Lotus Group is proud to partner with our valued client, Edmonton Unlimited, the driving force behind Edmonton's innovation ecosystem as they continue to build a vibrant, connected community of founders, innovators, and business leaders.

We are looking for a Senior Events Manager to join their vibrant in-office team in Edmonton, reporting to the Vice President, Brand & Strategic Partnerships. In this role, you will own Edmonton Unlimited's event portfolio from concept to execution, managing every detail of planning, logistics, and on-site delivery while mentoring an Events Specialist and building strong relationships with sponsors, partners, and community stakeholders. As a hands-on, experienced event professional, you bring the expertise to manage complex, multi-faceted events with precision and the leadership presence to elevate the work of those around you.

Role Responsibilities

• End-to-End Event Owner: You thrive on owning the full event lifecycle, from initial concept and planning through logistics, vendor management, and on-site execution. No detail is too small, and no challenge is too large.
• Client-Facing Communicator: You're comfortable and confident as the primary point of contact for sponsors, partners, and external stakeholders. You represent Edmonton Unlimited with professionalism, managing expectations and building lasting relationships that elevate every event.
• Execution-Driven: You bring strategic thinking to the ground level. Timelines, budgets, vendor negotiations, and on-site execution are your domain, and you deliver with precision at scale.
• People Leadership: You lead by example and invest in the growth of those around you. You'll directly support and mentor an Events Specialist, helping them develop while delivering exceptional events together

• Lead Event Strategy: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive event strategy aligned with Edmonton Unlimited's mission and growth of the innovation ecosystem.
• Oversee a Diverse Portfolio: Plan and oversee a diverse portfolio of events including networking sessions, speaker series, workshops, pitch events, and flagship initiatives such as Startup Week.
• Events & People Management: Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and mentorship to an Events Specialist, supporting their growth and ensuring strong collaborative delivery across the event portfolio.
• Own End-to-End Delivery: Own end-to-end event delivery, including timelines, budgets, vendor management, and on-site execution, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience.
• Be a Client-Facing Leader: Act as a key client-facing leader, building and maintaining strong relationships with sponsors, partners, speakers, and community stakeholders.
• Drive Marketing Alignment: Collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications teams to maximize event reach, engagement, and brand alignment.
• Support External Partners: Support external organizations in hosting events within Edmonton Unlimited's space, often taking a leadership role in execution and experience design.
• Grow Sponsorship & Partnerships: Identify opportunities for sponsorship, partnerships, and innovative event formats to elevate programming and community impact.
• Elevate the Attendee Experience: Continuously evaluate and enhance the attendee experience, ensuring events remain engaging, relevant, and aligned with ecosystem needs.

Role Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in event management, ideally within innovation, tech, startup, or community-focused environments.
• Leadership: 7+ years of experience leading, mentoring, and directing individuals and event teams.
• Stakeholder Expertise: Strong client-facing experience with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders including executives, partners, and community leaders.
• Agility: Proven ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Project Management: Exceptional organizational and project management skills with a high attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Strong collaboration skills, with experience working alongside marketing and communications teams to drive engagement and impact.
• Operational Depth: Experience managing budgets, vendors, and event production logistics.
• Flexible & Event-Ready: You know that great events often take place outside the typical 9-to-5 schedule, and you're ready to make them happen, including evenings and weekends.

• Ecosystem Knowledge: Familiarity with Edmonton's innovation ecosystem or similar communities is a strong asset.
• Partnerships: Experience with sponsorship development, partnerships, or community engagement is considered an asset.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with event and project management tools (e.g., Asana, CRM platforms) is an asset.
• Education: A bachelor's degree in Event Management, Communications, or a related field.

Compensation

A comprehensive compensation package will accompany the successful candidate. Salary range starting at 85K based on experience and qualifications.

We thank all interested applicants. Please note that only those applicants who meet the qualifications and requirements will be contacted.

Lotus Group works to uncover top talent across Canada. With networks and clients spanning coast to coast and over 40 years of combined search, recruitment and HR expertise, we remain dedicated to being Canada's most trusted provider of Elevated People Solutions.

For more information, visit www.lotusgroup.ca #LotusA