Democratic Engagement Facilitator, DEE

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team 

TMU's Faculty of Arts connects academic excellence with relevant results, encouraging active and critical minds. We stimulate awareness for better understanding through examination of the past and present, both locally and globally. Through collaboration and inclusion - of diverse ideas, people, and cultures - we inform innovative policy and drive positive change for community and individual empowerment.
The Faculty of Arts has established the Democratic Engagement Exchange (DEE).  Housed in the Faculty of Arts, the Exchange drives democratic engagement by building partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations and government agencies to create tools, and champion policies and programs that promote a more inclusive democracy.
Learn more about Democratic Engagement Exchange at engagedemocracy.ca, external link.

The Opportunity

The Exchange is looking for a Democratic Engagement Facilitator to join their team. This role will develop and facilitate dynamic and inclusive democratic engagement activities for community based organizations and student groups through the Democratic Engagement Exchange, that foster a vibrant and inclusive democracy in Canada. The successful candidate will facilitate activities to support political participation, voting and community engagement for groups that have been marginalized from the democratic systems. They will liaise with campus groups and community organizations across Canada to build community partnerships and support program implementation.  Additionally, this role will support the promotion of democratic engagement materials and training.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, produce and deliver asset based interactive and dynamic engagement programs to increase democratic engagement in communities across Canada which face barriers to political participation.  
• Promote engagement programs with key public sector and civil society stakeholders.
• Works with campus partners, student and community organizations and community members to maximize engagement in the The Exchange democratic engagement programs. 

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree program in a related field, to ensure a solid working knowledge of various theories of community and democratic engagement. 
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with students and/or adult learners in the area of program design, delivery and evaluation of programs that address a variety of issues regarding community development and democratic engagement.
• Experience in recruitment methodologies, marketing, data collection, and evaluation is required. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage a variety of audiences.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
• Excellent understanding of the principles of equity and diversity in order to design engagement programs that are inclusive, meaningful and respectful.
• A demonstrated commitment to non-partisan community based democratic engagement
• Occasional travel across Canada is required.

Additional Information

Additional Notes: 

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University's sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.

As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.

Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
 
We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact hr@torontomu.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.