Client Relations & Event Specialist (18-Month Contract)

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, is currently looking for an Event Specialist to join the Client Relations & Marketing department in the Toronto office. This role is an 18-month contract with the possibility of full-time.

In conjunction with the Toronto Events team and reporting to the Manager, Client Programming & Events, this role is responsible for planning and executing a variety of client-facing and internal Blakes events and seminars that meet the Firm’s business development objectives.

Primary responsibilities associated with this position include:

Collaborating with the Business Development team, legal professionals and other stakeholders to develop memorable, unique client events and experiences, including seminars, receptions, dinners and special events, and providing support for tradeshows, conferences and sponsorships.
Executing events and seminars end-to-end, including, but not limited to, planning, budget management, logistics, tracking, creative components, event onsite support and post-event reporting to ensure logistics are executed seamlessly.
Acting as a lead for virtual and hybrid seminars, including managing planning meetings and rehearsals, liaising with webcast providers and providing technical and live webcast support.
Acting as lead support for Blakes Diversity & Inclusion-focused affinity group events (Black@Blakes, EastAsian@Blakes, SouthAsian@Blakes, Pride@Blakes and Women@Blakes).
Leading the Client holiday gifting campaign and managing branded merchandise for the Toronto office with national and international vendors.
Sourcing, negotiating and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, restaurants and venues.
Working with the Business Development team to assist with managing event invitation lists.
Developing and managing event-critical paths, day-of-event schedules and run sheets.
Managing and tracking event budgets for assigned events.
Compiling and evaluating data derived from national events to provide Firm Management with comprehensive year-end event metrics and analysis.
Mentoring Events co-op students on day-to-day tasks.
Supporting the Manager, Client Programming & Events with the development and execution of Firm Retreats and National Partners’ Meetings.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or equivalent, or a college diploma with a focus in events.
Minimum of three to five years of corporate event experience is required.

Skills/Abilities:

Outgoing and personable, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Flexibility with hours of work is required — events take place before and after normal working hours and occasionally on weekends.
Ability to adhere to multiple deadlines, juggle multiple events and prioritize tasks, accordingly, in a fast-paced work environment.
Strong client-service approach, with a desire to meet high expectations.
Strong logistical and planning skills to ensure the effective delivery of assigned events.
Ability to take initiative, own tasks, establish priorities and be accountable for assigned projects.
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to interact professionally and confidently with people at all levels of the organization.
Strong negotiation skills when dealing with suppliers/vendors.
Exceptional organizational skills, with high attention to detail.
A creative thinker, with effective problem-solving skills and judgment.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Strong working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Word and CMS.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit your application and include your cover letter and résumé directly to our application portal.

Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Who We Are

At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for not only our clients but also our employees. As a winner of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with the hiring and retaining top talent and then helping them succeed/thrive.

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.