Jobs at the HMAVolunteer Position
(Honorarium)
Position start date: January
2012
End-date: mid-June
About Hats Off Day
Hats Off Day is a one-day festival
that stretches 11 blocks and attracts approximately 40,000 visitors every year.
On the first Saturday of every June, Hastings Street becomes a pedestrian-only
zone, with a main-street style parade and a giant party featuring food, music,
children’s activities, and more. This signature event in Burnaby’s Heights
neighbourhood has been voted “Best Festival in Burnaby” every year since 2005.
Hats Off Day is a heart-warming event that showcases a community-oriented
neighbourhood at its very best.
Hats Off Day is organized by a
volunteer committee of approximately 15 members – each of whom is responsible
for an aspect of the event – from traffic flow and barricades, to displays,
entertainment, and many others. The Parade Coordinator is a key player in this
team of community-minded individuals.
Position Description
This is a volunteer position, although
an honorarium will be provided. This individual reports to the Hats Off Day
Organizing Committee and its Chair.
The job involves approx. 10
hours each month from January to April, with hours increasing each week starting
from late April and ending in early June. By mid-June, the event is put to rest
for another six months. Support for the position is provided by the Heights
Merchants Association, including access to the Internet, phone, and fax. A computer and
space to work at may be arranged, if required.
The successful candidate will
have opportunities to build meaningful work relationships with a broad range of
individuals from business leaders, to community-oriented residents, and others.
It is a great networking and social opportunity. In addition, the successful
candidate will have the opportunity to earn a strong reference letter from the Hats
Off Day Committee Chair to aid in future career growth.
Responsibilities
- Working with the Hats Off Day organizing committee to
coordinate the parade in context with the broader Hats Off Day street festival.
- Attending all Hats Off Day meetings (one per month from
January to June, with two meetings in May.
- Brainstorming possible parade marshalls, and making a
recommendation(s) to the Hats Off Day organizing committee for decision making.
- Assisting the Heights Merchants Assn staff in promoting
the parade.
- Collecting and checking application forms for
completion, accuracy and suitability.
- Plotting the parade line-up (which entries go in which
order).
- Preparing parade logistics for the event, including set
up and take-down of the assembly site.
- Liaising with parade participants’ representatives on
various details.
- Preparing the assembly site the day before the event,
and directing participants the day of the event.
- Liaising with approximately seven volunteers, and
supervising them the day of the event.
- Correspondence to thank and acknowledge parade
supporters after the event.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational skills.
- Good communication skills – written, oral and
interpersonal.
- Ability to use computers, e-mail and similar tools.
- Ability to get along with many different kinds of
people.
- Passion and a sense of humour are definite assets.
How to apply
All applicants may e-mail or
mail their resume and cover letter expressing their interest to:
hatsoffday@burnabyheights.com
Heights Merchants Association
4019 Hastings Street, Burnaby,
BC V5C 2J1
Tel. 604-294-9060
