Job Description

This position offers a comprehensive benefits & retirement package, generous and flexible vacation benefits, as well as a great work-life balance opportunity!
The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to become the Senior Manager of the Horowitz Events Centre (HEC). The position provides high-level, day-to-day leadership to HEC's various functional teams including sales and client coordination, technical theatre operations, venue and event operations, and full-service catering.
HEC is a prominent, multi-unit events, conferencing, and catering social enterprise on the U of A campus. With over 30,000 sqft of versatile space (theatre, conference halls, meeting rooms), HEC hosts 4,000+ events annually, including concerts, conferences, and weddings, with a focus on both financial return and social good for students.
This role requires a driven individual to provide overall strategic direction, ensure financial health, and manage day-to-day operations, with a strong emphasis on market positioning, sales leadership, and long-term growth.
What We Offer:

• Comprehensive health, dental & vision benefits for you and your family
• Life & disability insurance
• A matching RRSP contribution program
• Generous and flexible vacation benefits & other leave
• An open, supportive, collaborative and innovative organization -- we thrive on the great ideas of our team
• The opportunity to make a difference by working at a not-for-profit organization
• An annual Wellness Spending Account to better your life outside of work
• Additional training & professional development opportunities

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning: Drive growth and organizational strengthening across all HEC service lines, ensuring alignment with the UASU Strategic Plan and the dual mandate of the department as a social enterprise focused on financial return and student benefit.
• Financial Management: Develop and continually monitor budgets and financial reports, focusing on revenue growth, cost control, and maximizing both profitability and overall value.
• Business Development, Sales, & Client Relations: Lead the business development and sales efforts, designing market-level and campus value-oriented pricing strategies, developing new service offerings, and directly supervising the client coordination team to maximize bookings and revenue.
• Stakeholder Relations: Maintain strategic relationships with key clients, campus partners, and external stakeholders, acting as a senior point of contact for complex client issues and contract management.
• Unit Management and Direct Supervision: Provide high-level, day-to-day leadership to the HEC management team. Directly hire, train, and develop the management team and sales coordination staff, delegating daily responsibilities while ensuring exceptional service delivery and efficient deployment of human resources.
• Operations, Safety, and Team Culture: Oversee the execution of operational and administrative activities, health and safety programs, marketing and promotional strategies, and training and development programs throughout HEC. Foster an open, collaborative, and positive team culture of inclusivity and personal development among all staff.
• Innovation and Process Improvement: Foster a culture of innovation and superior operational performance, promoting the development of new workflows, process designs, and the effective use of digital tools across all units to drive efficiency and quality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of management/supervisory experience and relevant post-secondary education, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a hospitality, event, conferencing, or food and beverage environment.
• Proven ability to develop and execute sales and growth strategies.
• Experience in budgeting, P&L management, and financial control of an operating unit.
• Superior communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency with Google Apps/Microsoft Office, satisfactory Criminal Background Check, and required Intermediate First Aid, ProServe, ProTect and food safety certifications.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a multi-unit or multi-functional leadership role, including direct supervision of multiple managers or specialized unit leaders.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and sales data analysis.
• Experience in the arts and culture or entertainment industry.
• Experience in project management, change management, lease administration, or relationship management.
• Experience in managing a unionized staff environment.
• Awareness of the UASU, University of Alberta, or similar organizations.
• Possession of a valid Class 5 or higher driver's licence.

Working Conditions:
Average of 37.5 hours per week, with specific hours including some evenings and weekends as needed. The environment includes time in an office/desk setting and performing operational and physical duties.
Equity and Inclusion:
The UASU's mission is to serve, engage, and represent students. To do that well we need an organization that is representative of the students we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.
Does the job and the UASU sound like a good fit for you? Apply today -- we're excited to hear from you!
The review of applications will start on December 3, 2025, however, the competition will remain open until filled.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Skills Required