Social Planning Toronto is a non-profit, charitable community organization that challenges inequity in our city through knowledge generation, debate, civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, to spark social and policy change. We work towards an equitable, inclusive, and accessible Toronto –shaped by the diversity of its residents and rooted in social and economic justice. SPT is a United Way Anchor Agency. We also receive core funding from the City of Toronto.

We are looking for a full-time, 16.5-month contract, Community Planner (35 hours per week) with expertise in community organizing, civic engagement and community capacity building, particularly on issues that affect low-income, Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, disabled, 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities in Toronto. This work contributes to advocacy and policy change on social and economic justice issues, and systems-level changes. The position will cover a parental leave from April 28th, 2025 - September 11th, 2026. The position reports to the Director of Engagement and Strategic Initiatives.

Why join SPT?

• Get paid to do systems change work and work at an organization whose mandate centres on addressing inequality in Toronto;
  
  
• Work with smart, passionate, engaged people who care about social, economic, racial and gender justice, and work from a community-centred approach;
  
  
•  Work at an organization with over six decades of experience collaborating with partners and communities to advance equality.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Director, other Community Planners, Research & Policy Analysts and other staff to engage community partners to shape and implement initiatives that advance social, racial, gender and economic justice, equitable policies, investments, and strategies, for equity-deserving communities;
  
  
• Works with residents, grassroots groups and organizational partners across Toronto, and organizes events, supports learning and leadership development, and enables greater participation in community and city-wide civic processes;
  
  
• Participates in (and chairs) relevant committees, coalitions, networks, task groups and staff teams of the organization;
  
  
• Develops, implements and evaluates initiatives in response to community and city-wide priorities;
  
  
• Coordinates, designs and facilitates workshops, meetings, events, and trainings on topics related to civic engagement, leadership, municipal government, equitable policy/advocacy, and social justice;
  
  
• Represents the organization and participates in city-wide, issue-based, or place-based meetings, coalitions and groups;
  
  
• Supervises placement students and volunteers as directed;
  
  
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications/Skills

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in community development, community organizing and/or civic engagement;
  
  
• Post-secondary education at the Masters level in social policy, community development, political science, geography, planning, public policy, or social work or equivalent experience in the field;
  
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of the inequalities faced by communities across the city;
  
  
• Familiarity with grassroots and community organizing efforts across Toronto;
  
  
• Excellent community engagement and coalition-building skills;
  
  
• Demonstrated effective group facilitation skills, training skills and presentation skills;
  
  
• Experience translating policy and research findings into community action;
  
  
• Extensive experience working with diverse residents and communities across the city, including women, girls, trans, Two-spirit, and non-binary residents, Indigenous, Black, racialized folks, 2SLGBTQ+, seniors, immigrants, refugees, non-status residents, and people with disabilities;
  
  
• Experience working with local service providers, community groups, advocacy groups, volunteers, networks and coalitions;
  
  
• Capacity to link local issues to a city-wide agenda;
  
  
• Proven organizational and multitasking abilities and experience working under pressure and to deadline;
  
  
• Able to work independently and as part of a team;
  
  
• Computer competency related to word-processing, setting up online meetings, event planning tools, scheduling platforms;
  
  
• Experience working with volunteers in advisory groups and committees;
  
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Annual salary range: $60,271 - $73,143.16 plus benefits.

In addition to salary, SPT has an excellent employee benefits package that ncludes sick leave, vision care, dental, extended health and wellness benefits, hospitalization, drug plan, long term disability, group life insurance and pension plan. SPT also offers 15 vacation days in the first year of employment, 14 official statutory holidays, personal and other leave days, and paid time off between December 24th and January 1st each year.

This position is a member of the CUPE Local 1777 union.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, contract position working 35 hours/week with occasiona evening and weekend work. This position is based in Toronto, Ontario. Our team is currently working in a hybrid manner with the option to work on site at our office in downtown Toronto or from home, with a requirement to attend some in-person meetings.

To apply:

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria.

Kanaka Kulendran
Director of Organizational Systems
e-mail: [email protected]

The deadline for applications is 9:00 am on Monday March 17th, 2025

SPT is committed to reflecting the full diversity of Toronto and to nurturing a respectful and inclusive work environment for all. We encourage qualified applicants representing the full diversity of Toronto to apply. Candidates invited for an interview are encouraged to inform us in confidence of their accommodation needs.

We thank everyone for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

SPT has a mandatory vaccine policy that is available for review upon request.