Manager, Public Programs

WHO WE ARE

Heritage Toronto builds a better city by bringing people together to explore Toronto’s shared past and peoples’ lived experiences. We deliver 80+ public programs annually including tours, plaques, digital programs and exhibitions, the Heritage Toronto Awards, the Emerging Historians program and the Equity Heritage Initiative.

WHO YOU ARE

You have a passion for the mission of Heritage Toronto and will thrive working in a dynamic role that combines strategic thinking and the grassroots reality of creating and executing programs in a community, partnership, and volunteer-driven sector. You are looking to play an integral role in the smooth functioning of a not-for-profit organization, collaborating with colleagues in every department. You are a proactive and optimistic problem-solver able to work in a dynamic environment where you are expected to deliver on multiple competing priorities.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Public Programs has lead responsibility for the creation, execution and evaluation of public programs including walking and bus tours, both in-person and digital, the Heritage Toronto Awards, and special projects. The Manager, Public Programs has primary responsibility for hiring and mentoring contract staff through the Emerging Historians and Equity Heritage programs and manages a full-time Coordinator, Public Programs.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and executes public programs based on a curatorial vision
• Evaluates public programs and identifies trends, potential issues, and opportunities for growth
• Participates in strategic and operational planning, maintains detailed project files and manages program budgets
• Maintains and develops current and prospective partnerships with community groups, like-minded organizations, government agencies, and other aligned organizations
• Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers and short-term contract staff in their area of work
• Works with the development team to secure sponsorship and funding for programs
• Works with the marketing team on event and content development to maximize audience reach, growth and promotion
• Represents Heritage Toronto to external communities, the public, and media as required
• Provides direct support to the Heritage Toronto Awards Juries Committee and the Board of Directors

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in history, heritage, planning, community engagement, or a related field or equivalent work experience. Canadian or foreign educational qualifications accepted
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in heritage, arts, and cultural event programming
• Experience working with volunteers and community organizations
• Ability to work on own initiative in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with staff, community stakeholders and the general public
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High digital literacy and a proven proficiency in utilizing a variety of software and online applications. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Wordpress, CRM systems, Excel, Resource Space, and Eventbrite an asset.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as required.

YOUR JOB

The Manager, Public Programs is a full-time (35 hours/week) permanent position. You will be working within a hybrid environment which is subject to change but currently requires a minimum of two days a week in our offices at Historic St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King St. East, Toronto. The remaining days will be conducted remotely, interacting with staff over Teams and other communication channels. You will work standard business hours, but require flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required to support the tours program which runs from May-October.

In return for your skills and dedication, we offer an attractive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive annual salary range of $70,000-$80,000 commensurate with experience

• Matching pension plan

• 3-weeks paid vacation

• Health, dental and life insurance benefits which include $4,500/year preventative health spending

Start Date: February 1, 2026

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND ACCOMMODATION

Heritage Toronto is committed to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Heritage Toronto is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities act (AODA). If contacted for an employment opportunity, please let us know if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

Don’t meet every single requirement in this posting? Studies have shown that women and people of

colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification or requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate.

JOIN US

Interested in joining our team and making a difference in our city? Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest and key qualifications to info@heritagetoronto.org by 11:59 p.m. EST by Friday, January 2, 2026. Please use the subject line “MANAGER, PROGRAMS”

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected to be interviewed will be contacted.