Overview

This position is Temporary Full-Time for approximately 18 months and days of work are Tuesday to Saturday.

Coordinates development of Kitchener Market community programming and events, as well as day-to-day programming of Kitchener Market’s rental facilities. Develops and implements brand marketing strategies. Leads sales and business development related to vendor attraction rental recruitment and audience growth. Provides operations support as required to the Operations supervisor.

(This position is under review)

Responsibilities

Kitchener Market Facility Rentals:

• Acts as primary contact; generates sales and responds to supplier and user inquiries
• Negotiates, develops, and administers contracts and terms with third parties
• Builds and manages a sales pipeline for private and public rentals (e.g., receptions, meetings, seminars) to drive revenue growth
• In collaboration with the Operations Supervisor, oversees onsite rental delivery (including evenings/weekends), ensuring efficient operations and strong user experience
• Maintains inventory of program supplies
• Determines technical event requirements (e.g., electrical, AV, staging)
• Coordinates with City staff, service providers, and others regarding maintenance, staffing, permits, and event support
• Oversees and coordinates Market Kitchen use by chefs and user groups

Experiential Program Development:

• Develops and implements programs, themes, and initiatives to support revenue generation
• Manages special event programming, including budgets, infrastructure, marketing, and participants
• Liaises with institutions, organizations, businesses, and the public to identify opportunities to grow attendance and engagement
• Ensures financial sustainability through a mix of free and paid programming (social enterprise model)
• Builds and manages sponsor relationships to support programming
• With the Operations Supervisor, oversees onsite delivery (including evenings/weekends), ensuring effective operations and troubleshooting
• Works with Communications staff and partners on marketing plans to maximize reach, participation, and revenue

Special Events:

• Leads planning and execution of Market special events, including budgets, infrastructure, themes, marketing, and participants
• Ensures financial sustainability of event programming
• Oversees alcohol service (Smart Serve compliance, inventory, security, and risk management)
• Develops promotional materials for advertising and events
• Collaborates with Market Manager and Communications staff on event marketing strategies

Saturday Farmers Market:

• Oversees Saturday Market Kitchen programming (booking partners, payments, inspections, inquiries)
• Coordinates seasonal programming and supports City-led initiatives
• Acts as backup to Program Assistant during peak times (payments, customer/vendor inquiries)
• Provides backup support to Operations Supervisor as needed (maintenance, custodial, security, parking, vendor relations)

Marketing, Brand Development, and Sales:

• Works with Market Manager and Communications staff to develop and implement brand and marketing strategies
• Leads sales efforts to recruit vendors, rentals, and partnerships
• Coordinates and participates in tradeshows as a Market representative
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Education

• Minimum 3-year degree/diploma in a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of related experience, including marketing, experiential programming and licensed event management experience.
• Experience in coordinating large and small-scale programming, both virtual, in person and hybrid.

Skill Equivalency (if applicable)

Applicants will be considered if a combination of their education and experience meets the following pre-determined skill equivalency: 

• 2-Year Diploma (or 2 Year Specialized Post-Secondary Program) with a minimum of 4 years’ related and relevant experience OR
• 4-Year Honours Degree with a minimum of 1 year related and relevant experience

Additional Requirements

• Smart Serve certified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to assess market needs related to programming and make strategic decisions for current and future programs and events to maximize revenue.
• Demonstrated sales ability.
• Demonstrated ability to hit sales targets.
• Ability to negotiate and secure rental contracts, and to retain rental partners year after year.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and co-develop partnered programming alongside diverse stakeholders within the community.
• The ability to mentor Event Attendants to ensure high levels of service from all staff during events and rentals.
• Demonstrated experience executing licensed events, including oversight of smart serve and alcohol service and its associated tasks (including inventory management, security oversight and alcohol related risk management).
• Ability to develop marketing and promotion plans and supporting materials to promote the Market Place, programs, and facilities to public and corporate customers.
• Excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to utilize strong project management skills to ensure consistent delivery of programs and to support the meeting of long-term program goals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop financially sustainable programs.
• Knowledge and skill in office, financial, and business procedures to assist in the efficient daily operation of the Market Place.
• The ability to monitor trends to coordinate programs and special events that meet the needs of the public, vendors, and revenue generation.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations; food safety regulations; AGCO, licensing and permits requirements; and building, fire, and electrical codes to ensure the Market Place and its vendors are following legislation.
• An ability to communicate effectively and concisely with the public and vendors to provide customer service and foster long-term business relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer with ability to use software packages such as Microsoft suite, financial or deposit systems, and point-of-sale platforms.
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization and participate as an effective team member.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.