Community Organizer

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Reporting to the Manager, Community Engagement, the Community Organizer will support the logistical and outreach efforts related to The 519’s community organizing efforts, specifically our More Moss Park project.  This position will work to strengthen and build The 519’s community organizing capacity across our programs and services and work collaboratively with the community and local neighbourhood to develop a social procurement and local economic development plan for the potential redevelopment project,, enhance and build local leadership and external partnerships, and ensure that the voices of marginalized and vulnerable community members are included in our work.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work collaboratively with the community engagement team to develop and execute a community outreach and engagement plan through focus groups, social media, website, email, tabling at community events, utilizing community connectors, word-of-mouth, other community-based organizations, and presentations;
• Develop and implement community building and outreach efforts with the goal of developing a community-based social procurement and local economic development plan in the Moss Park community and increasing the number of people participating meaningfully in the process;
• Identify and meet with key local leadership within the neighborhood including tenant groups and resident associations, community organizations, faith-based institutions, local schools, etc. as well as informal leadership among the different sectors and interests;
• Work to identify potential residents/stakeholders interested in taking on community leadership roles and support and nurture the leadership skills of individuals and/or groups of residents to improve the community‘s function and role in the project;
• Facilitate connections by helping residents and stakeholders identify common goals and by bringing together residents with similar interests and concerns;
• Balance team and individual responsibilities, exhibit openness to others' views, give and welcome feedback, contribute to building a positive leadership team outlook and support everyone's efforts to succeed;
• Work with the broader leadership team to develop and maintain a participant database, providing regular communications, and devising methods to add new supporters;
• Work with the broader leadership and consultation team to draft a final consultation report summarizing the results and impact of the public consultation, including key themes, learnings and trends and recommended directions and strategies;
• Maintain appropriate record-keeping, conduct research, analysis and prepare regular timely reports and statistical information that supports the overall program. Complete related information for funding applications, financial and statistical reports;   
• Implement and abide by The 519’s policies procedures and comply with all applicable legislation and regulations including coordination and training of volunteers, confidentiality, MFIPPA and purchasing and inventory control systems;
• Participate in and support The 519’s broad activities and other related policies and procedures;
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Strong knowledge of the local Moss Park and Church-Wellesley communities and insight into community leadership, composition, networks, and resources;
2. Bachelor’s degree completed or in progress in social science, community development, social work, labour studies or related field and/or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in community organizing/ community development;
3. Proven experience in or understanding of the labour movement, skilled trade development, community benefit/ social procurement agreements is strongly desired;
4. A strong understanding of working with Indigenous communities and an understanding of systemic issues facing Indigenous communities, Indigenous community-based organizations, and local urban Indigenous issues an asset;
5. Understanding and analysis of the systemic nature of oppression, particularly the intersection of gender, race, sexuality, and class; this position requires a commitment to and passion for social justice;
6. Excellent time management, project management, and delegation skills, willingness to embrace adaptability and ability to bring creative and critical thinking to the project;
7. Demonstrated experience working with diverse religious, racial, and ethnic communities;
8. Strong written, organizational, analytic, and public speaking skills;
9. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and to juggle multiple tasks under time constraints;
10. Experience building coalitions, leading collaborative efforts, developing agendas and working on advocacy campaigns;
11. Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to work and communicate with a diverse audience: staff, organizational partners and community members;
12. Experience working with traditional and social media;
13. Fluency in a second language strongly preferred;
14. Knowledge of and experience working in the LGBTQ2S communities that includes an awareness of current issues and trends impacting these communities;
15. Outstanding computer skills (particularly Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and Outlook), proficiency in utilizing the internet, and familiarity with evaluation tools;
16. Working knowledge of MFIPPA, CCRA and other relevant legislation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Position Status

Full-Time Contract (to December 31, 2019)

Union Status

Union Position – CUPE Local 2998

Wage Grade

9

Hourly Rate

$25.15 per hour

Hours of Work

40 hours per week, based on operational needs (including evening and weekend work as required)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Email cover letter and resume to Careers@The519.org no later than 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 5^th, 2018. Applicants must quote Job 18-27 in the cover letter and in the subject line of the email.

If you choose, you may provide us with the pronouns you would like us to use in your email or your cover letter. We will respect these pronouns throughout the hiring process.

The 519 actively encourages applicants from all equity seeking groups.  The 519 embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.  Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.  We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  No agencies please.

 In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the City of Toronto’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.