Project Manager — Counter Mapping Urban Heat

Program: Community Climate Data Program

Reports To: Project Lead

Time Commitment: 7-10 hours/week

Duration: 3-4 months

Meeting Cadence: Weekly Check-ins

About Climate Resilient Communities

Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is a volunteer-run not-for-profit operating under Transition Toronto. We work at the intersection of community, data & AI, and climate change to strengthen communities' capacity to bounce forward from climate challenges. Our mission is to help community groups effectively advocate for their needs and find solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges exacerbated by changing climate. Learn more at https://crc.place.

About the Project

Counter Mapping Urban Heat Workshop Series brings together community leaders and residents from heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to critically examine existing urban heat information and data products and co-design more equitable, relevant, accessible, and actionable alternatives.

Current heat vulnerability maps, warning systems, and data dashboards are often designed by and for institutions rather than the communities experiencing the climate impact. This workshop positions community leaders and residents as expert evaluators and designers, examining how existing heat information products fail to meet their needs and envisioning alternatives grounded in principles of care, relevance, accessibility, usability, and equity.

Through hands-on critical analysis and creative design exercises, participants will dissect the assumptions embedded in current heat data tools, map how information actually flows (or fails to flow) during heat emergencies, and prototype new approaches that center community knowledge and priorities.

Role Purpose

The Project Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that we can deliver the Counter Mapping Urban Heat Workshop Series within the triple constraints of scope, time, and budget. You will be responsible for end-to-end project management and coordination with partners—including community centers and co-hosts such as the University of Toronto's Toronto Climate Observatory—to ensure everything happens frictionlessly and without disruptions. This is a high-impact role for someone who can navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments while keeping community needs at the center.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for the workshop series, from planning through execution and close-out
• Coordinate with external partners including community centers in Rexdale, Jane/Finch, St. James Town, and the University of Toronto's Toronto Climate Observatory
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestones; track progress and manage risks
• Manage logistics for workshop sessions including venue coordination, materials preparation, and participant communications
• Facilitate communication between CRC team members, partners, and community stakeholders
• Identify and resolve issues that could impact workshop delivery; escalate blockers as needed
• Support documentation of workshop outcomes and ensure deliverables are completed on time
• Report on project status during weekly check-ins with the Project Lead

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience, ideally in community-facing or multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools
• Basic understanding of community engagement principles and practices
• Familiarity with climate change impacts—specifically urban heat—and data products/information systems
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently and adapt to evolving project needs

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Direct experience with community engagement in equity-deserving or marginalized communities
• Background in climate adaptation, environmental justice, or public health
• Experience working with data products, information design, or data literacy initiatives
• Familiarity with Toronto neighborhoods, particularly Rexdale, Jane/Finch, and St. James Town
• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification

Key Deliverables & Workshop Outcomes

Successfully delivered Counter Mapping Urban Heat Workshop Series and reports such as gap analysis and community design principles.

Why volunteer with CRC

• Grow your project management skills, have autonomy in your work, take on stretch tasks, and learn from mentors & other volunteers! On our Slack channel we post & attend group training events or virtual workshops together
• Contribute to a meaningful cause, helping communities co-create a resilient future
• Collaborate with a passionate and diverse team, working together with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines

Build a network, expanding your professional network and building lasting relationships

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the Google Form link: https://forms.gle/s6ULESPkGP9UiiEq7. Please include a brief statement of interest explaining why you're passionate about this role and any relevant experience within the form.

Climate Resilient Communities values diversity and inclusion, seeing volunteers as essential partners and co-creators. We value their diverse perspectives and community knowledge, encouraging them to challenge and guide our initiatives.