Writer-in-Residence (WIR), 2025-2026

INKspire; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 6,000 - 8,000; Part time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Toronto is seeking a Writer-in-Residence to empower youth voices through mentorship and writing workshops. This role involves guiding young writers, developing their skills, and leading a series of workshops. Candidates should have experience in writing or publishing and a passion for youth empowerment. This hybrid position offers a $6,000 - $7,500 CAD honorarium for a 1-year term.

Benefits

Opportunity to mentor young writers

Build professional relationships in non-profit

Empower youth through writing

Qualifications

• Experience in the writing or publishing industry.
• Experience leading writing workshops and/or mentoring youth.
• Collaborative work style with strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Hold 30 minute check-ins with the writers.
• Host weekly Office Hours for writing advice.
• Deliver writing workshops on various genres.

Skills

Experience in the writing or publishing industry

Experience leading writing workshops

Strong interpersonal skills

Job description

Publishing (Editing) Contractor – Toronto, ON Hybrid – $6,000 - $7,500 CAD per year

Location: Remote, with travel in Toronto

Role Type: Writer-in-Residence (WIR)

Term: 1-Year Term

About Us

INKspire is a non-profit organization that strives to empower youth voices by providing a web platform where young people can share their ideas and perspectives on various relevant and contemporary issues across Canada and around the world. INKspire hopes to encourage youth engagement in current global affairs and provide opportunities for young writers, journalists, and artists to showcase their talents.

Our mission: To give youth a greater voice in society by providing opportunities for young people to share their passion for writing, express their thoughts and ideas, learn from one another and come together to drive a positive social change.

Our Vision: We envision bringing together youth into a space where they can learn, share, connect, and inspire one another to drive positive change in the world.

Description

INKspire is seeking an experienced writer to serve as Writer-in-Residence (WIR) for a 1-year term. From May 2025- May 2026, INKspire will be running the Writer Fellowship Program, a 1-year program in which equity-deserving women (ages 18-24) in Toronto will publish 5 articles / writing pieces with INKspire while developing their craft and career through workshops, networking events and a capstone project. The Writer-in-Residence position involves providing mentorship to these writers. We welcome writers with expertise in any genre of writing, including but not limited to: journalism, novel writing, poetry, short fiction, content writing, etc.

You will receive a $6000-7500 honorarium over the course of your term. The honorarium and time commitment will be adjusted depending on the roles and responsibilities agreed upon between INKspire and the Writer-In-Residence.

Time Commitment : Approximately 4-5 hours per week

Roles and Responsibilities

• Hold 30 minute check-ins with the writers at start, middle and end of program.
• Host weekly Office Hours, where writers can ask for advice on their writing (INKspire-related or otherwise) and / or career.
• Deliver 1-2 series of writing workshops to be delivered to the writers.
• Each series will be 5-6 workshops each.
• Each workshop will be 1 1 / 2 hr to 2 hrs long.
• Each series will focus on a different topic / genre of writing, which may include, but is not limited to: novel writing, poetry, short fiction, content writing, journalism, etc.
• The topic will be adapted to suit the WIR’s expertise.
• Workshops will be online, with the expectation that at least one workshop will be delivered in person.
• Organize and moderate one career / industry panel event.
• The event may be hosted in-person or online depending on the speakers invited.
• Host multiple online 101-style workshops for participants internal and external to INKspire, with the exact number to be determined in collaboration with the INKspire team
• Attend the Writer Fellowship Program’s in-person events (Human Library Event, WFP Gala)
• Propose opportunities for involvement and outreach in Toronto’s literary community and organizations who would be a good fit for the capstone project.
• Provide advice on the production of INKspire’s print anthology.
• Report to Program Director and Co-Executive Directors.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the writing or publishing industry.
• Experience leading writing workshops and / or mentoring youth.
• Familiarity with digital and print publishing platforms welcome, but not required.
• Based in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area and / or able to commute to in-person events in Toronto
• A collaborative work style with strong interpersonal skills.

If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about youth empowerment, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join INKspire?

This volunteer role provides a unique opportunity to:

• Empower young writers to express themselves and make an impact.
• Gain experience being a leader and mentor.
• Build meaningful professional relationships in the non-profit and creative sectors.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

INKspire values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

Application Process

If you are interested in this position, please apply by June 15, 2025, with the following:

• A brief introduction outlining the reasons for your interest in this role.
• Your resume.
• Links to your LinkedIn profile, blog, or personal website (if applicable).
• For questions about the role, please contact [e-mail]