PR & Advocacy Intern

Hybrid / On site

Status: Coop Term, Downtown, Toronto

Level #3

Purpose of Position

The PR & Advocacy intern will provide research and writing support to the Manager of Public Relations & Advocacy and the Director of Brand & Communications at Covenant House Toronto. The ideal candidate will have experience researching, analyzing and preparing environment scans and briefing notes that identify emerging sector trends to help support the agency’s advocacy priorities.

Responsibilities:

• With support and direction from the Manager of Public Relations & Advocacy, conduct environmental scans to identify local, federal and international policies related to youth homelessness.
• Contribute to all aspects of policy review, from research and trend analysis to stakeholder consultations, impact assessment, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with other staff to identify key issues and needs for new policy directions that align with sector needs.
• Prepare background briefing notes and other materials that analyze and summarize sector policies.
• Track policy trends and announcements related to the youth homelessness sector and provide updates to the Manager of Public Relations & Advocacy as new information becomes available.
• Supporting meetings through minutes-taking.
• Other duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, policy studies, public policy, law, or international relations.
• Previous experience conducting research for educational purposes and/or ideally in a professional work setting.
• Understanding of legislative frameworks, government structures, and decision-making processes that influence policy development.
• Familiarity and experience with the non-profit and social services sector considered an asset.
• Research skills and strong knowledge credible and relevant information sources.
• Attention to detail.
• Eagerness to learn.
• Collaborative approach and positive attitude.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize competing and time-sensitive deadlines.
  
  

Interested candidates are welcome to apply directly to this posting on or by May 13, 2024. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please.

About Covenant House Toronto

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.