Overview

Centre, a state-of-the-art destination for sport, fitness, and community connection.

Opening late in 2026, this all-season, multi-use recreation complex is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community with a premier lineup of amenities: a large aquatics centre with two stainless steel pools, a FIFA-sized indoor turf field (divisible into four), a versatile quad gymnasium, an indoor walking track, two dedicated cricket practice nets, and four multi-purpose rooms for community programs and events. 

Designed as an accessible, sustainable, and welcoming gathering place, the Cowan Recreation Centre will support a wide range of users - from families discovering new activities to high performance athletes. With the capacity to welcome more than 500,000 visitors in its first year, the centre will offer diverse recreation options for all ages and abilities. Its tournament ready spaces will also position it as a leading sport tourism destination, attracting provincial and national events and bringing meaningful economic benefits to Kitchener. This is a place where residents and athletes alike can truly connect, compete, and belong.

We’re seeking a dynamic event professional who’s excited to turn bold ideas into unforgettable tournaments and community events at one of Ontario’s most ambitious recreation facilities!

As Sport and Recreation Event Coordinator (CRC), you will work directly with the Cowan Recreation Centre (CRC) team, City event staff, external event organizers and partners to develop and execute events and tournaments at CRC.
If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love managing complex details, and are inspired by creating exceptional experiences for athletes, spectators, and partners alike—we want to meet you.

If you’re ready to deliver events where the community comes together to Connect, where athletes from across Kitchener, Ontario, and Canada come to Compete, and where we all truly Belong — we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with community groups and event partners, and lead the recruitment, planning, implementation, and closure of City‑run and third‑party events.
• Proactively identifies and develops new event opportunities that activate the facility, strengthen community engagement, and create meaningful connection points for residents.
• Coordinate all event logistics—including site planning, permits, inspections, staffing, technical requirements, and compliance with legislation—and act as onsite media contact as required. Negotiate and implement event contracts to support successful event delivery.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop event communication plans; oversee event merchandising; and manage sponsorship relationships, including agreements, deliverables, approvals, and partner engagement.
• Work closely with partners/sponsors to create sponsorship/partnership agreements; broker sponsor involvement and financial support.
• Manage event budgets from inception to completion, including authority to deny requests that would negatively impact budget.
• Approve accounts payable/receivable and invoices; possess a City Purchasing card (limits as per internal policy/process).
• Purchase event equipment and merchandise; maintain inventory control; support tender development/evaluation for equipment/resources; identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Negotiate contracts with performers, service providers, exhibitors and contractors to ensure best use of programming dollars.
• Lead and motivate project teams made up of internal staff, event stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Monitor the work of Customer Service Attendants, Building Attendants, and volunteers during event set-up and implementation.
• Organize wrap-up meetings and final reports to evaluate each event and document recommendations for the following year.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Education

• 2- year diploma or 2 years in a specialized post-secondary program in a related field (e.g., Recreation & Leisure Services, Marketing, Event Management, Business Administration)

Experience

• 2 – 4 years of event planning experience in the sport and recreation industry

Additional Requirements

• Will be expected to occasionally work flexible hours (outside of Mon-Fri, 9 to 5), including evenings, weekends, and holidays on an as needed basis.
• Exposed to weather conditions all weather conditions when coordinating/attending events and programming.
• Exposed to WHMIS Controlled substances, dirt, dust, grey water, oil, and hot grease. Potential exists for exposure to sharps and biohazards (e.g., portable toilets)
• High voltage electrical exposure (>750 volts) exists when working around electrical panels.
  Potential exists for exposure to vehicle and equipment noise, music from speakers, and equipment fumes (e.g., diesel heaters).
• Events may occasionally involve interacting with difficult customers
• Travel is required to make deliveries, attend meetings, and transport equipment.
• Work on ladders up to 15 feet; occasionally uses scaffolding.
• Occasionally work alone on location

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and/or training in event management, volunteer coordination, and financial management; familiarity with the recreation landscape or event experience in sport and recreation.
• Ability to produce multiple large-scale events and manage budgets.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills.
• General understanding of relevant municipal/regional/provincial/federal legislation (e.g., AODA, OHSA, Provincial Health Code).
• General understanding of marketing principles and ability to use standard business software (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel).