Events Manager

Fasken•Toronto, ON

54d•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a premier law firm with over 900 lawyers worldwide, Fasken is where excellence meets expertise. We are dedicated to shaping the future our clients want, precisely when it matters most. For more information, visit fasken.com [http://www.fasken.com/]. At Fasken, success means: Having a strong client service approach – you are ready, willing, and able to put our clients first and exceed their expectations Caring about one another – you possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build harmonious working relationships within your immediate team, across other departments in the firm, and in the community Working collaboratively – you are a self-starter who values working in a collaborative team-based environment Possessing exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written) when dealing with lawyers, clients, staff and third parties Approaching your work with agility and the willingness to learn and utilize new technology Being adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while being organized and maintaining accuracy with a high attention to detail Demonstrating strong research, investigative and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise judgment to resolve issues Always treat sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and diplomacy Reporting to the Senior Manager, Marketing, the Events Manager is accountable for the development and delivery of Fasken’s events strategy and its internal events program in the firm’s Toronto and Ottawa offices. This role leads a team of two events specialists. The successful candidate will deliver a portfolio of primarily internal events working alongside other departments responsible for learning and development, student recruitment, employee engagement and professional development. Events are varied and exciting – ranging from activities to enhance Fasken’s brand and reputation (receptions, dinners and networking events) to partners conferences, the annual holiday gala and staff appreciation events. Hours of work are from 9 am to 5 pm. The role is based in the firm’s Toronto office and some travel to the Ottawa office may be required. Pre-authorized overtime will be required to meet client needs.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in marketing, event planning or other relevant experience, preferably within a professional services environment
Minimum 6-8 years' experience, including with large multi-stakeholder events
Experience running hybrid events and employing technology to maximise impact of virtual events
Strong executive presence and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
Negotiation and management skills essential
Ability to liaise with and build consensus among stakeholders and incorporate business strategy to tailor event activities
Knowledge of venues (particularly Toronto and Ottawa) and food and wines
Creative thinker and problem solver with excellent attention to detail
Highly organized with the ability to work to tight deadlines
Proactive and forward-thinking
Highly collaborative and adept at developing strong working relationships
Advanced knowledge of MS Office – Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Experience using a CRM system, e-marketing platforms
Flexibility with working hours when required.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the firm’s external event strategy to help the region realize firm objectives through events
Work with Firm partners, senior leadership and colleagues in other departments in Ontario to lead development and execution of key internal events such as the office holiday party, offsites, and partner/associate retreats hosted in Ontario
Coordinate advance logistics (room reservations and layout, audio-visual needs, invitations) and day-of execution as related to in person and/or in virtual events
Prepare timelines and budgets for events and ensure key firm members are kept informed of progress and that the event is delivered in line with objectives
Gather and analyze information to review and report on performance of events and ensure continuous improvement
Source, manage and maintain relationships with external suppliers, restaurants and preferred vendors
Bring forward new and creative ideas to help Fasken maintain a strong competitive edge through high-quality events
Propose initiatives to improve internal client service, internal client satisfaction and the effectiveness and visibility of the marketing department within the firm
Keep up-to-date with events trends and leverage firm and market data to support event strategies
Keep aware of Ontario’s key clients and ensure engagement in external event programs at Fasken
Plan events in the Ottawa office, delegating day-of responsibilities to the local team and on occasion, traveling to Ottawa to support key internal or client events
Manage the Ontario annual event budget submission and validate spend against the budget throughout the year
Collect and analyze feedback, including results and presenting them in post-event reports for Fasken’s internal and external events
Responsible for managing a minimum of two direct reports, which includes: workflow and task allocation, check-ins, mentoring and coaching, providing and receiving feedback and conducting performance reviews for direct reports
Oversee the event tracker to provide quarterly reports
Lead and inspire team members by maintaining a constructive, team‑oriented, and high‑engagement work environment.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows and processes for internal and external events, introducing tools/templates as needed. Ensure adoption of AI tools to create efficiencies.
Understand business objectives and collaborate with the firm’s Business Development team members in maximising impact of external events activity
Identify and provide professional development opportunities for the team.