Job Title: Community Engagement and Youth Ambassador Program Coordinator
Reports to: Manager of Community Engagement, and Volunteers
Organization Overview: The Arctic Winter Games (AWG) are a bi-annual world-class sporting and cultural event, with 2,000 participants and an equal number of volunteers from around the circumpolar north. Designed to celebrate the unique sports and cultural heritage of the Arctic, this multisport event showcases 20+ traditional and non-traditional sport competitions as well as a weeklong cultural exchange program. The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society was formed to plan and deliver the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
Position Overview
The Arctic Winter Games Host Society is seeking a passionate and collaborative individual to coordinate community engagement efforts across Yukon and lead the development and implementation of the 2026 Youth Ambassador Program (YAP). This role focuses on empowering youth, deepening connections with communities and First Nations, and inspiring participation in the Games through outreach, education, and cultural inclusion.
You’ll be at the heart of building excitement for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, helping young leaders find their voice while ensuring the Games reflect the values and spirit of the North.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Ambassador Program (YAP)
- Finalize the design, and implement an inclusive, accessible application process for youth applicants from Yukon and Alaska.
- Finalize the eligibility criteria, develop application materials (paper and digital), and define a transparent selection process.
- Coordinate the selection committee process, training, and evaluation procedures.
- Develop and deliver a recruitment and outreach strategy to attract a diverse pool of youth, with emphasis on rural and underrepresented communities.
- Plan and facilitate leadership development and training sessions for selected Youth Ambassadors.
- Support Ambassadors and chaperones throughout Games Week.
- Track and report on program impact, participation, and feedback.
Community Engagement
- Work closely with the Community Engagement Functional Area and committees to support outreach initiatives across Yukon.
- Build and maintain relationships with First Nation Governments and Indigenous organizations to ensure respectful and meaningful inclusion.
- Assist with Games-related education and awareness activities, including school visits, community viewing parties, and promotional events.
- Develop outreach tools, presentations, and activity materials for schools, youth groups, and communities.
- Support the execution of the 2026 AWG Community Engagement Plan.
- Assist in developing promotional materials, presentations, and activity toolkits for engagement initiatives.
Other Key Responsibilities:
- Budget Management: With the Manager of Community Engagement and Volunteers, manage assigned budgets effectively, tracking expenses and optimizing resource allocation.
- Reporting and Analysis: Monitor and analyze performance metrics and provide regular reports and insights to committee members and the Manager of Community Engagement, and Volunteers.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with the 2026 Arctic Winter Games management team to ensure all interdependencies are identified and addressed.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in community engagement, public relations, event management, or a related field, preferably within the sport industry or community-based organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and networking skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative and engaging community engagement strategies and initiatives.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Experience working with Yukon First Nation Governments and/or organizations is considered an asset.
- Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
Conditions of Employment:
- Office hours may fluctuate at different points during the planning process leading up to the Games but will normally not exceed 40 hours per week.
- All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
- Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Verification required for all positions.
- Credential checks may be required.
Term: April 2025 – April 14, 2026
Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000
We thank all who apply; however, only those selected to proceed in the recruitment process will be contacted.
Important Note:
The Host Society reserves the right to change, amend, or discontinue this job description at any time. This document is intended to provide an overview of the required responsibilities and qualifications.