We’re Hiring: Seeking Event Coordinator for 2024 Prize (Toronto)
Are you passionate about literary fiction, and keen to support women and non-binary writers from Canada and the United States? The Carol Shields Prize Foundation seeks a self-motivated team player who will help to ensure the smooth planning and execution of the 2nd Annual Carol Shields Prize for Fiction events taking place in Toronto in May 2024. Contract fee: $6,000.
About Us:
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is a new charity incorporated in 2016 to support and raise the profile of women and non-binary writers in North America through a literary prize, charitable partnerships and public awareness. Named after beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carol Shields, The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is the first major English-language literary award to celebrate creativity and excellence in fiction by women and non-binary writers in the US and Canada. In addition, the Carol Shields Prize Foundation promotes women and non-binary writers’ fiction through a number of initiatives and grants to support marginalized, underrepresented and emerging writers in the US and Canada. The Carol Shields Foundation is committed to advancing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in the literary world.
Key Responsibilities:
Coordinate the successful planning and execution of the annual Prize event in May 2024 (200 to 300 attendees) and ancillary activities (a public reading for 200 to 300 attendees), ensuring all events are on brand and achieving Foundation goals.
Collaborate with the volunteer Event Committee, as well as staff and contractors.
Oversee scheduling, venue/hotel contracts, and day-of event logistics for May 2024 events.
Research venues and hotels; oversee the process of getting quotes and confirming contracts and agreements.
Ensure the event operates within the approved budget; track revenue and expenses.
Plan, schedule and attend Event Committee meetings (approximately 6); take minutes.
Maintain event-related files.
Maintain guest list; oversee invitations and guest communications.
Attend and assist at Prize and Foundation events in May 2024.
Requirements & Qualifications:
2+ years of experience in planning/executing events
Organized; strong project management skills
Collaborative and enjoys working with people; customer-focused
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
A self-starter who can work independently; dependable and meets deadlines
Passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion and accessibility for all
Strong understanding of local Toronto culture, event spaces, and hotels
Strong understanding of Canadian and U.S. literary scene is an asset
Comfortable working in a G Suite/Google Workspace environment; comfortable with cloud-based systems and digital solutions
Additional Info:
Working Conditions:
Mainly work from home; In person attendance required at occasional meetings/site visits and the May 2024 events.
Requirement for applications from the Greater Toronto Area to allow for local meetings.
Part time limited term contract; flexible hours.
Contractors may be asked to voluntarily provide their vaccination status
Reporting To: Reports to the CEO
Working With: Collaborates closely with team members, Board Directors and Event Committee Members
Contract Dates: Approximately 8 months, from the end of September 2023 to mid-May 2024. Work will be busiest in the Fall (planning) and the Spring (execution)
Contract fee: $6,000
How to Apply:
To Apply: The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Please send your resume and cover letter in one PDF with the subject “Event Coordinator” to recruitment@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com. Applications submitted through any other platform or portal will not be considered.
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance.
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation would like to thank all applicants, however, please note that only those selected to participate in an interview will be contacted.
Application Deadline: September 17, 2023 (or until position hired)
Target Start Date: End of September
