National Director of Events

Toronto (Hybrid) | 7+ years

Serving Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia

About the Role

ZSA is seeking a motivated and dynamic National Director of Events to join our team in a permanent full-time position based out of our Toronto office. This is a hybrid role with national scope, serving Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, and supporting event programming across Canada.

The National Director of Events is responsible for providing strategic guidance, managing event logistics, ensuring sound financial processes, overseeing a small team, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of ZSA's signature events in the legal community.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Event Planning and Execution

Provide strategic direction for key events in the legal community, including:

• Annual Quorum Club Events: Oversee the planning, sponsorships, and execution of Quorum Club events across Alberta, BC, 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 programming for these events.
• Canadian General Counsel Awards: Provide guidance for the planning and execution of this annual flagship event.
• Renew existing sponsors and identify new sponsorship opportunities.
• Supervise the development of sponsorship solicitation material.
• Coordinate alternating annual events in Western Canada and Quebec.
• Manage other smaller-scale legal events as they arise (e.g., sponsor lunches, jury dinners).
• Ensure all events run smoothly, achieve their objectives, and remain within budget.

2. Stakeholder Communication

Communicate with various stakeholders related to each event, including:

• Sponsorships: Negotiate and confirm sponsorship agreements.
• Table Sales: Manage communication related to selling event tables.
• Advisory Boards: Ensure ongoing communication with relevant Advisory Boards.
• Award Nominees & Nominators: Coordinate with nominees and nominators for awards ceremonies.
• Sponsors: Maintain positive relationships with sponsors before, during, and after events.
• Production Companies: Work with event production teams on execution.
• Venues: Coordinate venue logistics and negotiations.
• Emcee: Manage emcee preparation and guidance.

3. Event Logistics and Coordination

• Ensure all logistics for each event are handled, from venue selection to event-day operations.
• Coordinate event timelines and ensure key milestones are met.
• Oversee event registration, attendee management, and any last-minute changes.

4. Event Invoice and Budget Management

• Keep track of event invoices and ensure timely payments.
• Verify all event-related invoices.
• Ensure invoices are settled by required deadlines, including internal and external follow-up as necessary.
• Coordinate with internal teams, vendors, and other stakeholders to resolve any payment issues or outstanding invoices.
• Manage event budgets and ensure financial accountability across all events.

5. Strategic Direction for Internal ZSA Events

• Provide strategic input on the planning of internal events such as staff retreats.
• Oversee the smooth execution of internal events from concept to post-event review.
• Oversee the National Newsletter and National calls.

6. Team Management

• Manage the Events and Marketing Manager as well as the Social Media Advisor.
• Supervise the day-to-day responsibilities of direct reports.
• Ensure the team is effectively supporting event planning, marketing, and execution tasks.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to direct reports.

7. Sponsorships and Partnerships

• Provide guidance to the ZSA team regarding sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Advise on opportunities related to Blink Equity and other strategic partners.
• Provide guidance on donations and community investment opportunities.
• Evaluate and recommend potential sponsorship or partnership opportunities on an as-needed basis.
• Regional Partnerships: Coordinate with regional partners (e.g., Jeune Barreau de Montréal) on gifts, event sequences, guest lists, dietary restrictions, and visibility opportunities.
• Liaise with the Montreal office on partnership opportunities (e.g., ACC Québec).
• Advise the team on how to leverage partnerships and sponsorships for maximum benefit at events across Toronto, BC, and Montreal.
• Follow up with consultants to ensure they invite relevant clients to sponsored events; coordinate dietary restrictions and other guest details with the event organization.

8. Marketing and Communications

• Assist in the planning and successful execution of a marketing and communications program.
• Social Media Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of social media activities, including:
• Aligning social media goals with company objectives and managing a content calendar.
• Overseeing the production of engaging posts, videos, and graphics.
• Tracking performance metrics, reporting insights, and adjusting strategies.
• Monitoring industry trends and competitor activities.
• Testing new ideas and adapting to platform changes for continuous improvement.

9. Other Responsibilities

• Special projects such as the Salary Survey with Counselwell, including creating comprehensive reports summarizing findings.
• Holiday gift research for Toronto and Montreal offices, as well as for partners such as Jeune Barreau de Montréal.
• Merchandise research for events.
• Any other tasks required for the smooth running and execution of events.

Required Qualifications

• Bilingualism in French and English (spoken and written) is ideally required, given the national scope of the role and frequent interaction with stakeholders across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Diploma or degree in marketing, communications, event management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in a communications or events department, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Experience managing and developing a small team.
• Experience working in a professional services firm is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of external suppliers such as caterers, audiovisual services, rental spaces, meeting rooms, hotels, and restaurants.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and managing event budgets.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills with internal and external teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness to work outside of standard business hours and to travel within Canada as required.

Assets

• Established network within the Canadian legal community.
• Experience with sponsorship negotiation and partnership development.

What We Offer

• A permanent full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement based out of our Toronto office.
• The opportunity to lead high-profile national events in the Canadian legal community.
• A collaborative and dynamic team environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to: Sofiia Usmanova at susmanova@zsa.ca for consideration.

The expected salary for this role is $90,000-$110,000.

Please note that the salary range included is a guideline only. The salary offered may vary based on factors, including, but not limited to, the successful candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

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