Full Job Description
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Posting Reason:
Temporary replacement of a regular position

Job Type:
Employee

Anticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments):
12

Job Family:
Event Management

# of Open Positions:
1

Faculty/Service - Department:
Marketing and Communications, Faculty of Engineering

Campus:
Main Campus

Union Affiliation:
SSUO

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):
2026/07/16

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):
2026/07/27

Hours per week:
35

Salary Grade:
SSUO Grade 09

Salary Range:
$72 437,00 - $91 502,00

Position purpose:

Reporting to the Manager, Communications and Marketing, the Communications Officer, Event Management is tasked with proposing, planning, organizing, and promoting events for the Faculty of Engineering, such as symposiums and conferences, academic lectures, panel discussions, student competitions, receptions, networking events, dinners, and important meetings. In addition, the officer works closely with members of the Marketing and Communications team, faculty members, and support staff to develop activities for the Faculty community.
The officer is responsible for all aspects of the creative process, including the development, drafting, and writing of promotional brochures, pamphlets, and other marketing materials, as well as coordinating the work of freelance contributors (writers, graphic designers, etc.).
The officer is responsible for reflecting the professionalism and prestige of the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Engineering when interacting with stakeholders and guests invited to these events, including professors, students, alumni, prospective donors, and members of the broader community.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:
  • Plans, organizes, and leads events, workshops, fairs, conferences, seminars, and other activities to ensure the visibility and positive impact of Faculty of Engineering initiatives. Responsible for organizing and ensuring the successful delivery of major annual events such as Design Day, Excellence Awards ceremonies, and business development events.
  • Develops an action plan for each event, including a budget, detailed agenda, visibility and promotion strategy, key messaging, venue layout plan, evaluations, and post-event reports to ensure the effective execution of projects under their responsibility.
  • Coordinates visits by international delegations of researchers or administrators and develops programs that may span several days and address visitors' needs, including laboratory tours, business lunches, receptions, and related activities.
  • Leads and coordinates teams of volunteers, students, or colleagues assigned to provide logistical support for large-scale events. Manages speakers and presenters, addresses their specific requirements, provides clear communications, and ensures post-event follow-up (e.g., mailing gifts, sending letters or thank-you notes, processing reimbursements)
  • Develops and recommends event strategies that support business development initiatives within the Faculty of Engineering.
  • Develops and maintains a network of partners across the public and private sectors, including media organizations, to enhance the visibility of the Faculty or service.
  • Establishes protocols and procedures to optimize event planning and delivery while preserving organizational knowledge through a repository of best practices.
  • Develops communication strategies to promote Faculty of Engineering events and manages all aspects of official invitations; coordinates and oversees the work of external vendors (graphic designers, translators, etc.) involved in event organization.
  • Designs, develops, and manages the production of promotional materials and communication tools, including advertising. Arranges for required translations, reviews content, and ensures quality and compliance with University of Ottawa standards. Occasionally prepares written materials directly in both official languages to save time while maintaining quality.
  • Builds and maintains productive relationships externally with suppliers and service providers (e.g., negotiating pricing, preparing contracts) and internally with University faculties and services such as Conferences and Reservations, Ceremonies and Events, Procurement Services, Communications Services, Campus Security, and Parking Services

What you will bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Three (3) years of experience managing complex or high-profile events, including responsibility for event budget management.
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans, including media relations, web/online strategies, advertising, and event management.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Excellent public relations skills.
  • Sound judgment and a strong sense of creativity and design.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in an efficient, organized, and composed manner while adhering to established budgets.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Must be able to respond constructively to unexpected challenges and issues.
  • Experience with computer systems and software, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator; Internet tools (browsing, research, and content management systems); Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and related applications.
  • Experience preparing promotional and marketing materials, such as brochures, magazines, guides, advertisements, posters, and other promotional tools.
  • Experience working with private-sector vendors, including catering companies and graphic design firms.
  • Excellent proficiency in both English and French, spoken and written, with outstanding writing and editing skills.


Key Competencies at uOttawa:
Here are the required competencies for all or our employees at uOttawa:

Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

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