Debaser is seeking an Operations Coordinator to help bring Ottawa’s most forward-thinking music and arts events to life, including Pique and ongoing Debaser events.
This contract role (offered through Ontario’s Job Creation Partnerships) supports the planning and execution of events—everything from box office management and volunteer coordination to financial tracking, marketing assets, and logistics. The position is ideal for organized, proactive communicators with a passion for culture, arts, and community building.
Details
Closing date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Please submit your application as soon as practical
Start date: September 9, 2205
Job Location: Debaser office (67 Nicholas Street)
Work Environment: On-site, Office
Job Type: Contract (available through the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships)
Contact info: jobs@ottawafestivals.ca
About the Role
Job Summary:
This position is funded through Ontario’s Job Creation Partnerships (see the eligibility 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. The Operations Coordinator supports the effective planning and execution of events, volunteer engagement, and marketing initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Operations and Administration
Coordinate on-site event logistics, including artist relations, hospitality, advancing, box office and merchandise operations, 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 production and hospitality supplies.
Assist with facilitation of event logistics, including booking venues and equipment, scheduling event staff, and maintaining planning documents and operational plans.
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, proofreading content, and assisting with other related tasks.
Required qualifications
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organizational abilities and multi-project management, detail-oriented with accuracy focus
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Proactive problem-solving approach
Strong computer skills with a proficiency in Google/Microsoft suite applications and the ability to learn new platforms quickly
Customer service experience
Preferred qualifications
Volunteer coordination and engagement experience
Basic financial processes knowledge (expense tracking, accounting software like QuickBooks)
Marketing/communications platform familiarity (social media, email newsletters, website CMS)
Live event production, hospitality, or artist relations background and an Arts, culture, or nonprofit sector interest
Eligibility requirements:
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 resident living in Ontario who is legally authorized to work in Canada.
Meet at least 1 of the following criteria:
Has an established Employment Insurance (EI) benefit period.
Previously established an EI benefit period that has ended within the previous 60 months.
Paid employee EI premiums (e.g. Box 18 on the T4) in at least 3 of the last 10 years while earnings have been at least $2000 in each of those years.
NOTE: Persons currently enrolled in full-time academic studies are not eligible for consideration. Those who qualify to establish an Employment Insurance (EI) claim must do so prior to being considered for JCP participation.
Remuneration:
$688 per week paid biweekly by the Province of Ontario (average hourly rate: $21.50 based on 4 days/32 hours).
What’s Next?
Forward your resume and cover letter to jobs@ottawafestivals.ca. Please note, only selected candidates who meet the JCP eligibility criteria will be contacted for an interview.