Water-Wastewater Outreach Program Representative (Events Coordination)

Position Details

• Location: Welland
• Department: Water & Wastewater
• Hours: 35 per week
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Work Location: Hybrid

Job Summary

Reporting to the Engagement and Education Coordinator for Water and Wastewater Services, the Outreach Program Representative is responsible for planning, developing and executing the annual Niagara Children’s Water Festival, leading all aspects of the Water Wagon program and coordinating water and wastewater public outreach programs.

Education

• Post-Secondary diploma or degree in Event Management, Event Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, Education or related field of study.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge

• 1-3 years of experience in event planning, project management, presenting to groups of various ages and public outreach/engagement.
• 1-2 years previous experience with volunteer recruitment and management preferred.
• Familiarity with current water-related environmental issues, and core services provided by the Region is considered an asset.
• Previous experience writing grant applications, reports and promotional materials is preferred.
• Previous experience managing budgets for events is preferred.
• Previous experience with risk management planning is preferred.
• Contract negotiation experience, particularly with event suppliers, event vendors, fee for service agreements, etc. is preferred.
• Exceptional customer service skills, including conflict management and resolution skills.
• Basic knowledge of planning, fire, public health and building requirements for special events (i.e. building permits, road closures, etc.) is preferred.
• General knowledge of AODA requirements is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads event planning aspects of the annual Niagara Children’s Water Festival. (40% of time)
• Creates a detailed project plan, including a critical path for the Festival Planning Committee and ensures that deadlines are met.
• Produces regular progress reports to track, manage and communicate progress on all aspects of the event.
• Manages communication with committee members, volunteers, support staff, sponsors, supporters and suppliers, including organizing and chairing Water Festival Steering Committee meetings.
• Manages the registration, scheduling and communication with Festival visitors.
• Leads the recruitment of volunteers for the Niagara Children’s Water Festival.
• Acts as the main point of contact for volunteers working for the Niagara Children’s Water Festival.
• Prepares and submits grant applications and solicits sponsorship opportunities.
• Prepares event risk management plan.
• Manages onsite arrangements, including set-up, event day logistics, tear down and clean up.
• Works with the Communications team to develop promotional materials and works collaboratively to implement marketing and social media strategies to promote the Festival.
• Attends meetings of the Children’s Water Education Council.
• Assists with preparing the budget for festival and decisions on procurement of materials, equipment and services, ensuring they are within budget and follow procurement policies.
• Assists with developing the annual Summary Report for the festival, to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coordinates the organization, scheduling and continuous improvement of the Water Wagon program. (35% of time)
• Assists in supervising W-WW Outreach Interns.
• Schedules necessary staff to prepare, transport, set up and monitor the Water Wagon at events.
• Responds to requests, enquiries and complaints regarding the Water Wagon.
• Liaises with event organizers to promote the Water Wagon and ensure successful promotion and awareness during events.
• Reviews and recommends promotion and marketing strategies, to enhance the communication regarding the Water Wagon.
• Reviews and updates procedures related to the Water Wagon.
• Enforces the Water Wagon terms and conditions.
• Participates in the recruitment of, onboarding and training of Water Wagon staff.
• Develops the annual Summary Report, which assesses program effectiveness and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Engages and informs the public about Water and Wastewater Services and activities. (15% of time)
• Researches and pro-actively initiates and implements outreach and engagement opportunities in the community, such as organizing and attending community events and school presentations.
• Attends information fairs and delivers presentations to schools, daycares and community groups, to educate the public about the importance of water and wastewater services.
• Assists with public tours as needed.
• Assists with the creation, distribution and presentation of promotional and educational materials.
• Assists in the development and coordination of communication activities for Water and Wastewater Services team.