RESEARCH TRAINEE (Social Media)

• Job ID: 63044
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: Strategic Public & Employee Communications, Marketing, Comms & Digital Strategy
• Work Location:  City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, M5H 2N2
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary (4 months, May to August 2026)
• Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $22.67 - $24.68, Wage Grade T2
• Shift Information:  Monday to Sunday, 35 hours per week (Days, Evenings, Weekends, and/or holidays) 
• Number of Positions Open: 1 
• Posting Period: 30-Mar-2026 to 13-Apr-2026
• Location and Shift Information: The base location is City Hall; however, candidates will be required to travel to various locations across the city
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• Please Note:  The applicant pool from this job posting may be used for similar summer job opportunities in various divisions

About the Division

The Communications Division delivers effective marketing and communications to the public and City staff. Through a centralized approach that nurtures growth and opportunity for its staff, the Communications division focuses on proactive storytelling that puts the City, and its divisions – as partners – at the center. Integrated communications and marketing activities align with the broader organizational strategy and drive measurable impact.

This position assists in gathering, distributing, and compiling data related to digital content across City channels, helping connect residents with timely, accessible, and engaging information. Working within the Social Media Engagement team, the Research Trainee (Social Media) assists with compiling, drafting, and creating digital content, while ensuring all content reflects City brand standards and incorporates an equity and inclusion lens.  The role also supports content planning through calendars, digital asset organization, and research-informed campaign ideas aligned with City priorities.  The position further contributes to analytics and reporting by tracking performance metrics, assisting in the audience behaviours and platform best practices, and facilitating in the consolidating and presenting of data for analysis gaining hands-on experience in municipal communications and public service storytelling.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assists with assembling and compiling information

• Collects data by monitoring online conversations and visiting sites/residents/community groups and asking for information/opinions regarding public sentiment and information needs

• Travels to various locations and/or attends special events to provide social media support/on-site assistance to capture content, and distribute information

• Assists with packing and unpacking equipment, supplies and displays

• Documents findings. Inputs/retrieves/updates/maintains data

• Assists with organizing and presenting data collected such as social media data, content performance metrics and research findings

• Assists with compiling and the consolidation of data including social media insights, audience feedback and trend research for others to analyze/process

• Assists others with drafting documents, bulletins, social posts, captions, content outlines, etc., and related communication materials and data analysis

• Assists with maintaining social and digital statistics

• Assists with various office functions

• Answers public inquiries received through phone or digital channels, provides general information and directs questions to the appropriate staff for follow-up

Key Qualifications:

1. Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of any post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function (i.e. communications, videography, social media management, or other relevant field), or an approved combination of education and experience

2. Experience in videography, photography, and creative storytelling to support digital content development

3. Experience with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar, and photo editing tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Canva

4. Experience working with various social media platforms and communities such as Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

You must also have:

• A passion for social media and experience creating on various platforms.
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team setting.
• Understanding of enterprise social media management tools like Hootsuite.
• Basic graphic design skillset.
• Data management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Outgoing personality and ability to engage the public.
• Flexibility to work day, evening and weekend shifts.
• This position requires frequent travel throughout the city, the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time and work in various indoor/outdoor work environments.

Note: The applicant pool from this job posting may be used for similar summer job opportunities in various divisions.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.