TSA Call for Initiative Lead: Forums

The TSA is looking for a new Initiative Lead to help oversee our diverse array of annual forums and public discussions, including our Urban Affairs Forums and Ideas Forums, as well as support the development of various panel discussions throughout the year. Our forums seek to bridge the gap between industry and the public, bringing together a diverse set of voices to reflect upon current urban and architectural issues in the Greater Toronto Area. As an Initiative Lead, you will work closely with your Co-Leads, volunteers, and TSA staff to help shape these discussions, identifying potential themes and speakers, and facilitating the events.

Who we’re looking for

• Minimum 1 year volunteer experience with the TSA*
• Familiarity with the TSA and its programming, particularly existing educational offerings and forums.
• An active participant in the architecture and design community, with an awareness of current topics within the industry and city.
• Passionate about making architectural topics accessible to all and bridging the gap between industry and the general public.
• Comfortable with public speaking.

* 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.
• Assisting in the recruitment and onboarding of initiative volunteers.
• Liaising 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 forums take place primarily throughout the school year (September – May), peaking in January with the two forums hosted during the DesignTO festival and during early November for ADFF.

In addition, Initiatives Lead are expected to attend the four major annual governance and programming meetings. The majority of these meetings currently occur after 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, October 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM to tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca. In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you want to be involved in our public discussions and any previous experience you bring to the role.

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Still have questions? Please send all inquiries to tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca.

About the Toronto Society of Architects

Established in 1887, the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) is a non-profit volunteer-led organisation dedicated to bringing people together to discuss, learn and explore around our shared passion for the built environment. We are committed to the betterment of our city and have played an important advocacy role throughout Toronto’s history. We do this through a wide range of programs which foster welcoming and inclusive forums for debate and the exchange of ideas, stimulating critical thinking about the design and building issues of our time.

Our public programming is complemented by initiatives supporting the personal growth and professional development of over 2,500 TSA members. Membership is open to everyone and welcomes design professionals, students and the general public.

The TSA is a Society of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), which is the licensing and regulatory body that governs the practice of architecture in Ontario.

Learn more about the TSA at: https://torontosocietyofarchitects.ca/overview/.