Job Description
Job Overview
The Canada Arts and Wellness Alliance (CAWA), the organization behind Dance on Yonge, Toronto's annual free outdoor dance festival held at Mel Lastman Square in North York, is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator to join our team on a contract basis. Dance on Yonge is a three-day festival featuring 60,000+ attendees, food and retail vendors, community programming, sponsor activations, and multiple live stages running simultaneously across Mel Lastman Square.
As our Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator, you are the backbone of the festival. While other team members focus on specific program areas, you oversee the full picture, making sure every department, vendor, volunteer, and logistics piece is in place before and during the event weekend.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead overall festival planning and operations including site layout, vendor coordination, permit requirements, equipment rentals, and municipal logistics.
Develop and maintain the master event timeline, operational checklists, and department-specific run-of-show documents that keep the entire team aligned from planning through wrap-up.
Manage vendor relationships from application through to on-site setup, ensuring food, retail, and sponsor booths are placed, briefed, and operating according to plan.
Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and day-of deployment across all areas of the festival site.
Act as the central point of contact on festival days for all non-performer related operations including site staff, security, volunteers, city contacts, and vendor needs.
Anticipate and resolve operational issues in real time during the festival weekend, keeping disruptions minimal and the guest experience intact.
Lead post-festival debriefs, compile operational reports, and document key learnings to strengthen planning for future editions.
Funding Program Eligibility: This position may be partially funded through a government youth employment program. Candidates who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 31 may qualify for this funding, which is an asset to the organization. However, strong candidates outside of these criteria are still encouraged to apply and will be considered for the role.
Qualifications:
● Minimum 2 years of experience in event operations, festival management, or large-scale project coordination
● Proven ability to manage multiple departments and workstreams simultaneously under pressure
● Strong leadership presence with experience directing volunteers and coordinating across a diverse team
● Familiarity with municipal event permits, vendor management, and site logistics is a strong asset
● Background in arts, cultural festivals, or community events is highly preferred
● Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is an asset
● Must be available on-site for all festival dates; planning work is hybrid/remote
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Please include "Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator - CAWA" in the subject line of your email.
CAWA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Job Type: full-time / Contract Ability to commute/relocate:2 months summer job.
Wage: $17.60 up.
North York, ON M2N 5P6: must be available on-site during festival dates (required)
Experience:
Event operations or festival coordination: minimum 2 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid / Remote with on-site requirements during festival
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: From $17.60 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in North York, ON
The Canada Arts and Wellness Alliance (CAWA), the organization behind Dance on Yonge, Toronto's annual free outdoor dance festival held at Mel Lastman Square in North York, is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator to join our team on a contract basis. Dance on Yonge is a three-day festival featuring 60,000+ attendees, food and retail vendors, community programming, sponsor activations, and multiple live stages running simultaneously across Mel Lastman Square.
As our Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator, you are the backbone of the festival. While other team members focus on specific program areas, you oversee the full picture, making sure every department, vendor, volunteer, and logistics piece is in place before and during the event weekend.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead overall festival planning and operations including site layout, vendor coordination, permit requirements, equipment rentals, and municipal logistics.
Develop and maintain the master event timeline, operational checklists, and department-specific run-of-show documents that keep the entire team aligned from planning through wrap-up.
Manage vendor relationships from application through to on-site setup, ensuring food, retail, and sponsor booths are placed, briefed, and operating according to plan.
Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and day-of deployment across all areas of the festival site.
Act as the central point of contact on festival days for all non-performer related operations including site staff, security, volunteers, city contacts, and vendor needs.
Anticipate and resolve operational issues in real time during the festival weekend, keeping disruptions minimal and the guest experience intact.
Lead post-festival debriefs, compile operational reports, and document key learnings to strengthen planning for future editions.
Funding Program Eligibility: This position may be partially funded through a government youth employment program. Candidates who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 31 may qualify for this funding, which is an asset to the organization. However, strong candidates outside of these criteria are still encouraged to apply and will be considered for the role.
Qualifications:
● Minimum 2 years of experience in event operations, festival management, or large-scale project coordination
● Proven ability to manage multiple departments and workstreams simultaneously under pressure
● Strong leadership presence with experience directing volunteers and coordinating across a diverse team
● Familiarity with municipal event permits, vendor management, and site logistics is a strong asset
● Background in arts, cultural festivals, or community events is highly preferred
● Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is an asset
● Must be available on-site for all festival dates; planning work is hybrid/remote
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Please include "Event Organizer and Operations Coordinator - CAWA" in the subject line of your email.
CAWA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Job Type: full-time / Contract Ability to commute/relocate:2 months summer job.
Wage: $17.60 up.
North York, ON M2N 5P6: must be available on-site during festival dates (required)
Experience:
Event operations or festival coordination: minimum 2 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid / Remote with on-site requirements during festival
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: From $17.60 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in North York, ON
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The EVENT ORGANIZER AND OPERATIONS COORDINATOR position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in North York offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
