Staff Openings

Animethon is currently looking for qualified and engaged people to join our ever-growing team! We have several departments in the staff structure that are currently looking for energetic and commited people.

Please be sure to check out the staff openings before applying and provide as much information as possible. Only those applicants who are selected for interviews or positions will be notified.

Applications do not guarantee you will get a position. The process is competitive and providing more information and a resume may increase your chances of receiving an interview. 

Postings will be updated periodically, keep checking this page for new positions we will be looking to fill!
Should you have any questions please contact personnel@animethon.org.

Guest Relations

Guest Liaison

Currently only applicants with strong JP language skills will be considered.

The Guest Handler, reporting to the English, Overseas, or Industry Guest Manager, is responsible for
guiding and providing support to official Guests of Honour under the Department of Guest Relations. This
role is suited for those who love engaging in conversations and are passionate about delivering excellent
experiences and service.

It is also a great opportunity for those interested in professional development in local and international
cultural contexts, particularly when it comes to skills such as professional communication. If you are
thinking about delving deeper into a hobby or a career path like international relations,
translation/interpretation, the Asian entertainment industry and/or Asian pop culture, our team can provide
you the unique support and opportunity to grow into such roles.

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
– Acting as an ambassador and guide for the event for assigned Guests of Honours.
– Providing support for Guest(s)’ to perform contractual obligations, following schedules, hospitality,
as well as arranging transportation, meals, and sightseeing with Manager’s approval
– Regular communication with the Guest Relations team about any Guest requests, logistics, and
updates.
– Responsible for event expenses on behalf of the Guest, including cash handling.
– Assist in interpretation and/or translation as needed.
– Maintain professional image and hygiene at all times.

Qualifications:
– Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
– Excellent organisational skills and timeliness
– Excellent teamwork skills
– Must possess a mobile phone with a data plan.
– Must be mobile and capable of walking for extended periods of time indoors and outdoors.
– Must be available for the entire duration of the Guest stay in Edmonton, beginning on the Thursday
prior to the Event date, and the Monday following the Event date.
– Must be over the age of 18.
– Strong familiarity with Edmonton’s attractions, activities, and restaurants
– Strong spoken proficiency in Japanese and understanding of Japanese culture is a requirement for
handling Overseas Guests
– Customer Service experience is an asset

Guest MC Staff

The Guest Masters of Ceremonies reporting to the Guest Operations Manager will serve as the lead host
and coordinator for VIP Guest Programming. Successful candidates will be responsible for facilitating
smooth panel operations. The MC will set up VIP Guest Panels, problem-solve any issues with technology
and coordinate communication of general procedures to the Guest, Talent and liaison.

Duties and Responsibilities:
– Act as the host for all VIP Guest and Programming, ensuring each event starts and ends on time.
– Introduce panellists and moderators, guide panel discussions, and facilitate audience Q&A sessions
as needed.
– Maintain professionalism and composure while engaging the audience and representing the
organization.
– Coordinate with Operations staff and Liaisons to ensure proper setup of stage, seating,
microphones, and other technical/logistical needs for panels.
– Confirm panel details, processes, and procedures with VIP guests or their designated liaisons prior
to the event.
– Serve as the main point of communication between guests, staff, and technical teams to ensure
seamless execution.
– Troubleshoot and adapt quickly to unexpected changes during live events.
– Uphold and communicate organizational policies and guidelines to maintain consistency and quality.

Qualifications
● Previous experience as an MC, event host, or similar public-facing role preferred.
● Strong public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
● Ability to manage time effectively and keep events running smoothly.
● Professional demeanour when interacting with VIP guests and diverse audiences.
● Detail-oriented with strong coordination skills.
● Comfortable handling live event dynamics and last-minute adjustments.

Guest Operations Staff

The Guest Operations Staff report to the Guest Operations Manager. Successful candidates will be
providing support to the Guest Department by performing flexible duties related to Guests of Honours as
directed by Guest Operations Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:
– Role requires being on standby on site – must be ready to work at moment’s notice during scheduled
shifts.
– Deliver food, supplies and fullfilling guest requests.
– Prepare and reset Green Rooms and Guest areas.
– Assist in operating VIP Meet & Greet Sessions – Checking in tickets, guiding attendees to
designated seating areas, and ensuring supplies are ready and in sufficient quantities.
– Assist MC in moderating panels.
– Assist with line control for panel lines, Hall D pre-concert, and other areas as needed.
– Any other tasks or duties as assigned by the Guest Operations Manager.
– If required, operate industry booths, including line control and cash/merchandise sales.
– Must be available Thursday during the day before the event and throughout the year for training
sessions.
– Must be available for whole event – schedules shifts will be 3-4 (three to four), 4-7 (four-seven) hour
shifts on an on-call basis.

Qualifications:
– Team player.
– Flexibility, adaptability and able to take initiative.
– Customer Service experience is an asset.
– Ability to maintain professionalism while dealing with the public and guests.
– Must be able to go up/down stairs multiple times a day while carrying a load.
– Proficient at communicating on Discord and with messaging and texting on mobile phones.
– Must have a reliable data phone plan.

Guest Ops Assistant Manager

The Assistant Guest Operations Manager reports to the Guest Operations Manager. Successful candidates
will assist the Guest Operations Manager in providing event support to the Guest Relations Department
during the event dates. The Assistant Guest Operations Manager will ensure all requested Guest rider
requirements are procured and delivered on schedule. The Assistant Guest Operations Manager will also
be accountable for the operations of VIP Meet & Greet sessions and any Industry booths as required.

Core Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
– Accountable for preparing event rooms for guests, including ensuring all ordered supplies are
delivered to event rooms in proper quantities and on time.
– Assist Guests with the smooth operation of Guest Panels – Facilitating communication between
Guests and MC, problem-solving tech issues and ensuring all materials needed to run the panel
smoothly are prepared and set up.
– Accountable for the team that prepares, cleans, and resupplies Guest Green Rooms throughout the
event, and fulfilling last-minute requests from VIP Guests.
– Assist Guest Managers with arranging transportation needs and logistics handling.
– Accountable for the operation of VIP Meet & Greet sessions, including room setup, ticket check-in,
seating arrangements, in-room line control, merchandise distribution, and communication with ticket
holders within each session.
– Assisting Guest Managers and Autograph manager during peak hours by assigning Operations Staff
to areas of deficiency as needed.
– If required, accountable for the management of industry booths, including cash handling, preparing
supplies, and ensuring booth is set up to specifications

Qualifications:
– Good communication skills
– Good organizational skills
– Excellent time management to ensure all tasks are completed on time.
– Proficient with messaging and texting on mobile phones
– Proficient in the use of Computers and Laptops
– Experience with procurement and scheduling is an asset
– Must have laptop or similar device available for event days.

People Operations

Flex Staff

Overview
-Reports to Hospitality Manager
-Assist other areas with short term tasks as required
-Need to be available for whole event, will be scheduled to work around 4-5 (four to five) 3-4 (three to four) hour shifts during the event (~20 hours) on an on call system

Qualifications
-Positive attitude
-Flexibility and adaptability
-Team player

Information Desk Staff

Info Desk staff report to the Info Desk Assistant Managers and Info Desk Manager, responsible for assisting our patrons with queries about the Event and distributing specialty passes. Info Desk staff also have auxiliary posts and roam throughout the event. While the majority of this position’s work is during the event, Info Desk Staff may be asked to support info desk set-up and staff training pre-event.

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
– Act as an ambassador for the Event to patrons
– Provide timely and professional support to patrons including answering general questions from the public in regards to the Event
– Maintain a frequently asked questions (FAQ) log throughout the event
– Sign out specialty passes as required
– Thoroughly understand the content of the guidebook, event schedule, and general layout of venue

Qualifications:
– Excellent communication and organizational skills
– Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Assets:
– Able to roam indoors throughout the Event for up to three hours
– A mature, professional, and upbeat attitude
– Customer service experience

Invited Staff

If you were asked to apply for a specific role or invited to be staff by a hiring manager and you do not see the role as an option, please select this option in the application form. Please note the role in the notes you were invited to apply for if you did not receive an invitation email for a specific role and is not an available option to select.

Mascot Staff

Overview
Reports to Mascot Coordinator
Utilize, care, and maintain mascots for marketing purposes
Wear a mascot suit during Animethons as required;
Assist, guide, and protect the mascot performer as their handler;
Clean and maintain the mascot suit after each use;

Qualifications
Must be able to carry 20lbs continuously for 60 minutes;
Must be able to withstand closed space and heat;
Must have outgoing and animated personality;
Must be less than 5’5″ (165cm) tall and be of medium build or smaller.

Merchandise Staff

Overview:
– Works the Merchandising table or booth during the event.
– Handles sales and transactions of all event-owned merchandise.

Qualifications:
– Good Customer Service skills
– Good Communication Skills
– Well versed in performing monetary transactions and balancing a till.

Registration Staff

We are looking for eager individuals to serve as Registration Staff. In this position you will be welcoming attendees to Animethon while you help them purchase and pickup passes for the event. Training will be provided!

You must meet the following requirements:
– Must be at least 18 years old
– Can lift and carry 15-20 pounds efficiently
– Good communication and customer service skills.
– Comfortable and confident in handling transactions with a point of sales system.

Programming

Gaming Coordinator

Gaming Coordinator, reporting to the Gaming Assistant Manager, is responsible for overseeing gaming tournament operations and organising a schedule focusing on fun and approachable games, with a mix of charity, paid, and free tournaments scheduled across all three days. This role is suited for someone who is adaptable, quick thinking, excels at problem solving, and responding to technical issues.

Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
– Acting as the face of the Tournament Department when speaking with patrons.
– Managing team members that oversee Tournament progression and track results.
– Regular communication with the Gaming Assistant Manager and Gaming Manager prior to Con in organising events, purchasing, and scheduling.
– Handle cash and electronic transactions for payment of tournament events.
– Assist attendees and staff in technical issues, scheduling conflicts, and event timings.
– Work with the Dramer Stage team to put grand finals on stage, with potential for casting opportunities.
– Maintain professional image and hygiene at all times.

Qualifications:
– Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
– Excellent organisational skills and timeliness.
– Excellent teamwork skills.
– Must be mobile and capable of standing for extended periods of time indoors.
– Must be available for the entire duration of the event in Edmonton, beginning on the Thursday prior to the Event date and ending on the Sunday afternoon.
– Must be over the age of 18.
– Familiarity with current trends in Video Gaming, as well as creativity in designing opportunities for non-standard games to be highlighted in tournament settings.
– Customer Service experience is an asset.
– Must possess a mobile phone with a data plan.

Gaming Staff

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our gaming team! From running the gaming hall to maintaining all the gaming areas.

-Good Knowledge of various types of gaming is required.
-Good organizational skills to track and maintain equipment.
-Experience running gaming tournaments is an asset.
-Must be age 18 or over to apply

Public Relations

Advertising Coordinator

Overview:
– Year-round position, roughly 5 hours/week
– Reports to the Marketing & Media Director
– Promote Animethon through various methods of advertising
– Review and analyze surveys, and research advertising trends to develop advertising strategies
– Plan and allocate advertising budget for various types of advertising
– Meet with potential advertising agencies to discuss advertising plans
– Select media providers by obtaining quotes and estimating returns on investment
– Initiate advertising contracts upon approval, request creatives from Design Coordinator, manage the delivery of creatives to vendors and confirm that advertising placements happen according to contracts
– Evaluate the performance of advertising campaigns
– Track and update advertising expenditures against budget

Qualifications:
– Good understanding of advertising in regards to anime and Asian popular arts
– Good communication and negotiation skills
– Some professional experience in advertising and marketing preferred, but not required
– Some daytime availability for meetings or business emailing preferred

Design Staff

Overview:
-Year-round position, 5 hrs/week.
-Reports to Design Coordinator.
-Design various marketing content including print ads, digital ads, and online/social ads.
-Design various operational assets including Guidebook material, badges, event slides, and infographics.
-Understand and apply design specifications, sizes and other requirements for printing, vendors, etc.
-Implement provided brand styles and guidelines depending on the project requirements.
-Assist Signage team in signage design, production, setup, and teardown as needed.
-Assist Design Coordinator and/or Directors as required.

Qualifications:
-Must be fluent in PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator or equivalents.
-Education and experience in marketing or design would be a plus.
-Other content and design experience including photo editing, video editing, logo design etc. would be a plus.

Signage Staff

Overview
-Event lead-up time 6 months, plus at event shifts
-Reports to Design Coordinator
-Assist the Signage Coordinator as required;
-Hold all responsibilities of the Signage Coordinator when they are off-duty or unable to perform their duties.

Qualifications
-Must be fluent in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or equivalents
-Education and experience in Marketing or Graphic Design would be a plus

Social Media Coordinator

Overview:
– Coordinates and manage all social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Discord, etc…), forums, and other internet related outlets of the community that fall into the scope of what Animethon serves.
– Moderate social networks to maintain a friendly, professional environment and maintain a positive image of the Event.
– Reports any major issues and concerns on Social Media to the Director of Marketing & Media.
– Provide updates on Social Media of changes, events, and activities occurring during the event and engage the community.
– Engage in interaction on social media platforms to connect with the community
– Work with Advertising team to strategize on how to convert net traffic into sales or increase engagement

Qualifications:
– Excellent communication skills and impeccable command of the English language.
– Able to professionally, assertively, and cordially handle difficult community members or situations
– An excellent understanding of the community that Animethon serves.
– Good understanding of social media analytics preferred

Sponsorship Coordinator

Overview:
– Year-round position, roughly 5 hours/week.
– Reports to the Marketing & Media Director.
– Seek & secure sponsorships, media partnerships, and other collaborative opportunities.
– Develop sponsorship packages.
– Coordinate with stakeholders to meet deliverables.
– Prepare sponsorship contracts for approval.
– Manage sponsor relationships to ensure satisfaction and lay the groundwork for future partnerships.

Qualifications:
– Strong understanding of sponsorships and partnerships, especially within anime and Asian popular arts.
– Excellent communication, relationship building, and negotiation skills.
– Experience with sponsorships or partnerships in marketing, events, or similar fields preferred, but not required.
– Some daytime availability for meetings.
– Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Safety and Policy Compliance

Communications Staff

General Responsibilities
Overseeing online communications for the event.
Monitoring communication platforms (Primarily Discord).
Assist Animethon personnel by relaying pertinent information to relevant parties.
Collecting incident reports submitted to Safety.
Reports to Communications Coordinator.

Qualifications
Excellent written/verbal communication skills.
Attention to details.
Organization and Multitasking.
Familiarity with online communications platforms (esp. Discord).

Gate Ops Coordinator

General Responsibilities
Supervise Animethon turnstile operations.
Ensure Animethon Safety staff and Edmonton Convention Centre staff are properly trained in the use of event badge scanners
Ensure adequate staff have been allocated to entrance and exit gates based on demand.
Promptly communicate increased demand and requests for additional staff to Safety management.

Qualifications
Comfortable working in a team environment
Comfortable working in highly crowded and noisy areas
Able to make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment
Good communication skills

Prop Check Staff

General Responsibilities
Assess attendees’ props and costumes to ensure they are safe and comply with Animethon policies.
Peace bond props that comply with policy.
Work shifts both at the prop check desk and patrols through the vendor hall and convention as a whole.
Reports to the prop check manager.

Qualifications
Customer service experience required.
Familiarity with generic convention prop policies is an asset
Familiarity with cosplay prop making and prop materials is an asset.
Minimum two days availability required (Friday – Sunday)
Comfortable Saying No – there will be props that don’t pass our policies, and attendees who will be disappointed by this fact. You must be able to have those difficult conversations without them swaying your decision.

Safety Staff (General)

General Responsibilities
Predominantly responsible for crowd control and safety compliance during the event.
Assist patrons in navigating the event by providing general information about the venue.
Manage lines by directing patrons to the appropriate areas and assuring that the lines remain organized.
Disperse crowds that may be impeding the flow of traffic through the event.
Watch for and report any situation that may be deemed unsafe or in conflict with Animethon’s policies.
Reports to the Safety Schedule Coordinators and Safety Floor Managers/Coordinators.

Qualifications
Good to excellent communication skills.
Comfortable working around and within large crowds.
Comfortable approaching and speaking to members of the public.
Customer service experience is an asset.
First Aid training is an asset.

Safety Staff Coordinator

General Responsibilities
Handling digital communications via email and Discord.
Assisting with various administrative tasks.
Communication point between various departments for Safety Staff requirements.

Pre-Event
Collection of Safety Staff availability
Collection of Safety Staff NDAs
Creation of digital Safety Staff schedules
During Event
Monitoring and dispatching of Safety General Staff
Communicate arrangements with Floor Managers and Floor Coordinators
Multitasking in a fast-paced environment
Reports to Safety Schedule Manager.

Qualifications
Capable of working in a team and independently.
Great written/verbal communication skills.
Basic management skills.
Organization and attention to detail.

Safety Staff Dispatcher

General Responsibilities
Assists the Safety admin team in performing basic functions including:
Staff check-in/check-out
Schedule adjustments
Relaying information to Safety Communications Staff
Temporarily relieving admin staff as necessary

Qualifications
Capable of working in a team and independently.
Great written/verbal communication skills.
Organization and attention to detail.
Multitasking in a fast-paced environment

Site Operations

18+ Space Coordinator

The leadership and coordination of: the 18+ product vendors space of Animethon; 18+ vendors sign-up, application and selection processes; the 18+ vendors’ space; the policies applying to 18+ vendors; interactions with other coordinators; and reporting to the Exhibitors Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities:
– Leadership and direction of the assistant coordinator, and as needed of the Exhibitors staff (1 – 4)
– Addressing and representing Animethon to vendors, artists, subcontractors, and the public
– Vendors planning and timelines
– Working with vendors and their patrons to ensure a fair experience for and at Animethon
– Resolve disputes as required in relation to vendors and vendors space
– Work before, during, and after Animethon to improve processes, contract, and/or policies
– Application of the Animethon Exhibitors contract to create positive acceptance and enforcement
– Willingness to learn and coordinate:
– Understanding, direct involvement in, and assisting vendors with sign-up, fee payments, acceptance into Animethon, booth assignments, and directing to docks and/or parking coordinators
– Understanding, direct involvement in, and assisting vendors with check-in & load-in, table assignments, policy knowledge and enforcement, patron relations, and load-out
– Understanding, direct involvement in, and assisting in record keeping in relation to vendors
– Basic knowledge of items being sold to determine ‘bootleg’ and contractual violations
– Basic overall understanding of vendors area site layout and booth designs, and their reasoning
– Review of vendors’, Animethon, & site needs and applying them in a logical conflict free way

Skills, Education, and Requirements:
– Leadership skills & Public Speaking/Interaction abilities & confidence (mandatory)
– Basic Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, Internet (required)
– High School diploma or GED
– Secondary education; business management or other related (preferred)
– Priority given to:
– Knowledge and/or education of retail, conventions, and/or business management
– Understanding of convention vendors, and subcontractors

Exhibitor Manager

The leadership and management of: Exhibitors site space, staffing, and administration; the duties and
responsibilities of the coordinators, assistants and staff in the Exhibitors sub-departments; and
reporting to Site directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

– Leadership of the assistants, coordinators, assistant coordinators, and staff (20 – 35)
– Addressing and representing Animethon to vendors, artists, subcontractors, and the public
– Human resources and people operations:
– Working with staff to address their needs, represent them, and support them
– Task delegation to specialists and those knowledgeable, and decision support
– Willingness to reach out to topic experts to create positive application to Animethon’s needs
– Project planning and timelines
– Creating and modifying meeting agendas, and managing and keeping meetings on track
– Application of the Animethon Exhibitors contract to create positive acceptance and enforcement
– Willingness to learn about and manage:
– Understanding of load-in / load-out procedures and the loading dock operation
– Basic knowledge of items being sold to determine ‘bootleg’ and contractual violations
– Basic overall understanding of Exhibitors site layout and booth designs, and their reasoning
– Basic understanding of human traffic, traffic flows, and basic knowledge of related fire codes
– Review of artists’, Animethon, & site needs and applying them in a logical conflict free way
– Review of vendors’, Animethon, & site needs and applying them in a logical conflict free way
– Review of food vendors’, Animethon, & site needs and applying them in a logical conflict free way
– Understanding of the processes each coordinator and their staff

Skills, Education, and Requirements:

– Leadership skills & Public Speaking/Interaction abilities & confidence (mandatory)
– Basic Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, Internet (required)
– Dispute management and resolution understanding and experience
– High School diploma or GED
– Secondary education; business management or other related (preferred)
– Priority given to:
– Knowledge and/or education of retail, conventions, and/or business management
– Understanding of convention vendors, artists, and subcontractors
– Contract legality: administration, application, and interpretation

Exhibitor Staff

The engagement and tasking of/within: Exhibitors site space; the duties and responsibilities as assigned by the coordinators and their assistants; and reporting to coordinators and managers of Exhibitors.

Duties & Responsibilities:
– Addressing and representing Animethon to vendors, artists, subcontractors, and the public
– Working with fellow staff to address their needs and support them
– Receive and acknowledge task delegation from those knowledgeable
– Willingness to reach out to coordinators to create positive application to Animethon’s needs
– Interacting and working with fellow staff to reach shared goals and task
– Following direction, project planning and timelines
– Take direction as required
– Application of the Animethon Exhibitors contract to create positive acceptance and enforcement
– Willingness to learn and apply:
– Basic knowledge of items being sold to determine ‘bootleg’ and contractual violations
– Basic overall understanding of Exhibitors site layout

Skills, Education, and Requirements:
– Leadership skills & Public Speaking/Interaction abilities & confidence (preferred)
– High School enrolment or diploma, or GED
– Secondary education; business management or other related (preferred)
– Computer skills (preferred): word processing, spreadsheets, Internet

Technical Staff

Overview:
– Helps to ensure all A/V & Computer equipment is in working order for all events using them.
– Provide technical support to Guests and Panelists prior to the start of their panels.
– Respond to Technical support requests as required.
– Assists The IT/Technical Services Manager, Technical Coordinator or IT Coordinator with any other additional duties as required.

Qualifications:
– Good technical aptitude and problem solving skills.
– Good understanding of computers and/or audio/video equipment.

Treasury

Cashier Training Coordinator

We are seeking dynamic and organized individuals to join our team as Cashier Training Coordinators. In this role, you will be responsible for implementing training programs for cashiers, ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to provide excellent customer service and efficiently handle transactions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cashier operations, training, and a passion for fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.

Responsibilities:
-Onboarding and Orientation: Conduct orientation sessions for new cashiers, introducing them to company policies, procedures, and expectations.
Provide hands-on training for new hires on Square and cashier responsibilities.
-Performance Monitoring: Provide constructive feedback to cashiers and offer additional support or retraining as needed.
-Communication and Collaboration: Collaborate with department managers to identify specific training needs and tailor programs accordingly. Maintain open communication channels with cashiers, addressing any concerns or questions related to training.

Qualifications:
-Proven experience as a cashier or in a related role.
-Previous experience in training and development
-Familiarity with Square and cash handling procedures.
-Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
-Ability to adapt training methods to different learning styles.
-Knowledge of customer service best practices.
-Prior experience volunteering with Animethon an asset, Treasury experience preferred but not required.

If you are a motivated individual with a passion for training and development, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping our cashier team’s success.

Treasury Staff

Overview
Treasury is seeking detail-oriented individuals with a penchant for keeping track of numbers. Treasury staff are responsible for managing cash flows during the event.

The responsibilities of Treasury Staff are as follows:
– Prepare and deliver cash floats for various departments
– Count and report on cash inflows and compare against reported sales
– Manage and delegate the distribution of technology, passes and floats
– Ensure that proper tracking procedures are followed.
– Support cashiers with questions and assist when needed.

Qualifications
– Ability to perform math functions in a fast-paced environment
– Experience with counting cash required.
– Working knowledge of Square, iPads, and logging into websites
– Ability to dedicate 6-8 hours per day during Animethon weekend
– Formal training in bookkeeping or accounting considered an asset
– Adequate time management skills, and ability to keep to a schedule