Cultural Events Coordinator

The Cultural Events Coordinator is responsible for developing, leading, initiating, and collaborating with multiple stakeholders to implement and promote quality tourism products, services, and experiences throughout North Vancouver Island. The position will provide leadership for the implementation of our Indigenous Tourism Hub strategy for the North Island and actively work to build relationships with local businesses and surrounding communities. Supported by Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations, the District of Port Hardy, and the Chamber of Commerce, the position will provides a high level of community engagement and coordination to promote long-term Indigenous tourism product development in the region.

Th The position will liaise with local and regional businesses and create/chair an Indigenous Tourism Partnership Committee to help achieve a more comprehensive and cohesive Indigenous Tourism Industry in Port Hardy and the RDMW. By promoting local experiences, hosting Indigenous-led and Indigenous-centric conferences, activities, workshops, and events (as well as highlighting local crafts and retail goods), the position will act as a focal point for multi-business packages, marketing and awareness campaigns, and new services and experiences that fully leverage traditional practice, ways of knowing and respect for the beautiful and historic lands and natural resources in the traditional territories and waters of the North Island Nations.

In conjunction with the Food and Beverage Director, the Cultural Events Coordinator will ensure that Indigenous Culture and Practices are integrated appropriately into all promotional material that is sent out to existing and new customers; complete follow up calls; plan and schedule for events in a timely and efficient manner; schedule to maximize and balance monthly events calendars and promotions. The Cultural Events Coordinator will be the liaison with food services, schedule requirements in a timely manner, and provide technical guidance as well as floor support when the functions are being held, both at the Kwa’lilas hotel and at off-site events, locations and major functions that incorporate other local business, tour providers and government/economic development organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead developing and implementing an Indigenous Tourism Hub strategy for the North Island.
Build and maintain positive relationships with, and act as liaison between, communities, stakeholders, guests, and partners.
Participate in contract negotiations when applicable.
Identify new services or experiences opportunities and innovate quality tourism products.
Research, seek out, and promote opportunities, artists, performers, and events in the community.
Connect with and provide support for artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring community members wanting to be involved in the tourism industry.
Create a genuine, authentic cultural experience for guests.
Ensure that all planned events highlight, respect, and celebrate local and culturally significant food items.
Organize all events from start to finish and ensure that all clients have the desired experience, and the highest levels of customer service are met.
Correspond with all event inquiries in a timely and efficient manner
Conduct research on how to grow and support current and potential tourism activities.
Remain current with tourism trends, opportunities, programs, and funding sources in the area.
Participate in Canadian Indigenous Tourism activities/conferences.
Ensure compliance with any related legislation and operation best practices.
Maintain quality records on tourism division visitor statistics, feedback, and industry trends.
Ensure project schedules, budgets, and objectives are adhered to.
Meet daily and or weekly with Food and Beverage Director and discuss weekly and monthly planning of events
Interact with guests and staff in a friendly, gracious, and calm manner
Complete accurate records of all activities;
Adhere to all approved standards, policies, and procedures;
Complete accurate and timely reports on all activities.
Make presentations to the local community stakeholders and others as required.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

Experience working with First Nations communities, Elders, and officials in a culturally appropriate manner, and an appreciation for tradition, cultural processes and family systems.
High level of organization, coordination, and time management.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
Experience with tourism initiatives, specifically product development, indigenous- and eco-tourism experience is preferred.
Must be familiar with all communities, stakeholder organizations, and the tourism industry in the North Island.
Two years experience in a tourism sales/coordinator-related position.
Ability to work independently, sell and market a product line, coordinate various projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to innovate and find creative, and win-win solutions for complex problems.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone
Additional consideration will be given to Indigenous applicants, as well as to those applicants who identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented group or background.

What We Offer:

1 month of covered accommodation in a hotel room for individuals relocating from outside of Northern Vancouver Island
Wellness incentives including weekly free smoothies, discounted gym membership, and free in person counselling services.
Company events and holiday parties
Career growth and development opportunities