Senior Manager, AMS Events and Student Development

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) student society, and works to improve the academic, social and personal lives of the 56,000 UBC students at its Vancouver campus. The AMS also runs nine food and beverage outlets, a catering and conference operation, and the AMS Student Nest, providing on-campus employment opportunities and generating revenue that goes directly back into supporting the students at UBC.

Position Title: Senior Manager, AMS Events and Student Development
Reports to: Managing Director
Supervises: AMS Events Assistant Managers
Employee Status: Full-time, salaried, with benefits
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (occasionally on weekends and late nights)
Salary Range: $80,000 – 85,000 per annum, plus full benefits package

About the AMS
The Alma Mater Society (AMS), established as a formal constitution of UBC’s student organization in 1+15, is UBC’s official student union and is the largest student union in Canada. Operating as an independent organization of UBC, the AMS advocates students’ interests and provides opportunities for their growth and advancement. The AMS represents over 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students and its priorities are determined by these members. In addition to offering services to students, the AMS is an advocate of students’ issues and ensures the needs of students are presented to the University administration and the provincial and federal governments. The AMS Nest is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Musqueam people.
Every student at UBC is part of the AMS and the AMS is the manifestation of a shared student experience. From providing advocacy, to student services that support health and education, to reducing student debt, the AMS fights for student interests to the University and all levels of government so that all students can succeed in life and take ownership over their time at the University of British Columbia. The AMS is student-led, student-focused, and always student-first.
At the AMS, we believe that a diverse workforce enriches our organization and we value individual life experiences, knowledge and self-expression that different people bring. We actively seek to create an environment where all employees, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, age, ****** orientation, disability, or any other characteristics, feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. We warmly welcome and encourage individuals from any underrepresented group to apply for this position. We are dedicated to maintaining fair and inclusive practices in our hiring, promotion, and professional development processes to create the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Position Purpose:
The Senior Manager, AMS Events and Student Development works closely with the Managing Director and AMS Executive to determine the strategic direction of campus-wide programming and oversee the planning and execution of such events. This role is responsible for supervising a team of AMS Events Assistant Managers, who are responsible for leading the planning of all events, along with their student staff team. They will also strategize and implement student development initiatives surrounding events and project management.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Define the overall direction for AMS Events, including strategic planning, portfolio assignments, team structure, and new event ideation.
Lead and oversee the execution of key AMS events and specific Student Government events, including AMS First Week, Lunar New Year, Brewfest, Block Party, SUDS, Awards Gala, and Clubs Fair.
Financial & Resource Management
Develop, manage, and reconcile budgets for all AMS Events and major Student Government events.
Ensure fiscal accountability through budget preparation, quarterly reviews, and financial reporting.
Oversee inventory management and tracking of event supplies and equipment.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate full-time event staff.
Lead regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and align on upcoming priorities.
Set performance goals and coach employees to achieve desired outcomes.
Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and high-quality event execution.
Training & Student Development
Plan and oversee the development of student-facing resources, training programs, and professional development opportunities for clubs and constituencies.
Stakeholder & Partnership Management
Work in collaboration with the VP Student Life on the development of a strategic plan to improve campus culture and school spirit.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with AMS departments, UBC stakeholders, and external vendors.
Oversee sponsorship coordination and strategy for AMS Events and other departments
Support AMS Events Assistant Managers in event execution and problem-solving.
Marketing & Communications
Collaborate with the Senior Communications & Marketing Manager to develop overarching event marketing strategies.
Work with the AMS Marcom team to execute event promotions and branding.
Provide direction and support for the Events Marketing Specialist
Risk & Crisis Management
Oversee safety and risk management protocols for AMS Events.
Lead crisis response and conflict resolution within the AMS Events team.
Ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Contract & Vendor Management
Oversee the development, negotiation, and signing of contracts with vendors and partners.
Ensure contractual agreements align with AMS policies and event needs.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications & Experience:
University degree in a relevant field
Master's degree in education or other relevant disciplines is an asset.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in large scale event management, project management
Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a willingness to engage in continuous learning.
Experience with strategic planning and goal setting
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is an asset.
Minimum of 5 years experience supervising, training, and leading teams in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in post-secondary institutions and large-scale event planning.
Experience with teaching, facilitating and instructional design
Experience with sponsorship and fundraising
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, deadlines, and high-pressure projects effectively.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to delegate.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Crisis management, flexibility, and adaptability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and project management tools like Teamwork.
Ability to lift or move objects up to 30 lbs as required.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered.

Application deadline: 11:5+pm May 8, 2025.

Due to the large volume of resumes we receive at the AMS, we are only able to contact those we are interested in interviewing and cannot reply to email/phone/walk-in inquiries regarding application status.