Early Career Canadian Urban Leader

The School of Cities is thrilled to announce our new Visiting Experts for 2023. Chiyi Tam (Executive Director, Kensington Market Community Land Trust) joins us as an Early Career Canadian Urban Leader.   

Meet our 2023 Early Career Canadian Urban Leader Chiyi Tam

Early Career Canadian Urban Leaders demonstrate leadership potential and capacity and are in the first 10 years of their current career path. Each year the School of Cities invites applicants for Early Career Canadian Urban Leader and, following the application process, applications are reviewed by the Appointments Committee. 

Early Career Canadian Urban Leaders have the opportunity to participate in the School of Cities community in the following ways:

  • Propose and lead programs, events and activities; 
  • Contribute to the publications and knowledge products of the School of Cities; 
  • Work, meet and host on University of Toronto campus;
  • Attend events, roundtables, seminars, and symposia organized by the School of Cities;
  • Receive mentorship from Canadian Urban Leaders and Urbanists-in-Residence; 
  • Receive a stipend of $50,000 CAD, to be in-residence at the School of Cities; 
  • Engage with students, staff, and faculty to support research, capacity-building, outreach, event coordination and communications. 

 
Applications are not currently being accepted for Early Career Canadian Urban Leader. Watch this space for updates in 2023.

Application Process 

Please complete and submit the application form. All applications must be submitted electronically with uploads in the requested format (.pdf). 

Supporting Documentation Needed To Apply

Please ensure you have the following requisite documentation available in digital format prior to beginning the application process. Please note we only accept documents in .PDF form. Once you have compiled the required documentation, please fill out the Early Career Canadian Urban Leader Application Form including: 

  • A statement (maximum 500 words) describing what makes you an ideal candidate to be an Early Career Canadian Urban Leader;  
  • A curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages, including:
    • Details of work experience indicating the applicant is within the first 10 years of current career path;
    • Demonstrated leadership potential and capacity;
    • Portfolio with significant urban focus;
    • Experience and commitment to community engagement;
  • A brief outline (maximum 500 words), of proposed project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities Mission; 
  • Names and contact information for two (2) referees (former/current Employers, Supervisors or Community Leaders whom you have worked with in the past 5 years). Upon submission of your application, your referees will receive an email from the School of Cities inviting them to complete a reference form. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional questions? Contact us at outreach.sofc@utoronto.ca  

Following the application process, eligible candidates are reviewed by the Appointments Committee, comprised of members of the School of Cities Leadership Team, Advisory Council, former Canadian Urban Leader(s) and chaired by the Director. 

 All appointments will be for a one-year term. 

Applications are due December 14, 2022, with decisions to be announced in early 2023.

Please ensure you have the following requisite documentation available in digital format prior to beginning the application process. Please note we only accept documents in .PDF form. 

  • A statement (maximum 500 words) describing what makes you an ideal candidate to be an Early Career Canadian Urban Leader;  
  • A curriculum vitae, no more than 3 pages, including:
    • Details of work experience indicating the applicant is within the first 10 years of current career path;
    • Demonstrated leadership potential and capacity;
    • Portfolio with significant urban focus;
    • Experience and committment to community engagement;
  • A brief outline (maximum 500 words), of proposed project focus and/or interest aligned with the School of Cities Mission; 
  • Names and contact information for two (2) referees (former/current Employers, Supervisors or Community Leaders whom you have worked with in the past 5 years). Upon submission of your application, your referees will receive an email from the School of Cities inviting them to complete a reference form. 
Candidates for Early Career Canadian Urban Leader must:
  • Demonstrate leadership potential and capacity;
  • Be in the first 10 years of their current career path; 
  • Have demonstrated experience and commitment to community engagement;
  • Articulate a clear project focus aligned with the School of Cities Mission;
  • Articulate their desired form of residency (in person and/or virtual);
  • Be eligible to work in Canada.
Early Career designation is not specifically defined by factors such as age, level of educational training, or work experience. Rather, early career designates an individual who identifies as early in the trajectory of their current career path (typically within 10 years of terminal degree completion).
Applicants should specify their desired form of residency (in person and/or virtual). Details will be negotiated with the School upon acceptance.
The Early Career Canadian Urban Leader is expected to commit the equivalent of two working days per week to their role with the School of Cities. The schedule can be flexible to accommodate various needs and responsibilities.
Funding of $50,000 CAD is available as a taxable stipend, paid out over 12-months.
Early Career Canadian Urban Leaders must be eligible to work in Canada.
 All appointments will be for a one-year term.
Please email outreach.sofc@utoronto.ca with any questions or requests.