Community Development Coordinator

WHO WE ARE Downtown Van is a non-profit organization representing 8,000 businesses and property owners in the central 90-block area of Vancouver's downtown core. Supporting them and making downtown Vancouver a place where everyone feels safe is what drives us. Our team members are experts in economic development, community safety, placemaking, and events. We're passionate about making downtown Vancouver a destination like no other.

Much like downtown Vancouver, we strive to make our office an environment where important work gets done, where everyone feels safe, and where we enjoy ourselves. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of everything we do, and it is our priority to ensure staff always feel welcome.

Here at Downtown Van, we are passionate, collaborative, fun, and fast-paced! Be ready for team outings, dynamic events, coffee runs, office dogs, and a shared passion for and pride in our community.

Reporting to the Manager, Economic Development, the Coordinator, Member Events & Engagement is responsible for Downtown Van member event planning, coordination, and logistics. Member events include large signature events, member appreciation and networking gatherings, as well as educational or thought leadership programming.

A key contributor to Downtown Van's economic development initiatives, this role helps improve the ease and reward of doing business in our district by keeping members engaged, educated, and connected. The Coordinator, Member Events & Engagement also works to grow Downtown Van's member network while strengthening relationships with existing stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - CORPORATE AND MEMBER EVENTS

~ Plan, coordinate, and execute Downtown Van's suite of corporate events, including members-only networking events, educational workshops, and support the delivery of signature events such as the Annual General Meeting and State of Downtown.

~ Take a leading role in the coordination of event execution, including:
• Project management
• Site visits and venue liaising
• Vendor logistics and contract management
• Event promotion in collaboration with Downtown Van's marketing and communications team

~ Track event budgets, review estimates for accuracy, collect and track invoices, and ensure objectives are met within budget constraints.

~ Proactively identify sponsorship and funding opportunities to offset event costs, including value-in-kind agreements and corporate partnerships.

~ Serve as the primary on-site contact during events, ensuring seamless execution and excellent experience by guests as well as the satisfaction of internal and external stakeholders.

~ In collaboration with Downtown Van teammates and stakeholders, propose and deliver relevant educational or thought leadership events, such as morning workshops, lunch and learns, and informational sessions.

Collaborate with the Economic Development and Marketing and Communications teams on logistics around member outreach and engagement initiatives, including business or stakeholder tours, and advisory committee scheduling.

~ Collaborate with Downtown Van's marketing team to promote member initiatives and ensure resources are effectively communicated to stakeholders.

~ Support the development of survey questionnaires, analyze results, and prepare reports to track relevant statistics, satisfaction and expectations of our membership and event participants.

~ Serve as a point of contact for members and build familiarity with the community in order to better advocate for their needs and design events and programs that align with their interests.

~ Working with the Manager, Economic Development, and other team members as required, coordinate the delivery of key economic development grants and funding programs, including fielding applicant communications, coordinating project logistics, and liaising with businesses.

~ Work with the Manager, Economic Development to proactively identify new resources and educational programming that benefit Downtown Van's members.

An undergraduate degree in Events, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field; 1-3 years of hands-on experience in event management. Prior experience with business or corporate events is a strong asset

~ Excellent project management skills, including planning, reporting, and execution

~ Detail-oriented, ensuring that all event and engagement elements are executed to a high standard and align with Downtown Van's brand

~ Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)

~ Familiarity with event budgeting and sponsorship coordination is beneficial

~ Experience with program development and business engagement is an asset

Additionally, Downtown Van offers employees a competitive benefits package. This role is based five days a week in our office in Downtown Vancouver. Standard business hours apply, with occasional evening commitments for events and member engagements.