iAM Level 2 programs lead

 
 
 

  • JAYU  Festival Inc

  • July 10, 2025

  • August 19, 2025

  • Part Time Contract from August 19 – December 31, 2025

  • $9000

  • 1

    • Flexible schedule required. Must be consistently available for staff meetings on two designated weekdays between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, as well as for all program sessions, which typically take place on weekends or after 4:00 PM.

    • Hybrid; must be on-site (401 Richmond Street West) for all programs, in-person Wednesdays (10am-4pm), and the JAYU Festival of the Arts (tentatively December 10-14, 2025).

  • Operations Manager

 
 
 

Job Description:

Are you a programming powerhouse with a talent for bringing arts mentors and mentees together? We’re looking for a hands-on iAM Level 2 Programs Lead to guide the day-to-day planning and on-site execution of our iAM Level 2 programs. This role is an opportunity to pilot and develop an intermediate learning program for equity-deserving youth (ages 12-29) and execute funding over the course of 3 years for lasting change.


ABOUT JAYU

JAYU is a registered charity that shares human rights stories through the arts and dialogue. Our year-round programming includes:

  • iAM Program: An award-winning arts and social justice training program offered to 300+ equity-seeking youth annually in the GTA.

  • Year-Round Programming: Engaging multidisciplinary art experiences rooted in community and social impact.

  • JAYU Festival of the Arts: A flagship December event celebrating the intersection of human rights and the arts.

Hiring for this position will prioritize youth (up to 35 years old) and equity-deserving groups. Equity-deserving is inclusive of Black and racialized folks, people with disabilities, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQ+), newcomers to Canada and people experiencing homelessness.]

ABOUT iAM 

Through iAM, JAYU delivers multi-week arts workshops that connect equity-deserving youth in Toronto to professional mentorship, training, and paid opportunities. Combining the arts with social justice education, youth strengthen their artistic skills, sense of belonging, and employability. Workshops are led by Lead and Junior Artist Mentors, many of which are hired directly through the program, in disciplines such as poetry, painting, and photography.

Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant, JAYU is now building on iAM by introducing more advanced programming. This programming seeks to engage iAM alumni and other equity-deserving youth in professional development to further their artistic practice and build their careers. Level 2 iAM programs will continue to provide participants with an outlet for self-expression and community building, while delivering more specialized and technical training in highly requested disciplines with higher barriers to entry (i.e. music production, photo editing, digital media), in order to engage more than 150 participants over 3 years.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We’re looking for a passionate and highly organized Program Lead to pilot the launch of our inaugural Level 2 iAM programs. They will be responsible for ensuring this program achieves key outcomes, including empowering the next generation of aspiring artists to access professional opportunities, while gaining a supportive education in human rights to bolster their work and artistic sustainability. 

 
 

Scope of Work:

Program Leadership and Development (75%)

  • Lead program and facilitator curation, including overseeing curriculum development for 3 distinct Level 2 iAM programs in audio, music and sound production, photography, and digital media (including graphic design and photo/video editing).

  • Act as producer and lead for all in-person events — you’ll be on-site and hands-on for every session.

  • Lead all outreach and communication with program participants, facilitators, and stakeholders.

  • Manage and lead iAM Level 2 program teams in creating and carrying out annual work plans, as well as organize regular check-ins and meetings with program Mentors, Junior Mentors, and other contracted staff.

  • Complete and oversee the marketing communications (MarCom) request process.

  • Supervise support team members, including direct oversight of iAM Programs Level 2 Manager.

  • Coordinate all logistics and ensure smooth, high-quality program delivery from start to finish.

  • Collaborate with the JAYU team to ensure compliance with grant/funder guidelines and reporting obligations (i.e. survey development and collection). 

  • Use qualitative and quantitative data to inform program decisions, strategic planning, and to ensure the relevance of iAM programming to diverse community members.

  • Guide iAM program Mentors, Junior Mentors, and other contracted staff in the implementation of classes and workshops in alignment with program teaching practices, education goals, and decisions.

  • Develop coaching practices and goals for mentors and mentees of programming.

  • Maintaining relationships with iAM Program youth and mentors and when necessary, giving mentorship to youth for arts-related inquiries or endeavors. 

  • When necessary, be present at iAM Programs as a JAYU representative and to engage with youth, mentors and observe curriculum for programs in the future.

Administration (15%)

  • Understand and implement JAYU’s policies and procedures related to finance, personnel, facilities, safety, and accessibility

  • Manage program-related equipment and assets in collaboration with iAM Level 2 Program Manager

  • Work collaboratively with other JAYU staff to respond to emerging issues

  • Support in reporting for grantors/funder. Provide necessary information for OTF GROW’s progress report to iAM Level 2 Program Manager

Engagement & Public Speaking (10%)

  • When necessary, writing and delivering speeches and presentations to internal and external stakeholders for the purposes of promoting iAM Level 2 programs as a whole as well as employment opportunities 

  • Contribute to team meetings if required regarding designated program 

  • Serving as an ambassador for the organization to partners, funders, media, youth, and artists 

 
 

Qualifications:

If you don’t meet every single requirement, please still consider applying. JAYU recognizes that applicants may not have every qualification listed below, and studies have shown that equity-deserving people are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single qualification. As an organization committed to equity throughout our practices, JAYU is looking for people with a solid set of base skills who are open to learning the rest.

 
 

What We’re Looking For:

  • Experience in program or event coordination, live production, or education-based programming.

  • Willingness and availability to be on-site for all scheduled programs.

  • Have an innovative, inquiry-based and entrepreneurial approach to arts education programming and management in a broad range of art disciplines

  • Knowledgeable about current trends in youth and adult arts education is an asset

  • Knowledgeable of the arts, human rights, and the best practices for charities.

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in community organizing, partner development, and working with youth from diverse communities 

  • Great interpersonal skills in an environment with extensive public contact with people who are diverse in age, culture and ethnicity, and ability.

  • Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform decisions

  • Experience in managing/mentoring multiple teams of 5–15+ people is an asset.

  • Must have excellent and demonstrable written and verbal communication skills, and a keen eye for detail and accuracy. 

  • Strong time-management skills in meeting deadlines, responding to emails, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

  • Technologically proficient, with familiarity with Google Suite, Canva, and Adobe Suite

 
 

Employee Benefits

  • Hours:  Monday to Thursday, from 24 hours per week. Hours may be flexed so that employee can attend after-hours special events including iAM programs and funder recognition events as needed.

  • Work base:  Blended work from home and in-person at JAYU studio including mandatory in-person days at the JAYU Studio every Wednesday. On occasion, employee will need to attend off-site events.

 
 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Please send your application to Esther Phua, Operations Manager, at esther@jayu.ca.