Event Coordinator

Permanent, Full Time

• Work for a progressive world class tertiary education provider
• Plan and deliver events that showcase Ara
• Varied role, no two days the same

Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi – About the Role

If you enjoy bringing people together and making events run smoothly, this role could be a great fit.

We are looking for an Event Coordinator to join our Marketing and Recruitment team where you’ll work alongside our Event Specialist to plan and deliver a wide mix of events across Ara. That includes everything from corporate and recruitment events such as Graduation and Open Days to staff and student celebrations. You’ll also lend a hand with events across the organisation, including those led by our faculties.

No two days are quite the same. One week might be focused on planning and logistics, the next you could be on the ground supporting delivery. You’ll be juggling multiple priorities, working with different teams and making sure every detail is covered so that each event creates a great experience for current and prospective students, whanau and staff.

Because events don’t always happen during office hours, you’ll need to be comfortable working outside a standard 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday when needed to support delivery on the day.

Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako – Skills and Experience

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of a team and getting stuck in. You’ll likely have some experience in events or in a fast-paced environment like hospitality, tourism or retail, where customer experience really matters. You’ll know how to communicate clearly, build good working relationships, and stay organised when things get busy.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• A tertiary qualification at Degree level in a relevant discipline
• Full, clean drivers licence
• 2-5 years event coordination or relevant experience
• Skilled at relationship management with both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to prioritise workload, successfully handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Proactive and innovative approach, a problem solver

You don’t need to have done everything before, but you do need to be someone who takes initiative, adapts to changing demands, and be comfortable working across different parts of Ara. A practical, positive approach goes a long way in this role.

Most of all, you’ll care about delivering events that leave a good impression and reflect Ara’s reputation as a leader in vocational tertiary education.

Mō Mātou – About us

Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest provider of tertiary vocational education, helping people build better futures - and that starts with our people.

Every day, our kaimahi help students gain real skills for real careers through hands-on learning and strong industry connections.

The Madras Street (City) campus brings engineering, architecture, music, trades, health and creative arts together in the heart of Christchurch, right next door to One New Zealand Stadium.

We offer tangible benefits: income protection for permanent kaimahi over 15 hours, fee discounts on Ara courses for staff, professional development leave and funding, two on-site early childhood centres, generous leave provisions, and an annual Christmas closedown to enjoy time with whanau and friends. A gym, library and cafés complete the picture.

Guided by our values Hono | Connect, Hihiri | Inspire and Aroha | Respect, we're committed to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you're looking for work that matters, Ara could be your next chapter.

Tono Ināianei - Apply now

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email ***email_hidden***.

Rā Katinga - Applications close – 11:55pm Sunday, 28 June 2026

Job Details

Reference #

23834

Posted on

18 Jun 2026

Closes on

28 Jun 2026 23:55

Location(s)

Central Christchurch

Expertise

Marketing, Business Support / Administration, Project Management, Students Support Services

Job level(s)

Graduate, Experienced

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time