Call for Volunteers: Career Development Initiative Lead

Are you a current TSA Volunteer and interested in becoming a part of the leadership team that shapes our initiatives and programming? Then come join us as an Initiative Lead for our Career Development programming!

The TSA is looking for a new Initiative Lead to support the Society’s career development and mentorship programming; from high school, through to internship, and all the way to young practitioners. Our goal is to assist those looking to enter the industry and advance topics related to the career development of our members. Working closely with your Co-Leads and TSA staff, you will be involved in a diverse roster of career-forward programming aimed at students, intern architects, and newcomers. These events may include (but are not limited to) Open Studio, TSA CONNECT, our portfolio and resume review session, information sessions, school fairs, and the development of digital resources.

Who we’re looking for

• Minimum 1 year volunteer experience with the TSA.*
• Familiarity with the TSA and its programming, particularly existing career development initiatives.
• Passion to assist those navigating the path to licensure, including interns, young practitioners, newcomers, and students.
• Understanding of the Ontario architecture licensing process, accredited schools of architecture programs, are a plus, but so too is knowledge on alternative paths to practice outside licensure.
• A team player who enjoys working with others to bring complex, multi-stakeholder projects to completion.

* Volunteer experience with the TSA includes a wide variety of roles, including committees, task groups, facilitators, guest speakers, operational volunteers, and other forms of meaningful participation with the Society. Experience does not have to be within the last calendar year, but we are looking for familiarity with the TSA’s current offerings and programming. We encourage all applicants who feel they meet this qualification to apply.

What is an Initiative Lead?

Initiative Leads are the volunteers responsible for the oversight and execution of the TSA’s initiatives and programs. TSA Initiative Leads work closely with staff and other volunteers to ensure events are successfully executed.

Initiative Leads are responsible for:

• Setting the overall direction of the initiative.
• Ensuring the initiative is in line with the TSA mandate, vision, and guiding principles.
• Ensuring the initiative is making responsible use of TSA resources.
• Working with staff to support the implementation of the initiative, including during the planning process and day-of during the event.
• Assisting in the recruitment and onboarding of initiative volunteers.
• Liaising as needed with community/industry representatives to support the implementation of the initiative (speakers, firms, sponsors, etc.).
• Being an ambassador for their initiative and the TSA in general (internally and externally).

Commitment

• Initiative Leads are expected to attend any of the meetings and events directly associated with the initiative they are leading. The TSA’s career development programming occurs throughout the school year (September – May), peaking in the Fall and concluding with Open Studio (last weekend of May).
• In addition, Initiatives Lead are expected to attend the four major annual governance and programming meetings. The majority of these meetings currently occur after work hours. Leads are also always welcomed to join any of the monthly Executive Meetings, but their attendance is not mandatory.

How to apply

Submit your resume and short cover letter no later than Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM to tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca. In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why career development and supporting those on the path to licensure matters to you. (Deadline passed)

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Interviews will occur during the week of September 30 – October 4, 2024.

Still have questions?

Have questions about these positions or volunteering with the TSA in general? Reach out to us via email or watch the recording of our Fall 2024 Volunteer Info Session, hosted on September 18, where we reviewed the open positions and answered questions from attendees. 

Above image by Shiraz Ali.