CADSI is seeking an organized, detail and service oriented, and enthusiastic Event Coordinator to support the planning and execution of Canada's leading defence and security industry events.
Reporting to the Director, Event Operations, the Event Coordinator plays a key role in delivering CADSI's portfolio of conferences, trade shows, networking events, webinars, member programs, and special initiatives. Working closely with internal teams, event partners, exhibitors, sponsors, and service providers, this role helps ensure that every event is delivered professionally, efficiently, and with a strong focus on customer experience.
This position is ideal for an early-career professional looking to build a career in event management, project coordination, association management, or stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment working on multiple projects simultaneously, and is excited to contribute to the continued success of Canada's largest and most influential defence and security association.
As CADSI continues to grow its event portfolio and member offerings, the Event Coordinator will help strengthen operational excellence, support stakeholder engagement, and ensure exceptional experiences for members and event partners.
Core Responsibilities
Event Planning & Execution
Support the planning and delivery of CADSI's flagship events, Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) events and other events as necessary.
Support coordinating event logistics including attendee registrations, liaising with vendors, exhibitors, and suppliers, and working with internal CADSI teams.
Support event registration activities, attendee communications, and registration platform administration.
Ensure sponsorship deliverables are being delivered accurately and timely based on sponsor contracts.
Provide assistance with drafting event production schedules, checklists, and operational planning documents.
Provide onsite event support including setup, registration, attendee services, troubleshooting, and teardown activities.
Assist with the delivery of virtual and hybrid events.
Stakeholder Coordination & Customer Service
Assist Event Managers for all event deliverables.
Respond to inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
Support sponsor fulfillment activities and exhibitor communications.
Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to delivering high-quality and positive member experiences before, during, and after events.
Project & Administrative Support
Maintain event workplans, timelines, databases, and project documentation.
Assist with budget tracking, expense reconciliation, invoice processing, and reporting.
Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, and document action items.
Support document management and process improvement initiatives.
Maintain accurate records using Microsoft 365, SharePoint, In-House CRM systems, and event management platforms.
Communications & Marketing Support
Assist with event marketing and promotional activities.
Assist by supporting website updates and event registration systems.
Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing teams on event-related campaigns.
Assist with social media content and event promotion.
Support post-event surveys, reporting, and performance analysis.
Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Work collaboratively with the Event Operations, Communications, Membership, and Government Relations teams.
Assist with special projects and organizational initiatives as required.
Contribute ideas to improve event delivery, operational efficiency, and stakeholder experience.
Support the continuous improvement of event planning processes and best practices.
General
Support CADSI operating committees and member engagement activities as required.
Participate in regular team planning and coordination meetings.
Other duties as assigned, including occasional travel and support outside regular business hours during major events.
Qualifications and Experience
CADSI is looking for a motivated, organized, and adaptable individual who is passionate about events and delivering exceptional experiences.
Specifically, the ideal candidate will possess:
A college diploma or university degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Tourism, or a related field. Or equivalent work experience.
One to three years of experience in event coordination, administration, hospitality, customer service, project support, volunteer management, or a related field.
Recent graduates with relevant co-op placements, internships, student leadership roles, or volunteer event experience are encouraged to apply.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
A quick learner with a positive, solution-oriented approach and strong attention to detail.
You can set yourself apart from other candidates if you have:
Experience supporting conferences, trade shows, or large-scale events.
Experience with event registration systems, CRM platforms, or project management tools.
Experience supporting virtual or hybrid events.
Volunteer coordination experience.
Knowledge of Canada's defence, security, aerospace, or emerging technology sectors.
Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package, salary, ($75,000-$80,000) and 9% discretionary annual bonus, vacation, health and wellness benefits, RRSP matching, and professional development opportunities.
CADSI offers a flexible hybrid work environment, ergonomic workstations, and a collaborative team culture focused on learning, innovation, and professional growth.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CADSI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to applications@defenceandsecurity.ca with "Event Coordinator" in the subject line.
In your cover letter, please tell us:
Why you are interested in working at CADSI.
How your education, experience, and skills align with this position.
or
An example of a project, event, or initiative where you successfully coordinated multiple priorities and stakeholders.
Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest.
CADSI Team
About CADSI
CADSI is the voice of Canada's defence and security industries, representing more than 1,700 companies nationwide. These industries employ over 81,000 Canadians and generate more than $17 billion annually for the Canadian economy. Through advocacy, business development initiatives, industry engagement, and world-class events, CADSI supports a strong, innovative, and globally competitive defence and security sector.
*CADSI does not typically use artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its recruitment process. In limited circumstances, AI may be used to assist with the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants.
how to apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio or work samples to
in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. CADSI is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
