Call for Applications - Facilitation Services

Call for Applications: Facilitation Services

Deadline for Submission: August 17, 2026

About CivicAction

CivicAction Leadership Foundation is a civic leadership organization working across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to mobilize leaders around the region’s most pressing challenges. For more than two decades, CivicAction has brought together leaders from business, government, community, nonprofit, and institutional sectors to help move issues that no one organization can solve alone. Our work has catalyzed initiatives that now operate independently across the region, including TRIEC, Luminato, HireNext, Race to Reduce, and NPower Canada. That convening and catalytic capacity is what makes CivicAction distinctive: we build the cross-sector relationships and civic infrastructure that systemic change requires.

About BoardShift Governance Curriculum

Inclusive and effective governance leads to stronger organizations, better decisions, and healthier communities. CivicAction’s BoardShift Governance Curriculum develops organizations and leaders that have the governance capacity needed to meet today’s challenges with confidence, accountability, and inclusiveness.  

For organizations and professionals seeking to strengthen governance effectiveness, BoardShift is a flexible, self-paced training platform that develops governance-ready leaders equipped to navigate complex decision-making and leadership environments. Combining practical, self-paced learning with optional facilitation, customization and cohort-based learning experiences, BoardShift offers accessible, flexible development for emerging and experienced leaders alike. 

By combining accessible governance education with practical leadership development, BoardShift cultivates a diverse and connected pipeline of governance-ready leaders, ensuring the next generation of city-builders is equipped and ready to drive meaningful change nationwide. 

Opportunity

CivicAction is looking for skilled practitioners who can design and deliver engaging learning experiences, workshops, discussions, and leadership development activities for diverse participant groups in support of BoardShift’s business model. Practitioners who submit an application may be engaged for individual assignments throughout the roster period based on business needs, expertise, availability, and budget. Facilitation support will be leveraged to deliver value to BoardShift’s client base of organizations and individuals accessing governance and leadership training.

We invite applications from independent facilitators, consultants, and facilitation firms interested in being considered for facilitation opportunities with BoardShift. Successful applicants will join the BoardShift facilitator roster as independent contractors. Please note that inclusion on the roster does not guarantee assignments or a minimum volume of work. Engagements will be offered based on client demand, subject matter expertise, availability, and budget.

Areas of Support

Facilitators may be engaged to provide one or more of the following services.

Facilitation

·       Design and deliver virtual or in-person workshops and learning sessions informed by BoardShift’s core syllabus

·       Facilitate group discussions and dialogue geared around BoardShift’s learning concepts

·       Lead virtual, hybrid, and in-person sessions

·       Support participant engagement and inclusive participation

·       Navigate group dynamics and challenging conversations

Session Design

·       Develop learning objectives and session plans in alignment with BoardShift’s curriculum

·       Create presentation materials and participant resources

·       Adapt content for different audiences and delivery formats

Program Support

·       Participate in planning meetings

·       Collaborate with CivicAction staff and partners

·       Provide post-session reflections, evaluations, and recommendations

·       Contribute to continuous improvement of products and participant experiences

Areas of Expertise

Applicants are invited to identify their areas of expertise, which may include:

·       Leadership development

·       Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging

·       Civic engagement

·       Systems change

·       Strategic planning

·       Community engagement

·       Governance and board development

·       Team effectiveness

·       Change management

·       Governance

·       Board readiness

·       Director education

·       Nonprofit governance, stewardship and sustainability

·       Board simulations

·       Strategic governance conversations, and corporate/community sessions

·       Other relevant topics

Participant Audiences

BoardShift’s core audience will include a wide variety of individuals and organizations accessing our fee for service training, including:

·       Early-career professionals

·       Mid-career professionals

·       Public sector leaders

·       Nonprofit professionals

·       Internal employee resource groups

·       Cross-sectoral stakeholders

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from facilitators who demonstrate:

·       Proven facilitation experience in both virtual and in-person environments

·       Experience working with diverse groups and communities with varying needs

·       Strong communication, presentation, and engagement skills

·       Ability to create inclusive and psychologically safe learning environments

·       Experience designing and delivering adult learning experiences

·       Relevant subject matter expertise in one or more of the areas listed above

Timeline for Selection:

CivicAction is looking to engage facilitators beginning as early as August 2026. Facilitators accepted to the roster may be contacted for opportunities as needs arise. Engagements will vary in scope, duration, and level of effort.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Interest

In your cover letter, please include:

a) Facilitation Approach

·       Your facilitation philosophy and methodology

·       Your experience with governance

·       How you design engaging and inclusive learning experiences

·       Your experience facilitating virtual, hybrid, and in-person sessions

b) Fee Information

·       Daily facilitation rate

·       Half-day facilitation rate

·       Hourly consulting or design rate

·       Preparation and curriculum design rates (if applicable)

·       Travel expenses or reimbursement requirements (if applicable)

c) Availability

·       CivicAction is seeking facilitators as early as August 2026. Please confirm your preferred process for securing assigned work, including estimated required lead time for reviewing and accepting assignments.

2. Resume and/or Organizational Profile

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on:

·       Relevant facilitation experience

·       Subject matter expertise

·       Facilitation approach and methodology

·       Experience working with diverse audiences

·       Alignment with CivicAction's programs and values

·       Overall value and fit for anticipated opportunities

Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a brief conversation or interview before being added to the roster.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

CivicAction is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We encourage applications from facilitators with diverse lived experiences, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.

We are committed to creating an accessible application process. Accommodation requests are welcomed throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please submit your application electronically by August 17, 2026 at 5PM.