Sport and Recreation Event Coordinator; Cowan Recreation Centre

Overview

Centre, a state‑of‑the‑art destination for sport, fitness, and community connection. Opening late in 2026, this all‑season, multi‑use recreation complex is designed to meet the diverse needs of the community with a premier lineup of amenities: a large aquatics centre with two stainless steel pools, a FIFA‑sized indoor turf field (divisible into four), a versatile quad gymnasium, an indoor walking track, two dedicated cricket practice nets, and four multi‑purpose rooms for community programs and events.

Designed as an accessible, sustainable, and welcoming gathering place, the Cowan Recreation Centre will support a wide range of users – from families discovering new activities to high‑performance athletes. With the capacity to welcome more than 500,000 visitors in its first year, the centre will offer diverse recreation options for all ages and abilities. Its tournament‑ready spaces will also position it as a leading sport tourism destination, attracting provincial and national events and bringing meaningful economic benefits to Kitchener.

This is a place where residents and athletes alike can truly connect, compete, and belong.

We’re seeking a dynamic event professional who’s excited to turn bold ideas into unforgettable tournaments and community events at one of Ontario’s most ambitious recreation facilities!

As Sport and Recreation Event Coordinator (CRC), you will work directly with the Cowan Recreation Centre (CRC) team, City event staff, external event organizers and partners to develop and execute events and tournaments at CRC.

If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love managing complex details, and are inspired by creating exceptional experiences for athletes, spectators, and partners alike—we want to meet you.

If you’re ready to deliver events where the community comes together to Connect, where athletes from across Kitchener, Ontario, and Canada come to Compete, and where we all truly Belong — we want to hear from you.

• Develop and maintain relationships with community groups and event partners, and lead the recruitment, planning, implementation, and closure of City‑run and third‑party events.
• Proactively identifies and develops new event opportunities that activate the facility, strengthen community engagement, and create meaningful connection points for residents.
• Coordinate all event logistics—including site planning, permits, inspections, staffing, technical requirements, and compliance with legislation—and act as onsite media contact as required. Negotiate and implement event contracts to support successful event delivery.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop event communication plans; oversee event merchandising; and manage sponsorship relationships, including agreements, deliverables, approvals, and partner engagement.
• Work closely with partners/sponsors to create sponsorship/partnership agreements; broker sponsor involvement and financial support.
• Manage event budgets from inception to completion, including authority to deny requests that would negatively impact budget.
• Approve accounts payable/receivable and invoices; possess a City Purchasing card (limits as per internal policy/process).
• Purchase event equipment and merchandise; maintain inventory control; support tender development/evaluation for equipment/resources; identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Negotiate contracts with performers, service providers, exhibitors and contractors to ensure best use of programming dollars.
• Lead and motivate project teams made up of internal staff, event stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Monitor the work of Customer Service Attendants, Building Attendants, and volunteers during event set‑up and implementation.
• Organize wrap‑up meetings and final reports to evaluate each event and document recommendations for the following year.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

• 2‑year diploma or 2 years in a specialized post‑secondary program in a related field (e.g., Recreation & Leisure Services, Marketing, Event Management, Business Administration)

• 2 – 4 years of event planning experience in the sport and recreation industry

• Wil…