ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION
The Students’ Union (SU) is one of Canada’s leading undergraduate student associations. We operate on-campus businesses including a restaurant and bar, concert venues, a bookstore, and our conference & event centre.
In this role, you’ll take a leadership role in event operations, overseeing a team of supervisors and hourly staff. You’ll manage day-to-day operations, coordinate complex events, and mentor staff. You’ll have the chance to influence processes and see the direct impact of your work.
We offer:
- Competitive pay
- Five weeks of vacation
- Unlimited sick time
- 6% RRSP matching
- Life Balance Benefit
- Health and dental coverage
POSITION SUMMARY
The MacEwan Conference and Event Centre is seeking a hands-on, people-focused Assistant Manager, Event Operations. This full-time role leads a team of supervisors and event staff to deliver seamless on-campus and off-site events. The primary function is to oversee event operations, manage staff performance, coordinate catering and logistics, and ensure clients receive professional, high-quality service.
SALARY
For this position, the hiring range is $55,000 to $63,000 and the offered salary will be based on a candidate’s relative experience. As a not-for-profit organization, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to offer a successful candidate a salary outside of this range.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and supervise a team of event supervisors and hourly staff to deliver high-quality events, including room set-ups, catering, and logistics.
- Oversee all aspects of on-campus catering and off-site delivery, including coordinating the MCEC vehicle, staffing, and supply management.
- Manage client interactions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth execution of events, from small meetings to large-scale conferences.
- Maintain, store, and track AV and event equipment; coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance with Facilities.
- Monitor and manage inventory of all event supplies, furniture, linens, decor, and alcohol-related products; prepare supplier orders as needed.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, legal, and operational standards, including emergency preparedness, responsible alcohol service, and food safety.
- Plan, assign, and communicate daily tasks for all team members, and provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Coordination, and other SU departments to align staffing, logistics, and operational needs.
- Actively participate in events as needed to support service delivery, problem-solving, and operational oversight.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and guest experience while managing labor and cost controls.
- Assist with administrative tasks, reports, and operational documentation as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3–7 years in hospitality or event operations (college diploma or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 2 years supervising or leading a team, including salaried supervisors.
- Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License (mandatory).
- Experience managing events of 50–500+ guests, including catering and bar service.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Comfortable with MS Office, iPad/iPhone, and event/catering software (Opera, Prismm, Formitize, 7Shifts, Dropbox, Square POS).
- Able to lift 10–40 lbs, push/pull 10–80 lbs, stand for extended periods, and operate aerial lifts.
- Assets: ProServe, WHMIS, First Aid certification, university event experience.
This is a physically active role and includes:
- Lifting/carrying: 10 to 40 lbs.
- Pushing/pulling: 10 to 80 lbs.
- Operating aerial lifts
- Working in varying indoor/outdoor temperatures
- Balancing banquet trays
- Standing and walking for extended periods
- High levels of guest interaction and public engagement
- Repetitive movements (bending, lifting, walking)
- Navigating busy event environments with noise and congestion.
For more information, please check out the position description.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a resume and cover letter to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca. We are accepting applications until April 30, 2026 or until we find the right person. We’re hoping to interview candidates and make a decision in early May.
STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.
The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.