The Waterfront District BIA

Business Associations More about this

251 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B1A7

  • Kara Pratt
    Executive Director

Available Positions

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Part Time
Closes 6/28/2026

We are looking for a community-oriented individual interested in event coordination. The event coordinator role

involves assisting with event logistics, planning, and execution for various small summer events and a cornerstone

event. Typical duties include supporting event planning, participating in event execution, assisting with social media,

and helping with staff or volunteer coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event planning and logistics:

? Event planning and logistics: Assist with the planning and logistical aspects of events, such as

kids activity days, construction mitigating events and a cornerstone event.

2. Event execution:

? Help to execute events on the day, which can involve overseeing various facets of the event and

ensuring guests have a positive experience.

3. Social media:

? Assist in developing and implementing social media plans for events.

4. Staff and volunteer coordination:

? May include recruiting, hiring, and supervising staff or volunteers, depending on the event or activity.

5. Community Connection:

? Support community-based organizations by sharing their events held in the Waterfront District, services, and initiatives with visitors.

? Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

6. Professional & Personal Growth:

? Gain valuable public-facing experience in tourism, marketing, and community outreach.

? Build communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills by working in diverse real-world situations.

Qualifications:

? Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable approaching and talking to new people.

? Reliable, punctual, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

? Physically able to work outdoors (rain or shine) and on your feet for extended periods.

? Comfortable with light physical tasks (carrying event materials).

? Good problem-solving skills with a proactive attitude.

? Awareness of local businesses, events, and Thunder Bay attractions is an asset (but we’ll help train you too!).

Work Environment:

? Indoor office-based role for most of each workday.

? Exterior work for events and activities.

? Must be prepared for varying weather conditions for events.

Schedule & Compensation:

Job Type: Part-time (9 Weeks)

Hours: 30 hours per week

Hourly Rate: Starting at $19.00 per hour

Eligibility Requirements (Funded Position):

? Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.

? A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone with refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act*.

? Legally entitled to work in Ontario.

(*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they meet citizenship/residency requirements.)

How to Apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume with the subject line: LAST NAME – Event Coordinator

2026 to: wdbia.students@gmail.com. Posting open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Part Time
Closes 7/1/2026

The Waterfront District Business Improvement Area (BIA) is seeking an enthusiastic and creative

individual to join our team this summer to organize the painting of one to two murals on private buildings in the BIA.

Responsibilities:

Training Period:

Spend the first 2 weeks understanding the BIA concept, getting to know our target audience, and familiarizing yourself with the BIA and potential locations for murals.

? Facilitate contracts and high-level design concepts with artists and building owners

? Assist with vetting and evaluating the submitted murals

? Create and execute a schedule of mural painting

? Book and assign crews for wall prep, lifts/scaffolding, including maintenance and any other site requirements

? Track mural progress, managing all issues as they arise

? Host and support artists, acting as an ambassador for the BIA and Thunder Bay

? Assist with marketing and work with the BIA Content Creator for internal and external promotion of the mural program

? Lead and direct volunteers as necessary

? Build the Waterfront District BIA’s network of relationships with artists, industry and public through events and outreach

? Contribute to the Waterfront District’s overall strategies as an enthusiastic, collaborative and supportive team member

? Participate as a team member by taking on administrative and logistical tasks to ensure delivery of seamless service

Qualifications:

? Experience working in visual arts, logistics coordination and administration

? Working or practical knowledge of the types of installations is an asset – whether it is exterior latex, spray-painted, or a printed mural – as examples

? Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills

? Competency in creating Google documents and spreadsheets

? Passionate about bringing visual arts into the community

? Handles challenges and complexities with grace and positivity

? Ability to take initiative, meet deadlines and effectively manage priorities

? Work outdoors and at event and mural sites is required

? Ability to work collaboratively with others, including coordinating content that incorporates animation elements.

? Detail-oriented and proactive in executing tasks independently.

Job Type: Part-time (9 Weeks with possibility of extension)

Rate of pay: Starting at $18.60/hour

Schedule: 30 hours a week (A contract for equivalent project-based work may be negotiated based on

applicant experience and availability.)

Applicants must be:

1. between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;

2. a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act*; and

3. is legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Hiring

Committee, with the Subject line: LAST NAME – Mural Coordinator 2026, to The Waterfront District BIA

by email - wdbia.students@gmail.com. Posting is open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Part Time
Closes 7/4/2026

We are looking for an individual to research funding opportunities, write and submit grant applications,

and manage grant-funded projects from start to finish. Key responsibilities include coordinating with

internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, maintaining project

documentation, and reporting on outcomes to funders and management.

Key Responsibilities:

? Grant research: Identify and research potential grant opportunities from federal, state, local, corporate, and private sources.

? Proposal development: Prepare and write high-quality grant applications and proposals, ensuring they align with the organizations objectives.

? Application submission: Coordinate the preparation and submission of applications by gathering necessary information and ensuring all deadlines are met.

? Relationship management: Build and maintain relationships with funding agencies, stakeholders, and internal departments.

? Reporting and compliance: Track grant activities, maintain project documentation, and prepare reports on grant progress and outcomes for funders and internal management.

? Problem-solving: Address issues and mitigate risks that arise during the grant application and management process. 

Skills and qualifications:

? Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

? Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

? Proficiency in grant writing and a strong understanding of the grant lifecycle.

? Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across different departments.

? Experience with grant management software or portals can be beneficial.

? Attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with complex guidelines

Work Environment:

? Indoor office-based role for most of each workday.

Schedule & Compensation:

Job Type: Part-time (9 Weeks with potential for extension)

Hours: 30 hours per week

Hourly Rate: Starting at $19.60 per hour

Eligibility Requirements (Funded Position):

? Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.

? A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone with refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act*.

? Legally entitled to work in Ontario.

(*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they meet citizenship/residency requirements.)

How to Apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume with the subject line: LAST NAME – Grant Coordinator

2026 to: wdbia.students@gmail.com. Posting open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Part Time
Closes 7/4/2026

We’re looking for an outgoing, community-minded individual to join our team as a Tourism Ambassador this summer. If you love talking to people, enjoy being outdoors, and want to help make Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District a must-visit destination, this is the role for you!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Be the Face of the Waterfront District:

? Greet visitors, answer questions, and help both tourists and locals discover businesses, attractions, and hidden gems in the area.

? Share info about upcoming events, cultural experiences, and services available in the district.

? Assist with event days and special programming by welcoming guests and providing wayfinding support.

2. Support Local Businesses:

? Actively promote businesses by distributing promotional materials and helping boost foot traffic.

? Provide updates to the BIA team on new business openings and general visitor feedback.

? Assist businesses with small marketing opportunities like photo ops with the BIA content creator or social

shout-outs.

3. Enhance the Visitor Experience:

? Share district maps, event flyers, and recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and where to shop.

? Be an extra set of eyes on the street to support BIA safety and hospitality initiatives.

4. Community Connection:

? Support community-based organizations by sharing their events held in the Waterfront District, services, and initiatives with visitors.

? Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

5. Professional & Personal Growth:

? Gain valuable public-facing experience in tourism, marketing, and community outreach.

? Build communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills by working in diverse real-world situations.

Qualifications:

? Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable approaching and talking to new people.

? Reliable, punctual, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

? Physically able to work outdoors (rain or shine) and on your feet for extended periods.

? Comfortable with light physical tasks (carrying event materials).

? Good problem-solving skills with a proactive attitude.

? Awareness of local businesses, events, and Thunder Bay attractions is an asset (but we’ll help train you too!).

Work Environment:

? Indoor office-based role for most of each workday.

? Exterior work for events and member outreach.

? Must be prepared for varying weather conditions for events.

Schedule & Compensation:

Job Type: Part-time (9 Weeks)

Hours: 30 hours per week

Hourly Rate: Starting at $17.60 per hour

Eligibility Requirements (Funded Position):

? Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.

? A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone with refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act*.

? Legally entitled to work in Ontario.

(*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they meet citizenship/residency requirements.)

How to Apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume with the subject line: LAST NAME – Tourism Ambassador

2026 to: wdbia.students@gmail.com. Posting open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thunder Bay, Ontario
Part Time
Closes 7/4/2026

The Waterfront District Business Improvement Area (BIA) is seeking an enthusiastic and creative individual to join our team this summer to promote businesses and activities in the area.

Responsibilities:

? Training Period:

Spend the first 2 weeks understanding the BIA concept, getting to know our target audience, and familiarizing yourself with social media best practices to build a strong foundation for content creation.

? Consistent Messaging:

Develop a clear and cohesive brand voice. Help direct summer ambassadors and fellow students to maintain message consistency across platforms.

? Be the Waterfront District Storyteller:

o Research and stay informed about what’s happening in the Waterfront District, including new businesses, events, seasonal activities, and community highlights.

o Proactively cover and share stories about evening, weekend, and summer activities happening throughout the district.

o Generate content ideas that reflect the unique atmosphere of the Waterfront District BIA.

? Content Creation:

o Create engaging social media copy for posts, and coordinate with the intern or other student team members on graphic design and animation elements.

o Work with a designated student animator to incorporate simple animations into select social media posts and stories to improve engagement and visual interest.

? Community Engagement:

o Develop relationships with BIA businesses and stakeholders to build a steady pipeline of authentic, timely content.

o Attend events, openings, and community happenings (including evenings and weekends when needed) to gather live content, photos, and videos.

? Content Planning & Analytics:

o Build and maintain a content calendar to support steady audience engagement.

o Monitor post performance and adjust strategies using insights from analytics tools.

o Stay on top of social media trends and best practices to enhance our content strategy.

Qualifications:

? Experience using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).

? Strong research skills with the ability to source stories and trending content ideas.

? Creative thinker with a curious and adaptable mindset.

? Excellent written communication and storytelling skills.

? Comfortable attending events and capturing content during evenings, weekends, and summer community activities.

? Ability to work collaboratively with others, including coordinating content that incorporates animation elements.

? Detail-oriented and proactive in executing tasks independently.

Job Type: Part-time (9 Weeks)

Rate of pay: Starting at $18.60 per hour

Schedule: 30 hours a week (A contract for equivalent project-based work may be negotiated based on applicant experience and availability.)

Applicants must be:

1. between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;

2. a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or a person to whom refugee protection has been

conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act*; and

3. is legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Hiring Committee, with the Subject line: LAST NAME – Content Creator Summer 2026, to The Waterfront District BIA by email - wdbia.students@gmail.com. Posting is open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.