East Scarborough Storefront is a unique model of community development; we leverage the power of collaboration to support people and build community.  Storefront staff act as a bridge between community members, services and resources.  As a member of the East Scarborough Storefront team, the Local Economic Opportunities Specialist supports the ongoing development and implementation of strategies and activities that contribute to economic resilience in the East Scarborough neighbhourhood.

The Position: The Local Economic Opportunities Specialist will provide supports to local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, and will work to facilitate neighbourhood based economic development activities.  This support will include activities that will maximize the economic potential of local residents and business owners by connecting them to each other, to capacity building opportunities, to resources, to local and City wide initiatives and help them do business in new and innovative ways.

Working within the frameworks of the Resilient Neighbourhood Economies project the Local Economic Opportunities Specialist will:

• Maintain consistent communication with community members, entrepreneurs & businesses about ideas, opportunities and innovations that could help them achieve their economic goals
• Encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to identify innovative and co-operative approaches to problem solving
• Support the development of micro-projects that contribute to the development of a thriving local economy
• Facilitate connections between and among community members, new entrepreneurs, established businesses and those who can provide information, resources and opportunities that could assist community members and local businesses to meet their economic goals
• Respect the confidentiality of information shared by people served at the Storefront
• Ensure that residents’ dignity and human rights are respected at all times
• Clearly explain Storefront policies and procedures as necessary
• Promote opportunities in the community by conducting presentations, developing display materials and participating in appropriate events
• Maintain record of key activities and write accounts of the successes achieved, including the processes used to achieve those successes
• Articulate the Resilient Neighbourhood Economies project, it’s vision and approach to various stakeholders as and when required
• Play an active role in  visioning, planning and evaluation of Storefront’s work
• Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Local Economic Opportunities Specialist will have the following skills and training:

• An understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset with an ability to craft and implement plans to enhance economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the community.
• A business background, academic and/or professional, and enjoy building bridges between businesses and the community.
• A welcoming and respectful approach to working with people
• Previous experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a community setting
• Understanding of the benefits of community collaboration to enhance service delivery
• Demonstrated commitment to strengthening community through business supports
• Strong communication skills  and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Experience working in a collaborative diverse and inclusive environment,
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries and set limits
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office programs and the internet
• Ability to multitask and take initiative
• Flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks

This position is a 14 month contract position to fill a maternity leave. Hours are full time Monday to Friday, schedule to be determined, evening work required and some weekend work on occasion.

Please forward resumes by email, no later than:  April 4th, 2014 to
rkumar@thestorefront.org

Previous applicants to this position need not apply.

East Scarborough Storefront encourages applicants from all Human Rights protected groups. The Storefront is committed to hiring staff members who reflect the diversity of East Scarborough.

No phone calls please. We regret that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: all qualified candidates will be invited to a group screening interview on April 7th, 2014 and for those candidates shortlisted for the 2nd stage selection, individual interviews will be held on April 9th, 2014.