Powered by Passion. United by Purpose. Build for Impact.
At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we exist to deliver the ultimate fan experience by lifting trophies, spirits, and communities – united as one.
We’re more than a workplace. We are a team of passionate people, boldly building the future of sport and entertainment, together. We believe in the power of play, the strength of collaboration, and the energy that comes from showing up with purpose.
From the ice to the pitch, the hardwood to the digital arena, we’re proud to be the driving force behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.
We bring these teams – and world-class entertainment – to life at our iconic venues, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. Off the field, we serve up elevated dining at e11even, Real Sports, and our signature club spaces like Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub, and Platinum Club.
Through MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad, we use the power of sport to help youth facing barriers reach their full potential. Since 2009, we’ve invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities – and we’re just getting started.
This is what it means to be One MLSE: a culture where everyone plays a role, everyone belongs, and everyone contributes to something bigger than themselves.
So, if you’re ready to play with purpose, grow with passion, and win as one, we’d love to have you on our team.
** We know that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, transferable skills, and lived experience may be exactly what we’re looking for. **
Job Description
MLSELaunchPadis a 42,000 sq. ft. Sport for Development facility where youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential. Supported by MLSE’s professional sports teams—the Toronto MapleLeafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC,it is the first facility of its kind in North America. As a collaborative space promoting social change byleveragingsport, education and research, programming is focused on fourpillars: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready for School and Ready for Work. To learn more visit MLSELaunchPad.org.
As the organization expands into a new community facility in Weston (and Lawrence), we are seekinga Specialist, Community Engagement to ensure the new facility is community-rooted, youth-driven, and programmatically strong. This roleacts asthe community’s voice withinLaunchPadandLaunchPad’svoice within the community.
You willsupport thedesign andexecution ofcommunity consultations,
build strategic partnerships, shape youth-centered programming, and support staff readiness. Your primary role is to continue tobuild trust, create relevance, and ensure that community feedback directly informs design decisions, programming, policies, and operations from construction through opening and beyond.
The successful candidateisa skilled facilitator and relationship-builder with deep experience in equity-focused community engagement and youth development- ideally as someone who is from, or currently lives within the York, South-Weston community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Community Consultation & Trust-Building
Support the design andexecution ofa multi-phase community engagement plan through opening
Act as the primary liaison between MLSELaunchPad, and community partners, ensuring community voice informs decisions
Facilitate youth listening sessions, workshops, focus groups, andformulateadvisory councilsthat offer diverse perspectives
Build authentic relationships withWestonresidents, youth, families, schools, and local organizations
Ensure community feedback informs programming, policies, and operational decisions
Manage feedback loops and transparent communicationand prepare materials for leadership and board updatessummarizing progress, feedback, and outcomes ofengagementactivities
Represent MLSELaunchPadwith professionalism, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity
AmplifyLaunchPad’sreputation as a leader in SportForDevelopment andequitable, community-centered youth development
Engagement & PartnershipDevelopment
Identifyand cultivate partnerships with schools, sport organizations, service providers, and community agenciesaligned withLaunchPad’sTheory of Change
Formalize referral pathways and participation agreements with partner organizations
RepresentLaunchPadat community tables, coalitions, and local networks
Develop promotional materials and community outreach campaigns
Plan and coordinate events, community celebrations, andearly programming in community, tomaintainpresence and develop relationships, throughout the construction process
Maintain consistent, transparent communication with all stakeholder groups
Coordinate engagement opportunities for donors, funders, and MLSE staff
Track and document community engagement activities and outcomes
Support the measurement ofpartnership strength, community participation, and program demand
Contribute to reports for leadership, funders, and community stakeholders
Program DesignandOperational Readiness
AdaptLaunchPadprogramming model to reflect localWestoncontext, needs, and cultural strengthswhile co-designingpilot programs with youth and community partners
Collaborate withexistingsport, research, and operations teams to develop program curriculumandprogram schedules, along with thedevelopment of program evaluation frameworks
Stay current on Sport for Development research and best practices
Support values-based recruitment of coaches, facilitators, andadditionalprogram staff
Co-design and co-deliver staff trainingand onboarding that reflects best practise inyouth development, trauma-informedapproaches, cultural competence, and community context
Create resources to help staff understand local context, community priorities, and youth needs
QUALIFICATIONS
Post-secondary degree in Community Development,Youth Outreach,Social Work, Youth Development, Recreation, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years in community engagement, youth development, or program leadership
Strong relationship-building skills with diverse communities and youth-serving organizationswith experienceworking in equity-focused, community-based environments
Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skillswith familiarityoftrauma-informed practice and positive youth development frameworks
Knowledge of Sport for Development principles and youth programming
Strong understanding of the Weston community context and local issues affecting youth
Experience inonboarding and training young staff, or in regular staff development
Strong organizational and project coordination skills
Authentic, approachable, and trustworthy, you are a skilled listenerable to adapt in dynamic environments
Collaborative mindset with ability to work across teams
Proficiencywith Microsoft Office, collaboration tools, and basic digital communications platforms
Please apply by: Sunday, March 8th at 11:59 pm.
Job Posting Compensation Range/Rate:
$65,000-75,000per year, plus vacation, competitive perks, and many excitingperks.
We’re glad you’re here. Once you apply, we’ll follow up by email, and you can track everything in your Candidate Portal . Want instant updates? Opt-in for SMS notifications to stay in the loop.
At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email
[email protected]. This email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.
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