Posting details:
Desired contract term: 26 weeks
Start date: April 20, 2026
End date: October 19, 2026
Wage: $22/hour
Work schedule: 32 hours per week (hybrid - 3 days in office; 1 day work-from-home)
Work Location: Debaser, 67 Nicholas St, Ottawa ON
Job Summary:
This position is funded through Ontario’s Job Creation Partnerships (see more details below).
Since establishing in 2013, Debaser has become one of Ottawa’s leading independent and underground music presenters, best known for its experimental music curation and inclusive events. Our primary activity is curating, producing and promoting music and arts events, including the quarterly event series Pique. Debaser is an incorporated nonprofit organization whose mandate is to support and exhibit underrepresented creative artists.
The Operations Coordinator supports the effective planning and execution of events, volunteer engagement, and marketing initiatives. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, adaptable professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
Operations and Administration
Support with coordination of event logistics, including hospitality, box office and merchandise operations, food and beverage service, volunteer supervision, and other related duties as assigned.
Support financial administration tasks, such as collecting and submitting expense documentation and entering expenses into accounting software.
Assist with inventory tracking and procurement of supplies.
Volunteer coordination
Lead volunteer recruitment and outreach initiatives.
Collaborate with staff to develop volunteer schedules and assignments.
Manage volunteer communications and oversee shift sign-ups.
Organize and facilitate volunteer training sessions using existing materials and templates, including scheduling, updating presentation content, coordinating with facilitators, and collecting attestation forms.
Provide on-site volunteer supervision during events.
Develop and distribute volunteer experience surveys.
Analyze survey responses and prepare summary reports, sharing insights and recommendations with staff and board members.
Marketing and Communications
Support the preparation and execution of marketing initiatives, such as announcements and rollouts, by updating the website, organizing creative assets, submitting event into to various listings, proofreading content, and assisting with other related tasks.
Support with managing photographer recruitment, schedules, shotlists, media release agreements, and fulfillment.
Skills and Qualifications:
Required
Excellent communication and people skills (verbal and written)
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Attention to detail and accuracy
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Comfortable working evenings and weekends as needed for event support
Detail-oriented and resourceful, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
Spreadsheet/database skills are a plus
Good knowledge of Google / Microsoft suite applications (or interested in learning).
Experience working in customer service
Strong computer skills: ability to quickly learn new programs/platforms and take initiative to troubleshoot
Preferred
Experience with event management, volunteer coordination, customer service and hospitality, music industry, galleries and exhibitions, and/or as a practicing artist
Background or interest in the arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors
Familiarity with basic financial processes such as expense tracking or working with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Wave, or similar)
Understanding of marketing and communications tools and platforms, including social media, email newsletters (e.g., Mailchimp), and website CMS (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace)
Learning Opportunities and Additional Benefits
Learning Opportunities:
Hands-on experience in music/arts event management
Exposure to nonprofit operations, financial administration, and organizational planning
Skill development in volunteer coordination, team leadership, and community engagement
Mentorship and support from experienced staff across departments (production, programming, administration)
Training in workplace tools and systems, including accounting and project management platforms
Additional Benefits:
Flexible schedule with hybrid work opportunities, subject to change according to event and organizational needs
Access to live performances, industry networking events, and behind-the-scenes experiences
Opportunities to build a strong professional network in the arts, nonprofit, or event industries
A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture that values creativity, initiative, and continuous learning
Enjoy direct access to arts programming as part of your work experience
Eligibility for JCP:
Candidate eligibility for JCP is determined according to the following criteria:
An unemployed job seeker or those employed less than 20 hours per week
A permanent resident living in Ontario who is legally authorized to work in Canada
In addition, candidates must meet, and have documentation for, at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
Have an active Employment Insurance (EI) claim or
Previously established an EI benefit period within the last five years or
Paid employee payroll premiums (EI premiums – Box 18 on your T4) in at least three of the previous ten years (where earnings have been at least $2K in each of those years or
Received the Employment Insurance Emergency Response benefit (CERB) within the previous five years
NOTE 1: Those registered in full-time academic studies are not eligible to be considered.
NOTE 2: If you are eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits you must apply for those benefits in advance of JCP participation.
How to apply:
Email jobs@ottawafestivals.ca with a resume/CV and cover letter.
This program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.