Events & Sponsorships Specialist
Saskatoon, SK | Permanent, Full time
Our Company
Innovation Saskatchewan supports Saskatchewan’s research community and technology sector to create economic growth and diversity. As the central innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan, Innovation Saskatchewan is responsible for implementing the province's innovation priorities and growing the technology sector. Innovation Saskatchewan develops policies and programs and conducts activities that assist in the implementation of research & development, science, and technology for the province. This includes development and operation of Saskatchewan’s research and technology parks in Saskatoon and Regina.
The Opportunity
As a member of the Communications & Marketing team at Innovation Saskatchewan, the Events & Sponsorship Specialist plays a crucial role in driving the agency’s goals through the meticulous planning and execution of events, programs and sponsorships.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Communications & Marketing, the Events & Sponsorship Specialist drives the execution of events aimed at fostering a vibrant technology sector and research community. One day you may be booking a band or ordering cupcakes, and the next, you’re meeting with organizations to finalize details of a sponsorship agreement and arranging a speaker to wow a crowd. Regardless of the activity, the Events & Sponsorships Specialist is laser-focused on ensuring each initiative aligns with and advances the agency's strategic objectives, reinforcing Innovation Saskatchewan's commitment to innovation and growth.
Are you as comfortable in a spreadsheet as you are in a crowd? Are you a planner who loves to see great event ideas come to life? Do you have passion for innovation and knowledge of the technology and research ecosystems in Saskatchewan? This may be the career for you!
Primary Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Identifying events, programs and sponsorships that align with Innovation Saskatchewan’s priorities in collaboration with Research and Technology Park Operations (RTPO), Business Development (BD) and Economic Development & Research Investments (EDRI) departments
- Developing and collaborating with stakeholders on event and sponsorship plans in alignment with Innovation Saskatchewan’s strategic goals, with focus on park tenant attraction and retention; Innovation Saskatchewan profile and impact and innovation ecosystem development
- Retroactively assessing events and sponsorships to ensure impact of future opportunities, including budget versus expenditures, attendance, attendee survey satisfaction and stakeholder feedback
- Assist in developing, coordinating and executing tenant and ecosystem-facing events and sponsorships in alignment with strategies and priorities
- Developing and nurturing relationships with ecosystem partners before, during and after all engagement activities within the parks and broader tech ecosystem
- Preparing, managing and maintaining documents, including sponsorship and benefits reporting, budget and expenditure tracking and metrics reporting
- Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure event and sponsorship logistics and needs are met
- Other duties as assigned
What We Want from You
- Highly developed interpersonal and networking skills
- Ability to develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships
- Willingness to take calculated risks for the purpose of Innovation Saskatchewan strategic impacts
- Curiosity and passion for Saskatchewan innovation sectors
- A customer/stakeholder-centric program approach
- Research, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Highly motivated and adaptable
- Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Proficient in developing, implementing and managing detailed budgets
- Innovative, adaptable and committed to excellence
- Experience with sponsorship and partnership negotiation, fulfillment and evaluation
- Experience reviewing, preparing and presenting proposals
- Experience negotiating and fulfilling vendor contracts
- Some knowledge of marketing strategies and tactics in benefit of event promotion and profile
- Ability to make sound decisions and maintain professional decorum under pressure
- Excellent leadership skills and ability to make decisions
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft365 programs, including Outlook, Word and Excel
What We Offer
Innovation Saskatchewan employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including extended health, dental and vision care as well as comprehensive life and protection insurance. Our Public Employees Pension Plan includes a generous employer contribution, underlining our commitment to your long-term financial security.
Enjoy the work-life balance afforded by paid Scheduled Days Off each year, alongside a starting vacation entitlement of three weeks (with acknowledgment of prior service within the Saskatchewan Government or universities). Innovation Saskatchewan’s Saskatoon office is in the beautiful Galleria Building within its Innovation Place research and technology park, centrally located on the University of Saskatchewan campus with includes parking as well as free access to a fitness centre and other perks afforded to park tenants.
At Innovation Saskatchewan, we offer more than a position; we provide a pathway to growth and well-being.
How to Apply
If you have what it takes to support us in growing Saskatchewan’s tech sector, please send your resume and a cover letter to careers@innovationsask.ca by January 31, 2025.
