Ages 7+ | Toronto (hybrid)

Based in Toronto (hybrid model) — Serving Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia

About the position 

ZSA is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual for the position of National Events Director, a permanent, full-time role based in our Toronto office. This is a hybrid, national-level position serving Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia, and supporting event programming across Canada.

The person holding the position is responsible for providing strategic direction, logistical management of events, rigor of financial processes, supervision of a small team and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders, in order to guarantee the success of ZSA’s flagship events within the legal community.

Bilingualism (French and English, spoken and written) is ideally required for this position, given its national scope and our regular collaboration with partners, sponsors and stakeholders in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.

Main responsibilities

1. Planning and execution of events

To provide strategic direction for key events within the legal community, including:

• Annual Quorum Club Events:  Oversee the planning, sponsorships and execution of Quorum Club events in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, including identifying and securing sponsors, and replicating the model in each region.
• Solicit and arrange meetings with potential panelists and moderators; advise on content and facilitate brainstorming sessions.
• Coordinate the scheduling of these events.
• Canadian General Counsel Awards:  Oversee the planning and execution of this flagship annual event.
• Renew existing sponsorships and identify new sponsorship opportunities.
• Oversee the development of sponsor solicitation materials.
• Coordinate annual events alternating between Western Canada and Quebec.
• Manage other smaller legal events as needed (e.g., sponsor dinners, jury dinners).
• Ensure that all events run smoothly, achieve their objectives and stay within budget.

2. Communication with stakeholders

Communicating with the various stakeholders involved in each event, including:

• Sponsorships:  Negotiate and confirm sponsorship agreements.
• Table sales:  Manage communications related to the sale of event tables.
• Advisory boards:  Ensure continuous communication with the relevant advisory boards.
• Candidates and nominators:  Coordinate communication with candidates and nominators in connection with award ceremonies.
• Sponsors:  Maintain positive relationships with sponsors before, during and after events.
• Production companies:  Collaborate with event production teams for implementation.
• Reception venues:  Coordinate logistics and negotiations related to venues.
• Masters of Ceremonies:  To supervise the preparation and support of the masters of ceremonies.

3. Logistics and event coordination 

• Ensure that all the logistics of each event are taken care of, from the choice of venue to the operations on the day itself.
• Coordinate event timelines and ensure adherence to key milestones.
• Oversee registrations, participant management and any last-minute changes.

4. Management of invoices and event budgets

• Track invoices related to events and ensure timely payment.
• Check all invoices related to the events.
• Ensure that invoices are paid within the required timeframes, including by carrying out the necessary internal and external follow-ups.
• Coordinate with internal teams, suppliers and other stakeholders to resolve any payment issues or outstanding invoices.
• Manage event budgets and ensure financial responsibility for all events.

5. Strategic direction of ZSA’s internal events

• Provide strategic input to the planning of internal events, such as staff retreats.
• Oversee the smooth running of internal events, from concept to post-event evaluation.
• Supervise the national bulletin as well as national appeals.

6. Team management 

• Manage the person holding the position of Events and Marketing Manager as well as the person holding the position of Social Media Advisor.
• Supervise the daily responsibilities of the team members under their supervision.
• Ensure that the team effectively supports the planning, marketing and execution of events.
• To offer coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities to team members.

7. Sponsorships and partnerships 

• Advise the ZSA team on sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Advising on opportunities related to Blink Equity and other strategic partners.
• Provide recommendations regarding donations and community investment.
• Evaluate and recommend potential sponsorship or partnership opportunities, as needed.
• Regional Partnerships:  Coordinate with regional partners (e.g., the Young Bar Association of Montreal) regarding gifts, event scheduling, guest lists, dietary restrictions, and visibility opportunities.
• Liaise with the Montreal office for partnership opportunities (e.g., ACC Quebec).
• Advise the team on how to leverage partnerships and sponsorships to maximize their impact at events in Toronto, British Columbia, and Montreal.
• Follow up with consultants to ensure they invite relevant clients to sponsored events; coordinate with the organizing team regarding dietary restrictions and other guest-related details.

8. Marketing and communications 

• Contribute to the planning and successful implementation of a marketing and communications program.
• Social media oversight:  Provide strategic oversight of social media activities, including:
• Align social media objectives with those of the company and manage a content calendar.
• Oversee the production of engaging publications, videos, and visuals.
• Monitor performance indicators, present analyses and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities.
• Testing new ideas and adapting to platform changes to foster continuous improvement.

9. Other responsibilities 

• Special projects, such as the salary survey conducted with Counselwell, including the drafting of detailed reports summarizing the results.
• Searching for holiday gifts for the Toronto and Montreal offices, as well as for partners like the Young Bar Association of Montreal.
• Looking for promotional items for events.
• Any other task necessary for the smooth running and execution of the events.

Required qualifications 

• Bilingualism (French and English, spoken and written) is ideally required, given the national scope of the position and frequent interactions with stakeholders in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Degree or certificate in marketing, communications, event management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in a communications or events department, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Experience in managing and developing a small team.
• Experience within a professional services firm is a significant asset.
• Knowledge of external suppliers, such as caterers, audiovisual services, rental spaces, meeting rooms, hotels and restaurants.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing event budgets.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills with internal and external teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Availability to work outside normal office hours and to travel within Canada as needed.

Strengths 

• Network established within the Canadian legal community.
• Experience in negotiating sponsorships and developing partnerships.

What we offer 

• A permanent, full-time, hybrid position based in our Toronto office.
• The opportunity to lead prestigious national events within the Canadian legal community.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to apply 

Interested individuals are invited to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to Sofiia Usmanova:  susmanova@zsa.ca .

The expected salary for this position is between $90,000 and $110,000.

Please note that this salary range is indicative. The proposed salary may vary depending on several factors, including the knowledge, skills, and experience of the successful candidate.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.