Position type: Contract, full-time
Location: 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON (hybrid)
Duration: 8 weeks
Start date: July 6, 2026
Compensation: $18/hour, 35 hours/week
Deadline to Apply: June 8, 2026 at 5pm
Position Summary The Programming Assistant supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of a wide range of public programs and cultural initiatives at The Bentway. Working closely with the Programming team and cross-departmental staff, the Programming Assistant contributes to the successful execution of public events, artistic commissions, community engagement initiatives, educational activities, recreational programming, and partnership-based projects that connect diverse audiences with public space, arts, and culture.
The role supports both administrative and on-site program delivery functions, helping to support events, scheduling, logistics, outreach activities, artist and partner relations, artistic research, and audience outreach and engagement efforts.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
About The Bentway The Bentway is a dynamic civic organization dedicated to enhancing urban life through the design and implementation of innovative public spaces, public programming, and site operations. Deeply rooted in Toronto’s urban fabric, The Bentway leads a creative movement to re-imagine the possibilities of the Gardiner Expressway. We believe in the power of art and culture to spark the urban imagination, transform communities and foster vibrant, inclusive cities. The Bentway Conservancy is a non-profit organization and registered charity that works closely with the City of Toronto, artists & creatives, and local communities to bring our work to life.
Responsibilities Program Planning & Coordination
- Assist with the planning, coordination, and delivery of public programs, events, and artistic initiatives.
- Support educational and recreational programs and community engagement activities.
- Assist Programming staff with coordinating artist, partner, and stakeholder communications, schedules, meetings, and logistical requirements.
- Support on-site events, including event setup and teardown, signage, audience flow, and visitor support.
- Coordinate schedules, checklists, site visits, permits, contracts, and other logistical documentation required for successful program delivery.
- Assist with preparing presentations, briefing materials, artistic research, reports, and other program-related documents and activities.
- Assist with maintaining organized program records, databases, and internal tracking systems.
Community Outreach & Audience Engagement
- Support on direct outreach and engagement activities that build awareness of programs and encourage participation from diverse audiences and communities.
- Conduct outreach activities including distributing promotional materials, attending community events, supporting information tables, and engaging directly with local residents and stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, local businesses, artists, and participants.
- Assist with audience surveys, data collection, and evaluation activities to support program learning and reporting.
- Help ensure programs and events are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the needs and interests of local communities and historically underserved audiences.
- Serve as a welcoming and informed public-facing representative of The Bentway at events and community engagement activities.
- Submit program listings to community calendars, event platforms, and outreach networks.
- Perform additional programming, outreach, and operational duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with diverse audiences, community members, artists, and stakeholders.
- Strong writing and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Interest or experience in arts and culture, community programming, public events, recreation, or public space initiatives is considered an asset.
- Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and willingness to learn additional digital tools and platforms.
- Knowledge of Toronto’s diverse communities and an interest in inclusive public programming is considered an asset.
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR-C certification is considered an asset.
Eligibility Requirements This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. To qualify, applicants must:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment. Student visas or other forms of work visas are not eligable.
-
Valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
The federal government will require proof of all these qualifications upon hiring.
Applications The Bentway is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment that promotes equity and diversity. Priority will be given to individuals from equity deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized applicants, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada (within the past 5 years), and women.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to The Bentway Conservancy at [email protected]. We kindly ask that no phone calls or emails are made to staff members. All questions regarding the position must be sent to [email protected]. To Apply Apply with a resume and cover letter via The Bentway’s job board.
Deadline to Apply: June 8, 2026 at 5pm
Application Components:
- Resume (PDF format, no more than three pages)
- Cover Letter (please include why you are interested in the role and how your previous experiences match the responsibilities in the posting)
We thank all applicants for their interest and will endeavour to contact all applicants, whether successful or not.
AI will not be used to sort or evaluate applications, a staff member will personally reach each one, including the cover letter!
