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Now Hiring:
Program Coordinator

Contract: September 6, 2022 - June 30, 2023
 

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Natural Curiosity JICS Lab School Logo

Position Summary

 

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Natural Curiosity team at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School, University of Toronto in the position of Program Coordinator. 

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Established under the leadership of Dr. William Blatz in 1925, the Lab School is a Nursery to Grade 6 school dedicated to exploring what is possible in education, operating in conjunction with an MA in Child Study and Education teacher certification program and the Dr. R.G.N. Laidlaw Centre for research in child development. Housed at the Lab School, the Natural Curiosity Environmental Education Program has gained widespread implementation in schools, school boards, faculties of education, and ministries of education across the country and internationally. Natural Curiosity’s newest educator resource is a response to the recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring Indigenous perspectives into the heart of Canadian education, most notably in connection with environmental issues. Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry is currently being disseminated and used widely at diverse formal and informal educational settings across Turtle Island.

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OVERVIEW OF POSITION

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The Natural Curiosity Coordinator’s primary focus will be to support the Environmental Education Program Director at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School. The Natural Curiosity Program supports the introduction, implementation, and use of Natural Curiosity and inquiry-based teaching with an Indigenous lens in schools and across the province and country. At this time, our small collaborative team is looking for a Coordinator who can provide support to our outreach, partnerships, communications and professional learning strategies. You may be a Teacher or an ECE with a passion for land-based education and Indigenous perspectives or an environmental studies/communications professional with an interest in education. This is a wonderful opportunity to help grow and contribute to the continuing development of exemplary practices within environmental and outdoor education.

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KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

General Support of the Natural Curiosity Program:

Taking on delegated administrative and creative tasks to support the Program Director on a weekly basis which include but are not limited to: 

  • Writing emails and letters

  • Writing and editing promotional content, social media, etc.

  • Researching best practices

  • Assisting with donor stewardship activities such as the annual report, fundraising and board meetings 

  • Coordinating annual contests and award submissions

  • Assisting with creating and executing presentations

  • Conference and workshop planning

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Maintain Online Communications and Marketing:

  • Twitter – tweets, connections, private messages

  • Facebook – posting monthly newsletter and related posts

  • Instagram – posting photos from school visits, workshops and resources

  • Pinterest – updating online resources through online pin boards

  • Website - regularly updating Natural Curiosity's website 

  • Creating, sharing, and maintaining interactive online resource documents for educator communities pre and post-workshops

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Oversee, plan, synthesize, and design our monthly newsletter, Making the Shift:

  • Regularly collecting and maintaining subscriber list

  • Collecting panel blurbs or interviews

  • Reviewing and summarizing educational resources (books, websites, conferences, outdoor programs, etc.)

  • Initiating editing session with Program Director

 

Support Professional Learning Opportunities:

  • Support the planning, coordination and execution of annual online webinars, workshops, and coaching groups

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Experience and Competencies desired:

  • Ability to work collaboratively and develop strong professional relationships with colleagues

  • Exhibits a high level of commitment, initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to multitask, organize, manage time and work independently

  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills 

  • Familiarity with social media & online communication strategies (webinar and website management a definite asset)

  • Video making and editing skills an asset

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Working Conditions:

This position is usually based out of the JICS Lab School in Toronto. However, due to pandemic limitations this position will be primarily remote, and on-site as needed.

  • Hours: 37.5 per week

  • Contract: Full-Time, September 6, 2022 - June 30, 2023

  • Expected Salary: $60k annual salary

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Additional Benefits: 

  • Flexible work location and hours

  • Core involvement in an internationally-renowned University Laboratory school

  • Opportunity for autonomy and creativity, including freedom to help shape the organization's growth as a key member of the team

  • Potential for extension and further involvement in the organization in the future

  • Opportunities to attend conferences and events as NC/JICS staff, both locally, nationally, and internationally

  • Access to engagement and training opportunities in areas including educational policy and advancements 

 

Qualified applicants are asked to submit a complete application including: a CV and a cover letter in one file addressing the above requirements to naturalcuriosity@utoronto.ca by August 10, 2022. This position will begin on September 6th, 2022, and end on June 30, 2023.

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The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute the further diversification of ideas. All candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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