Job Description

ORGANIZATION PROFILE KEYS is the largest provider of comprehensive employment services in Kingston and its surrounding region. While our initial goal was to help those seeking employment, KEYS is now the largest provider of services to Newcomers in the region. Founded in 1983, KEYS is a registered charity. We help change lives. With very few exceptions, our programs have no cost. KEYS helps job seekers of all ages and abilities, looking for a job or exploring career options; entrepreneurs with services designed to make it easier to pursue their business goals; employers by supporting their staffing, training, and retention needs; or newcomers to Canada requiring English training and settlement help. We are committed to supporting members of our community through compassionate action and mutual respect. To achieve our vision statement and goals it is vital to network and partner with others. We our proud of our strategic alliances with those in our community (local and global) who help us meet the needs of all we serve. We also offer a variety of opportunities for local businesses and professionals to help other members of our community through volunteering. For those not able to give their time, we graciously accept financial donations to help us continue the work we do. Our Vision: Helping individuals realize their full potential within an economically and socially vibrant community Ends Statement: Connected People, Decent Work, Inclusive Communities Our Values

• RESPECT - We demonstrate fairness, consistency, and compassion in our interactions with others.
• ACCESSIBILITY - We are committed to providing services that are accessible to all.
• DIVERSITY - We value the diversity of individual and cultural differences that enrich our community.
• POTENTIAL - We encourage and nurture the positive potential which all people possess.
• CHANGE - We serve to encourage the positive change of which all people are capable.
• RESPONSIVENESS - We are flexible, responsive, and continually adapting to changes, emerging needs and opportunities.
• FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Our clients are free to enter into or withdraw from service at any time.
• TRUST - We are reliable, dependable, and accountable for our actions.
• ACCOUNTABILITY - We demonstrate our accountability to our clients, community, funding sources and each other, by measuring results and being fiscally responsible.
• EXCELLENCE - We are committed to professional growth, service excellence and the highest level of customer satisfaction.
• LEADERSHIP - We foster wise leadership at all levels, and we use our expertise to influence positive social and economic change.
• INNOVATION - We strive for continuous self development, improvement, and innovation in our work. We seek new, innovative, and creative opportunities to be a leading-edge organization.

40th ANNIVERSARY In April 1983, a small three-person operation opened its doors in Kingston to respond to a growing crisis related to youth unemployment. This organization, first known as Kingston Youth Employment Serve (KYES) was spearheaded by the John Howard Society of Kingston and other concerned community groups. Youth unemployment was hovering around 20% and Canada was in a recession. The difficulty finding a job was particularly problematic for those young people who had left school early and who had other life challenges. Our name Kingston Youth Employment Serve (KYES) was later changed to Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS). Over the years we simply became known as KEYS. As community needs evolved so did our programs and services. Employment and services to youth remained a focus, however we grew to provide service to all who needed our support becoming the largest provider of comprehensive employment services in the region, and the largest provider of services to newcomers in the greater Kingston area. Over the years KEYS became known for meeting community needs through developing new and innovative services. We have supported youth accessing international development projects, used theatre as a tool to teach work and life skills, supported refugees and other newcomers on their resettlement journey, provided skills training in many fields, been a leader in English language training, supported entrepreneurs start businesses, helped students find meaningful summer jobs, lead equity, diversity and inclusion projects, provided employers with the support needed to grow their workforce, and so much more. Today KEYS is a multi-service organization with two Kingston offices and an office in Gananoque and Elgin. Our services to jobseekers, newcomers, and employers exist throughout the region and continue to expand and transform. In 2023, KEYS turns 40 years old, and we would like to celebrate our achievements and the communities we serve. Our tagline for the 40th anniversary is: 40 Years of Changing Lives. The Event Planner will work with our internal leadership team, as well as our external graphic designer and marketing consultant to execute all activities. We would like to share stories that highlight how we have helped change lives and changed the communities we serve for the better. EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Deliverables should include:

• Fully planned and executed major 40th anniversary celebration on September 7th, 2023
• Promotional video
• Series of social media posts highlighting KEYS throughout the years, impact of our services
• Brief evaluation report summarizing activities and successes/challenges

Timeline:

• Planning is already underway, and the celebration event is scheduled for September 7th, 2023. The community celebration should take place in the fall and the final evaluation report completed by December 31st, 2023

BUDGET: The fee proposal must include services, and all incidentals including travel costs and applicable HST. The fee may be up to $15,000 + HST. QUALIFICATIONS

• Events planning experience & expertise
• Knowledge of KEYS and understanding of the community-based sector, especially employment and newcomer services
• Superior communication skills, including writing; Bilingualism (EN/FR) an asset
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and coordinate diverse activities on a tight timeline

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: Proposals should not exceed 3 pages and should include:

• A workplan including activities to completed and timelines
• A complete and detailed budget
• Relevant qualifications and experience (please include a current CV for each consultant or team member who would be working on the project, including a list of relevant projects completed).

TIMELINE: Planning is already underway. Proposals will be accepted until Monday, May 29th, 2023. Proposals should be submitted to apply@keys.ca. Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted to nancym@keys.ca. Consultant(s) will be required to comply with the KEYS confidentiality policies.