Department: Department of Politics and Public Administration
Position supervisor: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Professor of Politics, Faculty of Arts
Contract length: up to 12 months in the first instance
Hours of work per week: 12
Position type: Part time
Rate of pay: $25-30 (depending on skills and experience)

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet

and @ECItorontomet

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on X, and visit our LinkedIn company page

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About the program/department/team

Housed in the Faculty of Arts, the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair (JDC) examines the challenges facing contemporary democracies and explores innovative strategies to promote its prospects. The Chair pursues research projects,



fosters collaborative initiatives and convenes public dialogue. See:

https://www.jarislowskydemocracychair.ca/

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https://www.torontomu.ca/arts/news-events/2024/10/sanjay-ruparelia-reappointed-as-jarislowsky-democracy-chair/

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The opportunity

The program coordinator will help advance the programmatic initiatives of the JDC. Key tasks and responsibilities include:

Administrative support:

- coordinating the logistics for On the Frontlines of Democracy, a monthly public lecture

and podcast

series, co-organized with the Toronto Public Library and School of Journalism at the Creative School;
- organizing the activities of the Participedia

project, an international network of researchers and practitioners that studies democratic innovations;
- helping to manage the TMU Democracy Internship program each summer and other related initiatives;
- creating and managing a database of contacts, newsletter subscribers, and records;
- arranging occasional meetings, initiatives and events with other partners;

Communications and outreach:

- corresponding with invited speakers, institutional partners and research assistants;
- developing and distributing communications materials via TMU channels, newsletters and social media;
- managing the JDC website;

Budgetary support:

- assisting with grant applications and reporting;
- assisting with regular budget reconciliation.

Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in a related field and 1-3 years of experience in program coordination and event management.

Candidates should:

- demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills;
- be self-directed, flexible and proactive in prioritizing tasks and problem solving;
- possess experience in developing successful communications materials;
- demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills;
- enjoy attention to detail and accuracy;
- possess experience engaging with people from a wide array of backgrounds and professions;




- exercise mature judgment and discretion working with partners.

How to apply

Toronto Metropolitan University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications must include a resume, cover letter describing interest in and qualifications for the position, and two references.

Please send your materials by e-mail to [email protected] with the subject line “Program Coordinator”.

Deadline for applications: August 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

- We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at [email protected].
- Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
- We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources:
- Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
- External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.

- All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

📌 Program Coordinator (Toronto)
🏢 Toronto Metropolitan University
📍 Toronto