The Society for the Study of Architecture (SSAC) seeks a student intern to assist with activities and initiatives associated with our newly established Diverse Histories Project and with our online communications strategy.
About the organization:
The SSAC is a learned society and registered charitable organization dedicated to the study of the Canadian built environment. It has a varied membership that includes students, historians of architecture, architects, heritage practitioners and cultural planners. Founded in 1974, it has encouraged the collection and preservation of the country’s architectural records, stimulated and supported important scholarly publication, and, through both its members and its Journal, has fostered the understanding and preservation of the built environment.
Stemming from talks given at our 2021 Annual Conference, the SSAC’s Diverse Histories Project is intended to partially fulfill recommendations made by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability (DEIS) Committee, by recognizing the diverse histories and experiences of Canadians as they relate to the built environment. As a new initiative, this project is connected to and reliant upon the society’s general online communication strategy, including our social media outlets and website.
Description of placement:
The successful applicant will be supervised by and work closely with the President of the SSAC, and will work collaboratively with the society’s Executive Officers and the DEIS committee members to implement strategies to help the SSAC be more inclusive. The successful applicant will also develop materials and resources related to diverse histories to be included on our website, perform research/write on diverse histories in Canada (with the potential for publication), and assist with the society’s social media strategy, creating regular posts for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets.
Tasks may include:
- Attending and participating in online meetings of the Executive Officers (President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, Journal Editor, Communications Editor)
- Attending and participating in online meetings of the DEIS Committee
- Researching and/or writing and/or podcasting brief reports on buildings and/or neighbourhoods in BIPOC communities in Canada, which may be published through one of our outlets – journal, blog, newsletter, etc.
- Researching and preparing materials and resources for the SSAC’s website (ie. reading list, sister organizations, etc.)
- Assist with managing the society’s social media platforms
- Brainstorming/Planning an event – a talk, panel, or online tour, which addresses Diverse Histories in Canada (conditional upon funding)
The successful applicant will attend meetings with the society’s Executive Officers and the DEIS Committee, where they will have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from a variety of architectural fields and will become familiar with the running of a national non-profit organization.
Additionally, the intern will receive all benefits of society membership for one year.
Requirements:
All work will be conducted remotely. The intern must have access to a computer and reliable internet connection for remote work.
Timing/hours of placement: 12-15 hours per week/8 weeks, up to a maximum of 120 hours. Flexible timing throughout the week. Placement begins the week of May 9.
Credit: Half credit (0.5). This internship is for course credit at the University of Toronto through the Department of Art History. This is not a paid position.
Interested students should send an application by April 11, 2022 to Dr Jessica Mace (jessica.mace@utoronto.ca). Applications should include a letter of interest (including any relevant coursework or experience), and a resume. Please indicate to which posting(s) you are applying. If you are interested in multiple postings, you only need to submit one application.
This project is supported by the Learning & Education Advancement Fund at the University of Toronto
Canada constructed: architecture, landscape, history 