TSA Call for Initiative Lead: Walking Tours

The TSA is looking for a new Initiative Co-Lead to assist in the organization and oversight of our popular Walking Tours program, among the largest and longest running TSA public awareness initiatives. You will work with your other Walking Tour Co-Leads and TSA staff to spearhead the development and delivery of tour guide orientation, the recruitment and selection of new tour guides, and the training and continuous support of new and returning tour guides. In this role, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the development of new tours, assist in the update of tour notes, and other logistical aspects. 

Who we’re looking for

• Minimum 1 year volunteer experience as a TSA tour guide.
• Familiarity with the TSA and its programming, particularly the existing Walking Tours.
• Interest in supporting the onboarding and continuous training of new and existing tour guides.
• Passionate about raising public awareness about our built environment and sharing architecture and design with all ages and interest levels.
• Knowledge and past delivery of more than one tour theme is a plus.

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 and Expectations

Attend any of the meetings and events directly associated with this initiative. The tour season runs from June through early October, with tours offered at varied times every weekend. Tour guide interviews and training occur in late March through April, and practice tours happen in May, the frequency of which are on an as-needed basis. Private tours are sometimes also provided during regular business hours on weekdays throughout the year, upon request.

To offset the upfront workload of onboarding, logistics and training, walking tour Initiative Leads have a reduced number of tours in the summer. However, you can still expect to do at least 6 tours in the season, mainly with new tour guides as part of their training.

Attend the four major annual governance and programming meetings. The majority of these meetings currently occur after hours. Initiative Leads are also always welcome to join monthly Executive Meetings, but their attendance is not mandatory.

How to apply

Express your interest for this position in writing no later than Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM by submitting an email to tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca. Candidates will then be interviewed by the current Initiative Leads and Programming Director.

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/.