Position Type: Full-time
Location: 55 Fort York Blvd, hybrid-working 2 days in-office
Start Date: August 2026
Reporting to: Director of Planning & Design, & CEO
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $70-75K
Application Deadline: June 26 at 5pm
Summary of Position: The Design Manager will oversee the planning, coordination, procurement and implementation of multidisciplinary design projects, ensuring alignment with The Bentway’s Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan.
The Design manager will manage projects across a range of scales – from corridor-wide studies and feasibility initiatives to capital projects and pilot programs. The role will involve close coordination with City divisions, consultants, community partners, contractors and funding stakeholders to advance projects through all stages of development.
The Design Manager will oversee the preparation of design briefs, RFPs, consultant contracts, technical studies, schedules and approval process. The role will also support strategic growth initiatives for The Bentway.
About The Bentway The Bentway is a dynamic civic organization dedicated to enhancing urban life through the design and implementation of innovative public spaces, public programming, and site operations. Deeply rooted in Toronto’s urban fabric, The Bentway leads a creative movement to re-imagine the possibilities of the Gardiner Expressway. We believe in the power of art and culture to spark the urban imagination, transform communities and foster vibrant, inclusive cities. The Bentway Conservancy is a non-profit organization and registered charity that works closely with the City of Toronto, artists & creatives, and local communities to bring our work to life.
Core Responsibilities:-
Oversee the development of Bentway-led design projects at key Bentway expansion sites along the Gardiner Expressway-Lake Shore Boulevard corridor
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Advance project development with private and public stakeholders, working collaboratively with internal departments
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Oversee operational and construction budgets to support the development of construction projects of various scales and degrees of complexity
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Maintain continual and timely communication with consultants, stakeholder user groups, and senior leadership team
Design (70%):
- Execute design studies to explore programing opportunities, new connectivity, space planning options and other site considerations
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Prepare key documents to support the procurement of consultants, design teams, and other external groups to advance early-stage design thinking and feasibilities studies, including design briefs, public presentations, RFPs, and RFQs
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Coordinate and support work by external design teams, consultants, and other partners on Bentway-led projects, or projects in joint-venture with City agencies, through all stages of development from Concept Design, Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documentation
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Ensure that internally-led Bentway design projects are following applicable guidelines, standards, policies, and procedures for procurement, contract development and management, and standards for sustainability
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Oversee and report on relevant project budgets, including financial reporting and quarterly reconciliation
Strategic Initiatives (30%):
- Work with the Director of Planning & Design and other department leads on presentations of The Bentway’s Planning and Design projects, including plans for future growth
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Support the development of strategic demonstration projects that help to inform longer term visions
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Participate in technical reviews, advisories, committees and adjudications on behalf of The Bentway to advance organizational aims and objectives
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Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- A minimum of five years professional experience in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and/or design, environmental design studies, construction project management, design management, or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience
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Evidenced experience leading design and construction projects through various levels of development, drawing upon knowledge of building sciences, policy, practice, education and research
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Proven ability to work collaboratively across sectors and disciplines, including municipal and other government agencies, private-sector partners, consultants, cultural institutions, funders, professional organizations, and community stakeholders
- Interest and experience with public-realm planning and urban design best practices, including sustainability standards and codes, climate resilience, universal design, accessibility, equity, multi-use programming, and operations-informed design
- Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and consistency
- Proficiency with visual communication and design tools
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Working knowledge of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is an asset
Applications The Bentway is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment that promotes equity and diversity. We encourage applications from individuals from equity deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized applicants, persons with disabilities, and women.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to The Bentway Conservancy at [email protected]. We kindly ask that no phone calls or emails are made to staff members. All questions regarding the position must be sent to [email protected]. To Apply Apply with a resume and cover letter via The Bentway’s job board.
Deadline to Apply: June 26 at 5pm
Application Components:
- Resume
- Cover Letter detailing your interest in working at The Bentway and relevant experience to the job description (applications without a cover letter will not be considered)
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Optional: Portfolio consisting of three recent projects
The Bentway does not use AI to sort candidates, each application will be reviewed by a staff member. We thank all applicants for their interest and will endeavour to contact all applicants, whether successful or not.
