Job Opportunity: Junior Associate

Written By Vani Jain

Location: Hybrid with occasional in-person time in Montreal or Toronto
Type: 6 months employment contract at an hourly rate (20–30 hours/week)
Potential for: Full-time, permanent position following initial contract period

About Us

Catalyst Philanthropy is a mission-driven startup social impact consulting firm that is focused exclusively on improving the impact of philanthropy in Canada. Founded in November 2024, Catalyst Philanthropy has grown quickly, already serving eight different foundations with endowments ranging from $6M to $1B+. These engagements have cut across a range of topic areas, including homelessness, food security, climate justice, arts for social change, substance use & addictions, gender equity, youth mental health, women’s health, and trans rights.

As we enter our next phase of growth, Catalyst Philanthropy is seeking a thoughtful, motivated, diligent Junior Associate to join our team. This individual would have a key role in supporting both business operations and client engagements, and would also be involved in and mentored on strategy development. This role is designed for someone in the first five years of their career who is eager to learn and grow in the social impact space.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on a variety of social and environmental issues to inform client strategies and deliverables

  • Provide administrative and project coordination support including scheduling, project management, client communication, and invoicing

  • Provide basic graphic design support on client- and otherwise externally-facing materials in accordance with brand guidelines (e.g. slide decks, reports). Working knowledge of one or more graphic design programs (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) is required

  • Coordinate external communications, such as LinkedIn posts, blogs and website updates

  • Act as a thought partner and collaborator in strategy development

  • Provide support at in-person events and meetings (may require travel within Canada)

What We’re Looking For

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and adapt in a fast-paced, startup environment

  • Curiosity and willingness to learn across a range of issues and functions

  • Flexibility to work at multiple levels, from administrative heavy-lifting to higher-level strategy and ideation

  • A collaborative and empathetic approach to work and relationships

  • A driven commitment to social impact

Additional Assets

  • Bilingual in French and English

  • Familiarity with climate change, climate justice, or related environmental fields

  • Residence in Montreal (where Catalyst Philanthropy is based) or Toronto (a city where much of our work takes place)

What You’ll Gain

  • Concrete work experience in social impact and philanthropy

  • Mentorship and guidance in strategy, facilitation and communications via a highly supportive, feedback-rich environment

  • Networking opportunities with a wide range of social impact leaders

  • Support in career development and growth

Experience Required

  • Completed undergraduate degree

  • Demonstrated leadership through extra-curricular or work activities

Contract Details

  • 6-month commitment with an ASAP starting date

  • Opportunity to co-create a longer-term, full-time role based on organizational needs and performance

  • Flexible 20–35 hours/week based on organizational workload and deadlines (some weekday daytime availability is required but other tasks could be completed asynchronously over evenings and weekends)

  • Hourly rate of $35/hour, paid bi-weekly based on submission of timesheet + 4% in lieu of vacation

  • Candidate must be based in and eligible to work in Canada

To Apply

We want to see your communication skills in action! Send us a slide deck (no more than 5 slides, excluding title slide) that communicates what we should know about you, your interest in this role, and why you are the ideal candidate.

Completed slide decks can be sent by email to info[at]catalystphilanthropy.ca no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday June 24, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be offered an initial virtual interview for the week of July 7, 2025. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate introductory phone calls with any interested applicants.

We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in your application and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

Vani Jain