Manager of Advocacy
Position Status: New Position
Work Hours: 35 hours per week (Per Management Hours of Work Policy)
Salary: $75,582 to $87,433 annually (Level M9), plus comprehensive benefits
Location: 87 Elm Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A8
JOIN OUR TEAM
Join 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 RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitors 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
- In 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 strategies
- In 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 relations
- Strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet fast-paced deadlines
- Familiarity and experience with advocacy-based philanthropy is highly valued
- Ability 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 management
- Fluency is required on social media platforms
- Knowledge of a second language is an asset
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
- Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefit
- Multi-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 Days
- Other Benefits: Child Care Benefits, Maternity/Parental Leave Supplementary Employment Benefits, Educational/Sabbatical Leave, and Financial Assistance for Professional Development
Posting Date: January 19, 2026
YWCA Toronto transforms lives. As the city’s largest multi-service women’s organization, we help women and gender diverse people escape violence, move out of poverty and access safe, affordable housing.
We work tenaciously to break down barriers that hold women and gender diverse people back from achieving equality.
Vaccination Policy: In accordance with YWCA Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all YWCA Toronto employees, students and volunteers are strongly encouraged to obtain all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Toronto Public Health
Please note: A vulnerable sector police reference check is required by the successful candidate before hiring.
YWCA Toronto promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women and gender-diverse people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations.
YWCA Toronto provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
YWCA Toronto may use AI-supported tools to assist with parts of the recruitment process; all hiring decisions are made by people and guided by our commitment to equity and fairness.
YWCA Toronto is a Scent-Sensitive Workplace.