Event & Operations Coordinator
Position Type: Full-Time Contract from end of March to end of September 2026, with possibility for extension.
Location: Sankofa Square Office, 2 Carlton Street, Toronto ON
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, March 12th, 2026, at 12 pm.
Start Date: March 30th, 2026
Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000
About Sankofa Square
Located at the intersection of Yonge & Dundas Streets in downtown Toronto, Sankofa Square is an outdoor event space adjacent to the busiest road junction in Canada. Set up in 2003 as a service agency of the City of Toronto, we are a small staff team that manages and operates the square as a public and welcoming space for a wide range of commercial and community clients. On December 14, 2023, the City of Toronto adopted a motion to change the name of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square. In a typical year, Sankofa Square may host up to 200 event days.
The Role
Reporting jointly to the Manager of Events & Outreach and the Manager of Operations, the Events & Operations Coordinator will coordinate all activities related to assigned events on the Square both in the office and on site. For each assigned event, the Events & Operations Coordinator will be the primary contact for all client requirements, the successful candidate will be responsible for procurement of services, rentals and staffing for events, communication with internal and external stakeholders and supervise onsite activities throughout the occupancy of the facility. The Events & Operations Coordinator will act as liaison with the assigned event contractors and suppliers on the Square, throughout the planning process and during the event.
The employee can expect to work varying hours including evenings and weekends, in demanding conditions, often in large crowds.
The Working Environment
This role will work standard business hours, with some evenings and weekends to support Sankofa Square events/programming. Please note that this is a HYBRID position, meaning staff may be required to work remotely/from home, and in-office/onsite at Sankofa Square. As such, candidates must be located in or around Toronto, Ontario and have easy access to our location in Downtown Toronto. A laptop will be provided.
Specific Responsibilities
Event Production & Planning
Assist and guide clients with determining event requirements to encourage and ensure successful execution.
Attending/arranging production meetings to represent the Square and providing advice on its best interests, ensuring its practices are upheld.
Ensuring at first opportunity that you actively promote any Technical and Production partners to maximize income and quality of service utilizing those approved services.
Prepare initial estimates and/or quotations for services and obtain authorization from clients, review and track all additional services/charges for event.
Procure services for events as required (internally and externally), ensure adequate staffing of events and prepare event schedules and breakdowns for Sankofa Square event staff and services.
Provide timely and pertinent updates to the Manager of Events & Outreach regarding events and delivery of services.
Prepare information related to client billings, review with Manager of Events & Outreach and clarify billing matters with the Accounting Manager.
Prepare pre/post event facility inspection reports, assess damage to the facility and complete internal event reporting in a timely fashion.
Ensuring you are present and have considerable presence in the performance/load in area, on the day(s) of events for which you are responsible and as necessary in liaison with the Event Team members and suppliers thereafter, to ensure the safe load-out of the event.
At the conclusion of each event completing the Event Day report(s).
Administration
Use of event booking management software to track client requirements, supplier invoices and final reconciliation.
Effectively manage the flow of information between Sankofa Square and clients, including creating and communicating critical paths, forwarding forms/ guidelines/ invoices, and ensuring deadlines are met.
Build and maintain strong relationships with external resources and contacts.
Keeping complete files (on the shared network) on the events that you have responsibility for and ensuring documentation relating to that event is suitably organized and accessible in order to enable the Event Team to learn from the experience gained and offer improved service on a subsequent or repeat occasion.
Operations
Assist with weekly discussions with the preferred Audio-Visual, Security and Operations suppliers.
Assist Manager of Operations in on-site training of suppliers for the event season.
Assist in updating and maintaining supplier documentation, operational processes, and standard operating procedures year-round.
Track and coordinate event-related action items, including supply requests, administrative tasks, and internal follow-ups identified through post-event reports.
Maintain a regular presence on the Square, assisting with facility/operations audits, site inspections, and discussions with on-site contractors.
Participate with Manager of Operations in stakeholder meetings.
Other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and responsibilities may be discussed and agreed with the employee.Key Qualifications
Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function or a minimum of 3 years experience in an events or cultural environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Practical experience in coordinating events involving a wide range of stakeholders with a focus or specialisation of community-based partners.
Experience in production including event, stage, and production management.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to interpret and apply applicable codes, standards, guidelines, and government legislation, specifically the Occupational Health & Safety, WHMIS regulations, Fire Code and Building Code.
Strong written and verbal communications skills, interpersonal relationship management, conflict resolution and problem-solving ability.
Ability to communicate effectively with contracted services staff on the phone and in person, throughout planning and on site.
Excellent and proven organizational skills including the ability to prioritize, react quickly to changing circumstances and make good analytical decisions based on information available, and meet deadlines.
Experience utilizing a variety of software packages including Microsoft Office-365 Suite, database management and social networking sites, familiarity with venue management software an asset.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Proven customer service skills.
Flexibility to workdays, early mornings, late nights and overnight shifts including weekends, as
required by shows/events. Time in lieu will be given.
Ability to perform moderate lifting (up to 40lbs).
Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity,
diversity, and respectful workplaces.
Completed applications should be emailed to: employment@sankofasquare.ca. The email should have the subject line: Application for Event and Operations Coordinator & YOUR NAME. Please include in a single PDF document an attachment to your email, with your resume and a cover
Closing Date: Thursday, March 12 at 12:00pm
Interviews will be held in mid-March 2026
Sankofa Square is an equal-opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to work at Sankofa Square, please let us know.
Sankofa Square is committed to a positive and supportive environment that promotes equity and diversity. Priority will be given to persons from indigenous or visible minorities, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada (within the past 5 years) or those for whom this opportunity would further their understanding of the public realm.
Last update: Feb 23-2026