Events Coordinator, WiDS Program

Your Mission

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national and international voice of Canada's defence and security industry. Our members produce world-class goods and services across Canada and around the world.

CADSI is seeking a highly motivated and high-performing Event Coordinator, WiDS Program to join our award-winning Event Operations team. This is a newly created position and is not being posted to fill an existing vacancy. This role will support and help deliver programming for Women in Defence and Security (WiDS), an operating committee of CADSI dedicated to advancing women leaders within the defence and security profession.

This role will also play a pivotal role in coordinating and executing a wide variety of professional development activities, meetings, conferences, virtual events, and Canada's largest defence and security trade show, CANSEC.

As an Event Coordinator, WiDS Program, you will work as part of a dynamic team focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences for WiDS and CADSI members, stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers, and event participants. You will bring together multiple projects in support of the association's mission, vision, and strategic objectives while ensuring professional, high-quality event delivery.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with exceptional organizational skills, strong project management capabilities, and demonstrated experience delivering both virtual and in-person events in a fast-paced environment. They are equally comfortable leading projects independently and rolling up their sleeves to support the broader team whenever required.

Core Responsibilities

Event Planning & Program Delivery

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of in-person and virtual events, meetings, conferences, and professional development activities.
• Support the planning and execution of WiDS’s Annual Awards Breakfast and its Speed Mentoring Events across Canada, and support the coordinator of CADSI’s CANSEC, CAF Outlooks, and other association events.
• Direct and coordinate event facilities, venues, and service contractors to ensure successful event delivery.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, and project plans from concept through completion.
• Remotely support regional liaisons and events across Canada.

Project & Program Management

• Lead and coordinate multiple concurrent projects and programs.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of governance and project management processes.
• Assess and manage program performance using key indicators and metrics.
• Prepare reports, presentations, findings, and recommendations for committees and boards.

Communications, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide communications and marketing support for events and programs.
• Assist with website updates, social media management, and digital event promotion.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders across industry, government, committees, and volunteer networks.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional communication and organizational collaboration.
• Work collaboratively with CADSI's broader team to align opportunities and organizational priorities.

Sponsorship, Funding & Budget Management

• Support proposal writing for corporate sponsorship opportunities and government funding programs.
• Coordinate, track, and report on budgets and project expenditures.
• Assist with fundraising, sponsorship fulfillment, and stakeholder relationship management.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain project records and document management systems.
• Support the use of Microsoft SharePoint and other collaboration tools.
• Engage and coordinate volunteer teams and committees.
• Provide operational support to the Event Operations team as required.
• Other duties as assigned, including occasional travel and event support outside regular business hours.

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

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio or work samples to applications@defenceandsecurity.ca with "Event Coordinator, WiDS Program" 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.

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.

Learn more at www.defenceandsecurity.ca or follow us on LinkedIn.

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.

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