Who We Are
North York Community House (NYCH) is a dynamic community agency that has been working with residents of under-resourced and low-income neighbourhoods in northwest Toronto for over 30 years. We are committed to helping people move out of poverty in order to build strong, vibrant communities. We support new Canadians, children, youth and their families, seniors, and local residents in becoming active and engaged citizens who are able to thrive and become leaders in their own lives and communities.
At NYCH, we pride ourselves on working collaboratively and creating a supportive environment. We recognize the work we need to do to improve and are constantly striving to do so. Our team has shown incredible adaptability, strength, creativity, and dedication in serving our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we continue to learn and grow, and innovate while dealing with the challenges of this new reality.
Position Summary:
Do you care about building strong, thriving and inclusive communities where residents have a greater say over their lives and their neighbourhoods? Are you interested in working for an organization that values community leadership and engagement? NYCH is seeking an experienced, skilled, and values-driven leader to oversee the Community Development (CD) team and to play a key role in supporting the organization as a whole to better integrate a CD lens across all program areas. The position has responsibility for a number of community focused programs that cover civic engagement; collaborative neighbourhood development; building opportunities for communities to have greater say over local spaces and economies; strengthening networks and partnerships; and supporting resident capacity building, leadership and action. The team works with adults, youth and families to build strong and thriving communities built on the principles of equity, inclusion, social justice and centering resident engagement, needs and interests.
Main responsibilities:
- Manage community development programs and initiatives with a focus on developing a plan for system change work
- Lead ongoing improvements and implementation of program models and strategies to further positive community outcomes
- Work with staff to understand community needs, assets and barriers and find innovative and effective ways to address them
- Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, elected officials and government
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance and expand programs and initiatives with an emphasis on shared space and alternative program delivery
- Understand and use academic and participatory research to explore opportunities to support local community priorities
- Stay current with research, policy, and best/promising practices in community development, neighbourhood/urban planning, civic engagement, community economic development and leadership development
- Represent NYCH at key network tables, and lead coalition building and advocacy aligned with NYCH’s strategic objectives and neighbourhood priorities
- Recruit, supervise, and coach staff, and build staff capacity in report and grant writing
- Encourage teamwork and collaboration internally and amongst community partners
- Ensure evaluation plan is implemented, and make improvements to programs as appropriate based on evaluative and other data
- Lead key strategic initiatives related to community development and civic engagement
- Oversee planning for and supervision of volunteers
- Secure funding/resources to support programs and initiatives
- Manage and monitor program budgets
- Provide verbal and written reports to the agency, community, stakeholders and funders
Required Qualifications:
Education
- The minimum level of education required is a post-secondary degree in social work, social sciences, urban planning or related field, or an acceptable combination of education and equivalent experience. Additional education or training in community development or adult education is an asset.
Experience and Skills
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in community development (CD) and/or community-driven urban planning
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in community-based non-profits
- Excellent leadership and management skills, including 3+ years of experience supervising staff
- Demonstrated knowledge of community development strategies and models, including how to implement CD within social service delivery organizations
- Demonstrated understanding and use of participatory research to explore academic and participatory community-based research in support of local community priorities
- Experience leading community or organization-wide initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders and interests. Ability to understand and balance community and organizational needs
- Excellent collaboration, partnership and network building skills, including skills in conflict management
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of their power and privilege within an Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression framework
- Independent learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning. Ability to think innovatively and creatively and explore and try new approaches
- Ability to lead, motivate and build capacity amongst team members. Encourage development of critical thinking skills in staff
- Proven ability to plan, implement, manage and measure projects and tasks in a timely and directed manner; ensure effective time management with self and team; anticipate implications and consequences, and take appropriate action. Ability to use multiple perspectives to make strategic decisions
- Ability to support staff team to effectively plan and implement programs that meet community needs, monitor progress, track expenses, and learn from experience and evaluation data,
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of research and promising practices in community development and civic engagement
- Written and verbal communication – active listener with the ability to frame and communicate clear, concise and accurate reports, plans, proposals, presentations and stories to highlight community impact
Other Requirements:
- Typically works regular hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (with some flexibility), with occasional evening/weekend work, and some travel required within the GTA. At NYCH we work within a hybrid working environment with the expectation that at least two days a week will be scheduled for in- person work in our central office, with the possibility of more in- person work dependant on program/community requirements. Responsible for carrying/caring for a laptop and cell phone.
- A successful clearance of criminal record verification will be required when necessary for the position.
- Candidates will be asked to declare their vaccination status during recruitment process. Successful candidates will be required to provide proof before or directly upon the start of their employment.
Start Date: July 2023
Annual Salary: $66,000 – $70,000 (based on 35 hours)
Benefits: Pension plan, Extended health benefits and Employee and Family Assistance Program
Hours: Full-time (35hrs/week)
Reports To: Director of Strategic Initiative
How to apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume by June 22, 2023, 5:00 p.m. to the link below:
https://nych.bamboohr.com/careers/119
Community Development Manager - Hiring Committee, North York Community House