About CARSA

The Canadian Academy for Research & STEM Advancement (CARSA) is an independent, multidisciplinary organization incorporated in Ontario, Canada. CARSA advances research excellence, innovation, STEM education, professional recognition, and knowledge exchange by connecting researchers, educators, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

Position Overview

CARSA is seeking a motivated and highly organized Volunteer Programs Manager to coordinate the planning and delivery of its major programs. This is a n unpaid, fully remote volunteer position open to qualified applicants across Canada.

The Volunteer Programs Manager will support the following initiatives

• CARSA Distinguished Public Lecture Series
• CARSA Innovation Hackathon
• CARSA International Conference
• CARSA Excellence Awards & Fellowship Programme

The successful candidate will work with CARSA’s leadership, speakers, judges, fellows, award recipients, volunteers, partners, and participants to ensure that each program is professionally planned and successfully delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop program schedules, workplans, timelines, agendas, and activity checklists.
• Coordinate communications with invited speakers, moderators, judges, fellows, award recipients, participants, volunteers, and institutional partners.
• Moderate or support the moderation of CARSA lectures, webinars, panel discussions, conferences, and other virtual events.
• Prepare speaker introductions, biographies, event scripts, briefing notes, announcements, and closing remarks.
• Coordinate registrations, program materials, meeting links, reminders, and participant information.
• Help organize the CARSA Innovation Hackathon, including participant communication, judging arrangements, schedules, and presentation sessions.
• Support the planning and delivery of the CARSA International Conference, including speaker coordination, program scheduling, session management, and event logistics.
• Coordinate activities relating to the CARSA Excellence Awards & Fellowship Programme, including nominations, evaluations, communications, recognition materials, and award events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational, communication, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence moderating virtual lectures, webinars, panel discussions, or professional events.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other online collaboration tools.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Graduate students and early-career professionals with relevant skills are encouraged to apply.

Time Commitment

Approximately 1–2 hours per month, with additional availability around major events. A minimum commitment of six months is preferred.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Practical leadership and program-management experience with a Canadian research and STEM organization.
• Opportunities to interact with distinguished researchers, educators, industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders.
• Experience coordinating international virtual programs and professional events.
• Recognition for contributions to CARSA’s programs, where appropriate.
• A volunteer service or reference letter following satisfactory completion of the agreed period of service.

How to Apply

Please apply through LinkedIn by submitting your résumé and answering the application questions. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a brief virtual interview.

CARSA welcomes applications from individuals of diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds.

Important: This is an unpaid, part-time volunteer position. It is fully remote.