Program Assistant Jobs in Fort Erie, ON (NOW HIRING)

The City of St. Catharines is seeking a highly organized, creative, and community-minded professional to support major civic anniversary initiatives through the role of Program Assistant, Special Anniversary Initiatives. This temporary part-time position will assist with planning, coordination, communications, research, and partnership development related to two significant municipal initiatives:

• STC150 - celebrations and community activations recognizing the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Catharines in 2026; and

• Long-range planning activities related to the 200th Anniversary of the Welland Canals to be commemorated in 2029.

Reporting to the Manager, Recreation and Culture Programs, the successful candidate will work collaboratively across departments and with community partners to help deliver engaging public initiatives that celebrate local history, culture, heritage, and civic pride.

(These set out the principal functions of the position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements). 

STC150 Anniversary Initiatives

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of community celebrations, activations, events, and commemorative activities associated with STC150.
• Support project scheduling, logistics coordination, meeting preparation, and stakeholder communications.
• Assist with promotional activities, community engagement initiatives, and event documentation.
• Coordinate information gathering and maintain project files, timelines, and records.

Welland Canal 200th Anniversary Planning

• Support project planning activities related to the 200th Anniversary of the Welland Canals in 2029.
• Work collaboratively with Museum and Historical Services staff to assist with implementation planning related to the Historic Welland Canals Interpretive Plan.
• Assist in the development of communications and social media planning to promote the Historic Welland Canals and upcoming bicentennial initiatives.
• Conduct research related to funding opportunities, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and potential community collaborators.
• Assist in developing partnership and resource plans for future anniversary programming and initiatives.
• Research best practices and comparable anniversary or heritage celebration projects undertaken by other municipalities or organizations. 

General Duties

• Prepare briefing materials, reports, correspondence, presentations, and meeting notes.
• Research external project funding and grant opportunities.
• Liaise with internal departments, community organizations, cultural institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Support special projects and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Set up and tear down, monitor event timelines and ensure all event relates activities run smoothly.
• Respond effectively to customer concerns and service issues as they arise.
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with City policies, procedures, and accessibility standards.

• Grade 12 Diploma
• Post-secondary education in Recreation & Leisure Studies, Public Administration, Event Management, Communications, Tourism, Community Development, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience supporting projects, events, community initiatives, or municipal programs
• Experience with research, communications, partnership development, or event coordination is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with heritage, cultural, tourism, or public engagement initiatives is preferred.
• Experience working within a municipal, non-profit, heritage, museum, or public sector environment is considered an asset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather and summarize information effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications tools.
• Physical ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40lbs as required for event set up, and tear down.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including both summer and winter conditions.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with staff, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of St. Catharines history, culture, and community organizations is considered an asset.
• This position may require occasional evening, weekend or holiday work to support community events.