Hiring: Summer students

Update #280

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for two roll-up-your-sleeves summer students between the ages of 15 and 30 as part of the Canada Summer Jobs 2026 Program to help with lead-up to and execution of the opening festivities scheduled for August 15 (donor gala) and onward August 19 (pre-opening events) and opening schedule August 20-23.

WHO WE ARE

Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS International Estonian Centre, provides a robust charitable program as it transitions its activities to KESKUS. Once completed in August 2026, KESKUS International Estonian Centre will be the first major initiative of the 21st century built by those outside of Estonia, dedicated to the celebration of Estonian culture and heritage, and the promotion of Estonian entrepreneurial spirit and its success as a nation and as a diaspora.

This will be a state of the art cultural destination at a prestigious address, in Toronto’s culture corridor. The Centre’s close proximity to Toronto’s financial centre and to universities offers the possibility of links to strengthen and grow valuable international partnerships and, of course, it is not only in the Top-40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World as adjudged by Time Out Magazine, but also proximate to high-end Yorkville.

KESKUS will consolidate the Estonian community and provide a vibrant hub for culture, learning, and digital technology and a natural gathering place for social interaction for Estonians and non-Estonians alike. Designed by 4-time Governor-General Award-winning architect Alar Kongats, the nordic design combines with Estonians’ love of nature, so green space is integral to the design. This includes public outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the community and passers-by, and a charming green roof. The courtyard is shaped like the borders of Estonia itself.

POSITION DETAILS

• Role: Event Coordinator (2 positions)

• Duration: 8 weeks each

• Anticipated Start Dates: May 13, 2026 and July 6, 2026

• Compensation: $17.60/hour

• Location: Toronto (in-person and remote)

• Application Deadline: 5:00 PM (ET) on April 30, 2026

Eligibility (Canada Summer Jobs Program criteria)

• 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 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment*; and,

• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with applicable provincial or territorial legislation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Event Coordinators will play an integral role in preparing for and executing the opening festivities of KESKUS, engaging audiences locally and internationally.

Working under supervision, the coordinators will gain hands-on experience in arts administration, large-scale event production, cultural programming, and community engagement. The role provides exposure to construction completion, media relations, audience services, and technical production.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark cultural moment: the opening of KESKUS, a $56M international cultural centre built in the heart of Toronto, North America's 4th largest city.

Responsibilities include any or all of:

Construction & Project Familiarization

• Develop knowledge of the KESKUS Centre’s architectural and engineering features

• Interpret and communicate the project to guests

Event Planning & Logistics

• Support coordination of audiences, artists, travel, and accommodations

• Assist with venue planning, scheduling, and overall festival execution

• Assist with ticketing systems, troubleshooting, monitoring, and reporting

Program & Talent Coordination

• Assist with performer and speaker schedules, communications, and requirements

• Support rehearsals, staging logistics, and backstage readiness

VIP & Donor Relations

• Assist with dignitary and donor hosting, including guest lists, seating, and communications

• Prepare briefing materials and support protocol-sensitive interactions

• Contribute to donor recognition and stewardship

Marketing, Communications & Design

• Assist in the creation and distribution of print and digital marketing materials, including signage, branding, and social content

• Develop and manage social media, event listings, and website content

• Coordinate and review written and visual materials (e.g., artist statements, program descriptions) to ensure accuracy and consistency

• Support media relations, partner communications, and preparation of briefing materials

• Develop templates, presentations, reports, and promotional assets, including post-event reporting materials

• Track, collect, and analyze marketing data and metrics in line with funding requirements

Technical & Production Coordination

• Gather technical requirements and liaise with A/V and production teams

• Support rehearsals, staging, and backstage workflows

Festival Execution (On-Site)

• Support venue setup, signage, accessibility, and site readiness

• Assist with event setup, execution, and teardown

• Coordinate branding and liaise with artists, vendors, and volunteers

• Track schedules and logistics to ensure smooth delivery

Site Management

• Act as a point-of-contact for volunteers and assist with guest flow

• Support crowd control, queue management, and safety procedures

• Assist with movement and coordination of performers and staff

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain timelines, checklists, budgets, and contact databases

• Support planning meetings, track action items, and manage logistics documents

• Assist with post-event evaluation, data collection, and reporting

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience delivering a major international cultural festival

• Exposure to arts and cultural management, event production, and communications

• Insight into large-scale capital projects and community-building initiatives

THE EXPERIENCE YOU BRING TO THE PROJECT

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, resourceful, nimble

• Familiarity with website management, content creation for short form communications, social media, traditional media, graphic design tools

• Experience working with project managers/senior leadership on high-visibility initiatives

• Familiarity with the Estonian language and the Estonian diaspora is a strong asset

• Strong collaboration and communication skills with a keen eye for detail

• Comfortable adapting to changing project needs

• Comfortable with public-facing interaction, employing tact and discretion

• Understanding of and experience with start-ups is a bonus

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume & cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience and your start date preference, to: info@estoniancentre.ca, with subject line “EAC summer job”

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM (ET) on April 30, 2026.

More information: estoniancentre.ca

*Note that international students are not eligible. As the objective of the

CSJ program is to support youth entering the Canadian labour market, the

temporary nature of an international student’s time in Canada does not allow for a

long-term connection to the labour market. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible.