About the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the national body for Australia's planning profession.
Our vision is for great places and thriving communities, shaped by planning and planners, and our purpose is to be the home of Australia's planning profession.
Through our strategic plan PIA****, we are focused on championing planning, developing planners and connecting the profession.
We advocate for the value and impact of good planning, support planners throughout their careers, and bring the profession together to share knowledge, build capability and shape Australia's future.
Position Summary:
The SA Events Coordinator coordinates and delivers PIA's South Australian events and professional development program within agreed priorities, budgets and organisational processes.
The role manages event planning, logistics, registrations, communications, suppliers, speakers, sponsor fulfilment and post-event evaluation.
It also provides event-related support to members, committees and volunteers.
Working closely with the SA State Manager, the position helps deliver a high-quality member experience through relevant, professional and well-managed events and learning opportunities.
Key Responsibilities:Events and professional development
Coordinate and deliver PIA SA's approved annual events and professional development program within agreed priorities, budgets and timelines.
Prepare and manage delivery plans for major SA events, including the State Conference, Awards, Emerging Planner Forum, regional activities and partner events.
Coordinate event content with the SA State Manager, committees and member groups, including sourcing and briefing speakers based on agreed topics.
Manage venues, catering, suppliers, registrations, attendee communications, event materials and on-site delivery.
Monitor registrations, revenue and expenditure against approved event budgets, escalating emerging issues to the SA State Manager.
Collect participant feedback and prepare post-event reports on attendance, financial results and member experience.
Evaluate event performance, member feedback and financial outcomes.
Support collaboration with committees, volunteers, sponsors and partners.
Marketing and communications
Promote SA events,



professional development and member activities through eNews, website, social media and targeted EDM campaigns.
Prepare SA communications in collaboration with the SA State Manager and national communications team.
Ensure SA website pages, event listings and member updates are accurate and current.
Support consistent use of PIA branding, messaging and templates.
Member engagement and support
Respond to member enquiries and provide high-quality member service.
Promote the benefits of PIA membership, professional development and registration pathways.
Support engagement with SA members, emerging planners, regional members and volunteers on event planning and delivery.
Maintain strong working relationships with divisional committees and member groups.
Support PIA's participation in relevant careers expos, school visits and activities promoting planning careers to students and emerging professionals.
Sponsorship and partnerships
Support the SA State Manager to prepare event sponsorship proposals and coordinate sponsor communications.
Maintain sponsorship records and track agreed benefits, deadlines and deliverables.
Coordinate sponsor participation, branding, registrations and event-related requirements.
Ensure agreed sponsor benefits are delivered professionally and on time.
Identify potential event sponsorship opportunities for consideration by the SA State Manager.
Administration and operations
Support the smooth operation of PIA's SA activities, including event administration, invoicing, records, databases and correspondence.
Work collaboratively as part of a national, distributed team.
Contribute to continuous improvement in systems, processes and member experience.
Working arrangements and scope
The role delivers an agreed annual events and professional development calendar, with priorities set jointly with the SA State Manager.




The SA State Manager will provide direction when competing priorities or unplanned activities affect the approved work program.
The role works from home in Adelaide and remains connected to PIA's team through regular meetings, shared systems and collaboration with events, communications, membership and finance colleagues.
Some evening work and regional travel will be required for event delivery.
Skills and experience Essential
Experience coordinating professional events, seminars or conferences.
Excellent communication, marketing and customer service skills.
Solid organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with members, volunteers, sponsors and stakeholders.
Confidence using Microsoft Office, CRM/event systems (especially IMIS), email marketing platforms and digital communication tools.
Basic knowledge of HTML and web design, with the ability to update and maintain website content.
Ability to work collaboratively in a small, national and geographically dispersed organisation.
Desirable
Experience supporting sponsorship or partner relationships.
Qualifications in event management, marketing, communications, business administration or a related field.
Experience in a membership organisation, professional association or not-for-profit.
Exposure to planning, property, built environment, government or related sectors.
Experience working with volunteers and committees.
Key attributes
Member-focused
Organised and reliable
Professional and responsive
Collaborative and practical
Commercially aware
Positive, adaptable and solutions-focused
Employment requirements
The successful candidate will be required to:
Hold or obtain a valid South Australian Working with Children Check for paid employment, as the role includes occasionally attending schools, careers expos and activities involving young people.
Hold a current Australian driver's licence and be able to travel within metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia when required.
Advise PIA of any change that may affect their ability to meet these requirements during their employment.

📌 Events Coordinator (Adelaide)
🏢 Planning Institute Of Australia
📍 Adelaide