Director Conference & Event Centre

The Director, Event & Conference Centre provides strategic and operational leadership for CAMH’s event and conference business, with accountability for delivering high-quality, client-centred services while advancing organizational priorities and financial sustainability. The Director develops and executes the overall events strategy, maximizes utilization of CAMH’s conference facilities, strengthens client and stakeholder relationships, and identifies opportunities for sustainable revenue generation.

As the senior leader and external face of the Event & Conference Centre, the Director oversees business development, event operations, financial performance, service excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement. The role leads and develops a high-performing team and builds strong internal and external partnerships while ensuring that all activities reflect CAMH’s commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and its broader mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic direction and annual business plans for CAMH’s Event & Conference Centre, including the Temerity Discovery Centre and Arrell Family Foundation Auditorium.
• Drive business development, sales, key account development, and long-term client and partner relationships to increase utilization and generate sustainable revenue.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, partnerships, event offerings, and innovative approaches, including hybrid and virtual event formats.
• Lead the day-to-day operations and delivery of internal and external events, ensuring exceptional client and guest experiences and consistent service standards.
• Establish operational policies, service protocols, and continuous improvement practices to enhance quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee vendors and service partners, including catering, audiovisual, rentals, food and beverage, and other event-related services.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, pricing strategy, revenue and expense targets, cost controls, and financial forecasts.
• Monitor financial and operational performance, take corrective action as required, and ensure achievement of revenue and profitability objectives.
• Develop innovative and sustainable revenue-generating strategies and identify opportunities for new business, partnerships, and external bookings.
• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing events and operations team, fostering a culture of inclusion, psychological safety, professionalism, and service excellence.
• Establish team priorities, oversee training and performance management, and ensure effective coordination across CAMH programs and departments.
• Ensure all event activities comply with CAMH policies, applicable legislation, licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and emergency preparedness requirements.
• Oversee CAMH’s small retail real estate portfolio to ensure that the leasing approach is profitable and aligned to CAMH’s business development goals. 
• Oversee lease negotiations, administration, renewals and terminations, ensuring contractual obligations are met, costs and risks are managed, and space is used effectively.
• Manage relationships with tenants collaborating with facilities, finance and legal teams to resolve issues and ensure leased space continue to be used optimally.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, internal stakeholders, external clients, partners, vendors, and industry organizations.
• Represent CAMH’s Event & Conference Centre within the broader hospitality, events, conference, and business communities to build awareness and strengthen its profile.
• Provide regular performance and financial reporting to the VP Commercial and Business Development and CAMH executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, conference centres, event venues, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience launching, scaling, or managing a high-profile event facility or business unit.
• Proven track record in sales, business development, marketing, and revenue generation.
• Hands-on operational experience with event production, food and beverage, and client services.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasts, pricing, contracts, and cost controls.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining strategic relationships with clients, partners, vendors, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent an organization effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using CRM systems and business development tools.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory, operational, financial, and stakeholder considerations while balancing commercial objectives with organizational values.
• Smart Serve Ontario and Food Handler certification, or extensive knowledge of applicable requirements.

Nice to Have

• Event Management Certification, Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP).
• Experience working in a public sector, healthcare, hospital, or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience developing new business models, partnerships, or revenue streams within a complex organization.
• Experience managing events within a regulated or highly risk-sensitive environment.
• Established relationships and networks within the hospitality, events, conference, education, corporate, or healthcare sectors.
• Experience with large-scale, high-profile, hybrid, or multi-stakeholder events.

Executive Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary is competitive and based on experience, with a hiring range of $134,885.60 – $168,607.00 per year.  (based on leadership experience, qualifications, and organizational needs)
• Full Salary Range: $134,885.60 – $202,328.40 per year (reflecting progressive growth and leadership tenure within the organization)

CAMH Advantage: Includes participation in HOOPP defined benefit pension plan, extended health and wellness benefits, and opportunities to shape healthcare innovation at a systems level 

CAMH is a Tobacco-Free Organization.

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at: www.camh.ca.

To view our Land Acknowledgment, please click here.