Call for Applications: Community Agency Partner in Residence
The York University-TD Community Engagement Centre (CEC) invites applications from professional allies working in a community agency/non-profit sector for the seconded position of Community Agency Partner in Residence. The term of secondment is for a period of one year with the possibility of renewal for one or two years more (total length of term not to exceed three years). The preferred start date is late August 2011.
Job Purpose:
This seconded Community Agency Partner in Residence will support the CEC in its mandate to engage in transformative community-university partnerships. The Community Agency Partner in Residence will explore ways to build stronger and more effective links between community agencies and York University for promoting mutually beneficial teaching and research. Accountable to the CEC Executive Committee (and reporting to the CEC Executive Director) s/he will provide overall support to the activities of the CEC and will work with the CEC, community agencies, and York faculty members to enhance community engaged teaching and research. The secondee will work directly to enrich the experience of York students currently engaged in community academic placements and to enrich the experience of the community agencies/organizations that host them. As well, s/he will work with CEC and relevant York staff to develop new community placement opportunities.
The Community Agency Partner in Residence will:
-work with CEC staff to broaden and strengthen CEC networks in order to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with the Black Creek Community
-support selected CEC/York projects
-contribute significantly to York's overall planning with respect to community engaged scholarship (e.g. teaching, research and service that is connected to community and responsive to community needs/assets)
-explore/develop models of community engaged scholarship that resonate strongly with community partners and contribute to community capacity building
The following activities may be a part of the secondee's responsiblities:
-participating in the daily operation of the CEC (e.g. standing committees, working groups, special projects)
-collaborating with the CEC and York in coordinating, delivering and/or designing, evaluating, and improving our programs and experiential education activity
-monitoring, observing and assessing the practices of students in their placement settings at/through the CEC, such as our community finance project, ODSP appeals project, homework club, etc
-participating in ongoing professional development (for both community and York University staff) on issues relating to experiential education
-support and contribute significantly to CEC and York strategic planning and dialogue related to experiential education
-working collaboratively, problem solving, and team building with other CEC, York and community members
-engaging in staff development, networking, and liaising with community and post secondary allies
-conducting research and preparing written reports and presentations for diverse audiences (e.g. university administration, external funders, community agencies, students)
The seconded Community Agency Partner in Residence is expected to have:
-significant experience (minimum 5 years) working at a senior level in a community environment with responsiblities that include routinely hosting/working with/supervising post secondary placement students
-S/he will have demonstrated knowledge concerning the possible rewards to student, agency and community that come from students doing a community field placement as well as demonstrated knowledge concerning the challenges (logistical and otherwise) that impact a successful experience and outcomes
-S/he will have an interest in community based research as a tool for social change
-S/he will have a strong commitment to community- university partnerships and significant demonstrated experience working to build/sustain them
-The ideal Community Partner in Residence will hold, at a minimum, an undergraduate degree or equivalent (graduate degree or undergraduate degree plus professional designation strongly preferred) thus enabling them to meet the requirements to provide on-site supervision to both undergraduate and graduate students placed at the CEC and in projects administered through the CEC
-S/he will have a wide community network and strong history of establishing and maintaining collaborations
-possess strong organizational and influencing skills and be able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including community residents and senior university administrators
-a thorough understanding of governance structure/decision-making procedures within non-profit/community agencies and some understanding of governance structure/decision-making procedures within post-secondary environments
-The Community Agency Partner in Residence is expected to have demonstrated leadership in a community setting, to possess strong skills in mediation, partnership development, adult/community education, process management and to have an understanding of, and experience in, equity issues
Interested applicants should submit an application package including a detailed resume and cover letter outlining their vision for the possibilities and challenges and include a statement of why they are interested in taking up this opportunity at this stage of their careers. Application package should be addressed to "Community Agency Partner in Residence hiring committee" and emailed to CAPIR@yorku.ca. Please indicate in the subject line Application for Community Agency Partner in Residence.
Applicants should secure the necessary approvals from their Employer/agency's Human Resources Department.
The deadline for the receipt of electronic cover letters and resumes is Thursday, July 21st, 2011. A selection committee will review applicants, establish a short list of candidates to interview, and recommend a candidate for appointment. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Categories: Call for Submissions, Community Engagement, Employment Opportunities
