Manager of Advocacy

Employment Type: Full-Time, PermanentPosition Status: New PositionWork Hours: 35 hours per week (Per Management Hours of Work Policy)Salary: $75,582 to $87,433 annually (Level M9), plus comprehensive benefitsLocation: 87 Elm Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A8Application Deadline: Thursday, January 29, 2026JOIN OUR TEAMJoin YWCA Toronto, where intersectional feminism, community voices, and social justice drive lasting change. We welcome women and gender diverse people of all identities into a workplace rooted in equity, collaboration, and inclusion.The primary role of the Manager of Advocacy is to implement and support the Association’s advocacy priorities consistent with the mission statement, strategic plan, and the program expertise of staff and agency participants. This includes building the advocacy profile of YWCA Toronto, as well as awareness of and support for the Association’s programs. This management position contributes to the overall development and achievements of the Association, and participates as a member of the Management Team.ABOUT YWCA TORONTO YWCA Toronto is dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people. Our programs promote equality, economic security and lives free from violence. We help women, youth and gender diverse people flee violence, secure housing, find jobs, establish their voices, enhance skills and develop confidence. We offer a range of housing options, employment and training programs, community support programs, girls’ programs and family programs. We also engage in systemic advocacy.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESMonitors and analyzes government initiatives, legislative activities, party platforms and budget processes;Prepares briefing notes for the CEO and Director of Advocacy and Communications and prepares submissions and makes deputations to government and legislative committees, when required;Develops and manages advocacy campaigns and Association participation in key community events; Provides advice to the Director of Advocacy and Communications and the CEO on emerging social and policy issues;Develops research strategies that advance a scope of knowledge regarding gender equity and supports the advocacy agenda of the Association;In collaboration with the Manager of Communications and Marketing co-ordinates advocacy media interviews and builds relationships with public policy journalists;Collaborates with the Manager of Communications and Marketing and the production team to create the Association’s Annual report, newsletters, memes, infographics, and other on-line advocacy and policy content;Writes advocacy related blogs and op-ed’s for internal and external publications, print media and policy journals;Manages the Advocacy budget; updates projections as required and monitors expenses throughout the year.QUALIFICATIONSIn depth knowledge of public policy and communications normally acquired though the completion of a graduate degree in gender studies, political science, journalism or a related field. (Cases for Equivalency will be considered);7 to 10 years of experience in the public policy and communications field, including experience with the management and execution of advocacy campaigns and communications and media strategiesIn depth knowledge of the non-profit sector with expertise in at least one of the following areas: violence against women, poverty and income equality, housing and homelessness, as well as women, girls, or gender diverse people.Superior research, writing, analytical and communications skills, In-depth knowledge of social media and media relationsStrong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet fast-paced deadlinesFamiliarity and experience with advocacy-based philanthropy is highly valuedAbility to work in a high performing team and balance the needs of a number of stakeholders including Board members, program participants, and Association staff and managementFluency is required on social media platforms Knowledge of a second language is an assetWHAT WE OFFER:Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental CoverageLife Insurance and Long-Term Disability BenefitMulti-Sector Pension Plan: Employer’s contribution of 5.75% and Employee Contribution of 3.25%Time off: Starts with 20 Vacation Days, 1.5 Days Per Month Sick Leave, 12 Paid Holidays, Health Promotional Days and 4 Float DaysOther Benefits: Child Care Benefits, Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits, Educational/Sabbatical Leave, and Financial Assistance for Professional Development