Sustainable & Resilient Communities Project Officer

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

YWork for us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package
  
  

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Position Description

Job Code: 1-DEV-2025

Department: Central Administration

Reports to: Director of Public Affairs

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date: TBD

Contract End Date: March 31st, 2026

Posting Date: January 7th, 2025

The Sustainable & Resilient Communities Project Officer will build and execute a local initiative to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hamilton. The Project Officer will collaborate with organizations, local government, community groups and youth to and build a replicable project and campaign toolkit focused on capacity-building toward, advancement and understanding of the SDGs with a focus on sustainability, gender equity, environmental resilience, and economic advancement.

• Lead coordination and execution of project to ensure all deliverables are met;
• Lead the design, planning, and execution of youth-led community projects that align with one or more of the SDGs;
• Coordinate monthly meetings with and support activities of project steering committee members;
• Create resources (i.e. the building resilient communities guide toolkit) which will serve as an education about local activities that contribute to achieving the SDGs that will outlive the project;
• Develop and implement a programs, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness of the UN SDGs among youth; topics included but not limited to waste reduction, renewable energy use, gender equality, and social justice;
• Facilitate training sessions and activities that help youth understand how the SDGs relate to their local communities and personal lives;
• Host interactive learning experiences like discussions, challenges, and community-based projects that align with SDG goals such as poverty eradication, climate action, gender equality, and education;
• Support and guide youth in identifying local challenges and opportunities for sustainability, guiding them to create actionable projects that have a positive community impact;
• Organize and facilitate community events, such as SDG awareness campaigns, public forums, and the young trailblazer’s breakfast, to promote collective action for sustainable, equitable futures;
• Encourage youth to participate in local sustainability initiatives, including climate advocacy, volunteer programs, and social entrepreneurship projects;
• Support marketing to leverage digital platforms and social media to raise awareness about the SDGs and mobilize action among peers;
• Coach youth leaders, building their leadership, project management, and advocacy skills;
• Nurture and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships (non-profits, schools and businesses to create partnerships and provide resources for youth projects);
• Track progress, feedback and reports outcomes of youth-led SDG projects to internal and external stakeholders;
• Work safely, reports all workplace hazards and follows all YWCA Hamilton Health and Safety policies and procedures;
• Recommend changes to policies, processes, and systems as appropriate to improve and enhance service delivery;
• Support YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a standard 37.5-hour week;
• Evenings and weekends and travel may be required.
  
  

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Public Policy, Education, Community Engagement, Communications - related studies or equivalent experience;
• Two to three years of relevant experience working in community engagement, public policy, research, communications, or related fields;
• Experience working with marginalized or underserved populations;
• Demonstrated experience working in large, multi-service organizations or government;
• Experience building digital communications campaigns and doing digital organizing work;
• Understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their application at the local level;
• Working understanding of municipal government, budgeting and bureaucratic processes;
• Experience leading youth-centered programs or projects, especially related to sustainability or social justice;
• Project management experience with the ability to guide and execute initiatives with defined deliverables from conception to completion;
• Familiarity with environmental sustainability practices, equity issues, and global development challenges;
• Proficiency in planning and using communications tools, including social media and online platforms to engage youth and promote community initiatives.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple project components simultaneously.
• Familiarity with grant writing, reporting, fundraising, and securing resources for community-based sustainability initiatives;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must be able to lead and work from a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and also work effectively in a team;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.
  
  

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.