Project Coordinator

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities' most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

SNAP YJ, which stands for Stop Now And Plan Youth Justice, is based on a framework designed to develop, train, and support an intervention approach aimed at reducing the risk of further legal issues or gang involvement for youth aged 12 and above. The Adaptation Framework project, a 5-year initiative, is designed to create population-specific programming materials and develop frameworks for adaptation implementation and evaluation.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research and Evaluation, we are seeking aProject Coordinatorto join our Scaling, Research, and Development Team. In this role, you will oversee the SNAP YJ Model Adaptation Framework project, ensuring smooth coordination and timely execution. Your responsibilities will include supporting and coordinating a network of external collaborators with activities that will facilitate the adaptation of gender-based programs tailored to high-risk youth, with a particular focus on youth who identify as Black and/or 2SLGBTQ. You will facilitate communication among stakeholders, oversee the completion of tasks, and promptly identify any potential risks or delays that could impact project timelines. Your main goal will be to ensure the project is managed efficiently, maintaining strict timelines, coordinating effectively across different groups, and providing the necessary support to achieve project success.

Please note that this is an in-office role based out of our Euclid location five days per week.

Who you are

You may already have experience in project coordination or are eager to apply your organizational skills in a role that truly makes a difference. You excel at managing tasks and prefer a supportive role over leading entire projects. Your meticulous attention to detail will help you effectively track activities against deadlines, and your follow-up and follow-through will allow for seamless communication between stakeholders and internal teams. Your efforts will be crucial in driving the project forward by coordinating tasks and diligently following up on progress.

CDI’s Scaling Research and Development team works in an ever-changing landscape for youth involved in the criminal justice system. This role will require flexibility as the project evolves through the development and piloting of materials with a robust feedback loop. As a nonprofit mental health agency, we undertake significant yet grounded projects. Your impact will be measured by your ability to connect, facilitate, and ensure smooth project execution in a setting that prioritizes evidence-based best practices that will result in meaningful, impactful outcomes.

What's in it for you

Profound Purpose:You want to join a team that is adapting an already successful program with outstanding results to support youth disproportionately represented in our justice system. This is your chance to help elevate this initiative to new heights, ensuring that these youth receive the tailored programming they need.

Increased impact:We are a nonprofit organization that supports the most vulnerable members of our communities across a diverse range of backgrounds. This is a chance to bring your organizational and analytical skills and drive to help others to an organization that makes a difference every day.

Diverse Collaboration and Exposure:You will have the opportunity to work with a multifaceted team, including trainers, consultants, researchers, developers, and tech experts. You will work closely with them, learning from their expertise and contributing to the creation of engaging, effective programming.

In this role, you will:

• Facilitate smooth communication and collaboration between stakeholders.You will ensure that tasks are assigned, tracked and completed according to project timelines. You will maintain project documentation and update project plans as needed.
• Monitor project progress.You will ensure all milestones are met within specified timeframes, coordinate with stakeholders to resolve issues that may arise, identify potential risks or delays, and proactively communicate or address them as needed to ensure the project remains on track. You will act as a point of contact for project stakeholders, communicate regularly with internal teams and external partners to gather requirements, discuss project status, and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Document and report.You will maintain comprehensive project documentation, including the creation of project reports and presentations to update stakeholders on progress.
• Manage meeting coordination.You will organize, attend, and participate in stakeholder meetings; and document and follow up on meetings and deliverables to be actioned.
• Ensure continuous improvement.You will collect feedback and data to assess project success and areas for improvement and implement changes and adjustments as needed to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.

You have:

• The project management skills.You have experience coordinating projects from end to end. You are a creative problem solver, able to balance and change priorities, anticipate and respond to issues, and manage details. You focus on accomplishing every milestone, following processes and proactively resolving or circumventing issues.
• The accountability.You take ownership of your work and seek new opportunities for learning and growing. You are curious, energetic and driven to perform independently and as part of a team. You are flexible and agile, ready to adapt to changes as they come; you are comfortable being uncomfortable.
• Appreciation for cross-team collaboration.You have expertise working with internal and external stakeholders across all levels. You can influence without authority and coordinate the work of a multi-functional team. You respect and appreciate diverse experiences and opinions.
• The technical skills.You have expertise in MS Office Suite and are familiar with project management, productivity, and communication tools.
• The passion.You are empathetic and compassionate, and you want to channel your skills at an organization focused on bettering the lives of children, caregivers, and communities through access to mental health support.
• The added experience.You have lived and/or professional experience working with youth who identify as Black and/or 2SLGBTQ. A solid understanding of their unique strengths and experiences, as well as the risk factors for involvement in antisocial or criminal behaviour, would be an asset.

Other requirements:

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.
• As a condition of employment, you are required to provide updated COVID vaccinations in compliance with the CDI Mandatory Vaccination Policy.

Join us.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:

• Full health and well-being benefits.
• Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
• A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications.

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.