An exciting and challenging opportunity exists to lead a neighbourhood development project with Community MicroSkills Development Centre. You will provide leadership and coordination in the development of a neighbourhood vision, and a strategic plan to achieve that vision.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will engage, and create effective working relationships among residents and public, private and voluntary sector representatives. Duties include:

• Overall project leadership and coordination
• Creating a base inventory of neighbourhood assets
• Establishing key partnerships with residents, voluntary sector organizations, government and business
• Providing support to a neighbourhood steering committee
• Developing a neighbourhood research and engagement plan
• Supervising facilitation and support staff
• Conducting a series of community forums and meetings
• Conducting research on local needs and issues
• Participating in policy forums related to the project
• Preparing progress reports
• Preparing a sustainability plan

 Qualifications:

The successful candidate is a high energy, skilled project manager with at least seven years experience in community development work; a highly effective communicator capable of building working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; skilled at resolving conflict and solving problems as they arise; understands the range of government programs operating at the community level and skilled in government relations. The candidate believes that citizen engagement is critical for effective community change; brings a system and assets approach to community development; and understands community building principles acquired through related experience and training.

Additional qualification skills include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the communities in NW Toronto
• Outstanding communication skills, with ability to grow and nurture relationships
• Ability to work in, and respond to, a dynamic and changing environment
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and facilitation skills, with experience leading and motivating volunteers
• Extensive knowledge of the human services sector
• Good understanding or learning and knowledge management technologies
• Strong writing skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office and Power Point

  Term:

 Contract - Full time.

Interested applicants please submit a resume in confidence by September 5, 2008 to:

Portia Branford

Manager Resource & People Development

1 Vulcan Street

Etobicoke, ON M9W 1L3

Email: pbranford@microskills.ca

NO FAXES or PHONE CALLS PLEASE.    

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.