Manager of Advocacy

 Advocacy and Communications

JOB ID: ADV854

Employment Type:      Full-Time, Permanent

Work Hours:   35 hours per week (Per Management Hours of Work Policy)

Salary:   $62,358 to $72,937 annually (M8), plus comprehensive benefits (April 2023 pay rate) 

Location:  87 Elm Street, Toronto, ON

Application Deadline:    Monday, March 27, 2023

JOIN OUR TEAM

We are seeking an experienced social activist to build on YWCA’s historic program of raising systemic advocacy issues facing women, girls and gender diverse people.

The primary role of the Manager of Advocacy is to implement the Association’s advocacy priorities consistent with the mission statement, strategic plan, and the program expertise of staff and agency participants. This includes building the advocacy profile of YWCA Toronto, as well as awareness of and support for the Association’s programs. This management position contributes to the overall development and achievements of the Association, and participates as a member of the Management Team.  

YWCA Toronto strives to uphold anti-discrimination practices and anti-oppression principles to ensure that the rights of all individuals are respected and protected. We work to promote a climate that is welcoming of all women and individuals who identify as trans, intersex, non-binary, agender, and/or Two-Spirit. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people from all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO

YWCA Toronto is dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people. Our programs promote equality, economic security and lives free from violence. We help women, youth and gender diverse people flee violence, secure housing, find jobs, establish their voices, enhance skills and develop confidence. We offer a range of housing options, employment and training programs, community support programs, girls’ programs and family programs. We also engage in systemic advocacy.

KEY RESPONSIBITIES

• Analyzes government initiatives, legislative activities, party platforms and budget processes;
• Prepares briefing notes for the CEO/director and prepares submissions and makes deputations to government and legislative committees, when required;
• Develops and manages advocacy campaigns and Association participation in key community events;
• Provides advice to the Director of Advocacy and Communications and the CEO on emerging social and policy issues;
• Develops research strategies that advance a scope of knowledge regarding women’s equity and supports the advocacy agenda of the Association;
• In collaboration with the Manager of Communications and Marketing co-ordinates advocacy media interviews and builds relationships with public policy journalists;
• Collaborates with the Manager of Communications and Marketing and the production team to create the Association’s Annual report, newsletters, memes, infographics, and other on- line advocacy and policy content;
• Writes advocacy related blogs and op-ed’s for internal and external publications, print media and policy journals;
• Manages the Advocacy budget; updates projections as required and monitors expenses throughout the year.

QUALIFICATIONS

• In depth knowledge of public policy and communications normally acquired though the completion of a graduate degree in women’s studies, political science, journalism or a related field. (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);
• 5 to 7 years of experience in the public policy and communications field, including experience with the management and execution of advocacy campaigns and communications and media strategies;
• In depth knowledge of the non-profit women’s sector with expertise in at least one of the following areas: violence against women, poverty and income equality, housing and homelessness, or girls;
• Superior research, writing, analytical and communications skills;
• In-depth knowledge of social media and media relations;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet fast-paced deadlines;
• Ability to work in a high performing team and balance the needs of a number of stakeholders; including Board members, program participants, and Association staff and management;
• Fluency is required on social media platforms;
• Knowledge of a second language is an asset.

Vaccination Policy: - In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees, students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and résumé to: Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications at .  Please quote JOB ID number ADV854 and your name in the subject line.

Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring. YWCA Toronto is a unionized workplace. Staff are represented by CUPE Local 2189. This position is within the Bargaining Unit. Please indicate on your cover letter and email subject line if you are an internal candidate. For internal applicants, this position is not secondable.

YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations. 

YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive Workplace.

Posting date: March 14, 2023