Volunteer Operations Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)
/Job Title:
Volunteer Operations Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)
Organization:
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Deadline:
Until Filled
Organization Description:
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has been a Canadian cultural institution since 1978. It is a 3-day annual festival that takes place in iy'a'l'mexw (Jericho Beach Park), on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Now in its 49th year, the festival’s mission is to bring traditional and contemporary folk and roots music to diverse audiences in an environment of community collaboration and discovery.
This year’s festival is happening July 17-19 and will feature 35 artists from BC, Canada and beyond, playing a wide range of music from around the world.
The organization is led by an Executive Director, an Artistic Director and a dedicated Board of Directors. Dozens of contractors and hundreds of volunteers collaborate to bring the shores of Jericho Beach to life each summer.
Website:
Job Description:
THE POSITION
This is a six-week contract, starting ASAP. The role will assist our Manager of Volunteer Operations in the lead up to the 2026 VFMF.
This position is designed for an emerging arts administrator interested in gaining comprehensive hands-on experience in festival operations, logistics, and volunteer management. As part of a small and collaborative team, you will gain practical experience in event coordination and learn what it takes to produce a world-class outdoor music festival in a busy urban centre.
The Volunteer Operations Assistant will play a key role in supporting festival's Volunteer Program - a mission critical department which oversees 900+ volunteers and collaborates across all festival departments.
You will work closely with festival leadership, department heads, and external partners to help deliver a seamless, well-coordinated, and successful festival experience for volunteers, patrons, and artists alike.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Vancouver Folk Festival’s office is located at 1945 McLean Drive in East Vancouver, co-located with several other arts and culture organizations including the Vancouver Opera, Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Pi Theatre, and others. You can expect a vibrant, collaborative work environment in an open concept setting. Private offices and meeting rooms are available as needed. In-person work is strongly encouraged, although requests for remote work accommodations will be considered. Our office is located up two flights of stairs, also accessible via an elevator and seated lift. There is an accessible washroom onsite. Our offices are open M-F, 9am to 5pm.
Responsibilities:
-Support recruitment and onboarding of volunteers.
-Help maintain volunteer database and assist with data collection and maintenance
-Assist with the procurement of prizes, refreshments, and other volunteer benefits.
-Help coordinate volunteer training materials.
-Attend and minute volunteer departmental meetings.
-Assist Volunteer Coordinators with pre-festival logistics and coordination.
Qualifications:
ELIGIBILITY
This job is supported by the Canada Summer Jobs Program. Applicants must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred, and have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
SKILLS NEEDED
-Demonstrated passion for the arts and live music.
-Curiosity and open mindedness.
-Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
-Proven ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
-Great time management, organization, accuracy and attention to detail.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
-Intermediate skill level in MS Applications, Google Suite, Canva, and other software applications.
-Experience using Salesforce, Airtable, or similar database programs is an asset.
-Valid Drivers License for the Province of British Columbia considered an asset.
How to Apply:
To apply, send a cover letter, resume and two professional references to:
executivedirector@thefestival.bc.ca
Please include the following in the subject line: Volunteer Operations Assistant Application
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, as they are submitted. For more information, please contact: 604-602-9798, ext 203
Remuneration:
$23/hour
