About Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions

The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is a multi-university institute encompassing the four major research-intensive universities in British Columbia: University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Northern British Columbia. Our mandate is to catalyze and mobilize research, partnerships, and knowledge that generate research on climate solutions. We are a values-based organization that centers its work on principles of respect, relationality, reciprocity, trust, transparency, and transformation.

About the Role

Working under the supervision of PICS’ Communications Manager, the Engagement and Events Specialist position offers a unique opportunity to be at the centre of engagement and events at one of B.C.’s premier climate solutions institutes. The Engagement and Events Specialist will play a critical role in helping to implement our strategic plan and communications strategy by engaging with PICS’ audiences (climate decision makers and policymakers, Indigenous leadership and communities, community leadership, researchers and academics, professionals, and the private sector) through impactful events and experiences. The specialist will help to plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate events designed to foster meaningful engagement with PICS’ audiences, that will inspire synergy, education, and capacity building through the sharing of diverse academic, Indigenous, and community knowledges. They will also design and execute thoughtful engagement strategy towards key audiences, partners, and networks.

Note: This opportunity will be available on a three-year contract with the possibility of extension.

What you will do

• Developing comprehensive event plans aligned with organizational goals, including budget management, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Securing event venues, vendors, and necessary services (catering, A/V equipment, transportation)
• Working with the broader PICS team to plan and execute events and engagements
• Identifying and clearly defining event and/or engagement objectives
• Identifying target audiences and tailoring event concepts to resonate with their interests and needs, while supporting PICS’ strategic goals
• Conducting post-event analysis to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement
• Managing complex projects with multiple moving parts and tight deadlines.
• Coordinating event logistics, including registration, ticketing, attendee communication, and speaker, attendee, and staff travel
• Managing event budgets and track expenses to ensure financial accountability.
• Listening and collaborating with partners, colleagues, and networks to develop and design effective events and activities
• Building relationships with key audiences and partners to promote event participation and collaboration
• Develop pre-event communication strategies (with the broader Communications team), including email campaigns, social media promotion, and event website updates
• Overseeing event operations on-site (or online), ensuring smooth execution according to plan
• Managing event staff and volunteers to deliver a positive attendee experience.
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring

• A minimum of five years of experience in an events and engagement capacity
• A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field such as business, communications, marketing, performance or visual arts, hospitality management, or public relations, or a combination of education and experience relevant to the role
• experience in climate change, environmental studies, political science, and/or related disciplines and an awareness of current issues in climate change and climate action is preferred
• Project management expertise (managing event logistics, schedules, and budgets, etc.)
• Facilitation experience, possessing knowledge and practice around participatory, inclusive and collaborative processes and experiences
• Comfortable using event management software, online event and meeting software, social media platforms, and other digital tools to enhance engagement and streamline event processes
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to collaboration
• Highly motivated, creative, and self-starter
• Excellent written and visual communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and training skills
• Ability to travel (generally 1-3 days/trip) mainly within BC, but also Canada

What we provide

• Salary range of $80,000 - $90,000
• Comprehensive health package
• Pension Plan after 1 year of service
• 22 days of vacation, plus time off between Christmas and New Years

Application Information

If this exciting opportunity to be at the center of climate solutions research in BC sounds like a great fit for you, please apply with your resume and cover letter.

For more information on this position, please review the full job description. This posting will remain open until March 31, 2025 and a review of resumes will start immediately so do not delay applying.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Climate justice is core to our work at PICS. We believe that intersectional approaches that recognize human, Indigenous, and environmental rights and responsibilities are foundational for climate solutions to be durable, effective, and fair. Climate justice requires addressing systemic inequalities, reconciliation, and challenging structures of power and privilege. We are dedicated to working in solidarity with affected communities to advocate for transformative change that promotes equity, resilience, and sustainability for all.

We acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racial minorities, low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, and those living in frontline communities.

PICS prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from members of all races, backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations.