Director, Programs and Services

Director, Programs and Services (Community) Join to apply for the Director, Programs and Services (Community) role at Skills for Change Job Description Job Classification: Director, Programs and Services (Community Programs) Program/Department: Program Operations Company: Skills for Change Location: 65 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday- Friday) Reports To: Senior Director, Programs and Services Start Date: Immediately The Director, Programs and Services is a pivotal leader at Skills for Change, reporting directly to the Senior Director, Programs and Services. This role is responsible for advancing the strategic vision and organizational priorities established by senior leadership. Overseeing a diverse and multi-layered team, the Director manages a dynamic portfolio of community programs, driving innovation through responsive program development and implementation. With a strong focus on building meaningful connections within the community, the Director fosters collaborative partnerships across the organization and with external stakeholders to enhance Skills for Change’s competitive position. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for key programming areas, including Black Community Access Programs, Mental Health and Wellness, and AI Upskilling and Sustainable Communities programming, while championing the growth and development of new projects that support the integration of newcomer professionals into the Canadian labour market. Working closely with the Program Operations team, the Director ensures the delivery of impactful programs and services that address the evolving needs of a wide range of client communities. Responsibilities Program Management Provide strategic leadership for implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs. Pilot innovation in program design and delivery based on client needs and labor market considerations, through new formats, partnerships, and service models. Facilitate and strengthen referral pathways between other programs for seamless client transitions. Collaborate with other Directors to share best practices, support integrated service delivery, and develop processes and policies for effective delivery. Develop community of practice approaches to foster cross-functional team learning and development. Analyze program data, identify trends and issues, propose recommendations and solutions to mitigate risks. Produce robust, detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting for funders and stakeholders. Leverage organization-wide CRM systems to ensure data integrity, consistency, and optimized impact measurement. Represent Skills for Change to funders through strong relationship management, program delivery, and fiscal effectiveness. Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director, adapting to evolving organizational needs. Program Development Engage with community members and stakeholders to co-create programs reflecting local needs, priorities, and lived experiences. Facilitate community consultations and integrate feedback into program development for relevance and responsiveness. Ensure program design, delivery, and evaluation reflect intersectional approaches and address systemic barriers. Build strategic partnerships with community organizations to develop innovative solutions for evolving client needs. Collaborate with the Program Design team to lead development and timely delivery of proposals to funders, capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Work closely with development and program management teams to generate new opportunities and diversify funding base. Support annual program development planning with the Senior Director, including reporting on outcomes, future priorities, and aligning new initiatives with the Strategic Plan. Budget & Administration Prepare and monitor program-specific budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals. Participate in agency-wide budget planning and projections, collaborating to optimize resource allocation. Develop and oversee unit and program business/work plans, integrating financial and operational objectives. Prepare regular financial reports on performance and impact measurement to strengthen accountability and support decision-making. Participate in financial management meetings and contribute insights for organizational financial health. Manage special projects as required, ensuring effective planning, execution, and fiscal oversight. Build a performance-based culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and transformation accountable to clients, funders, and stakeholders. Support problem solving, sound judgment, and efficient, accountable processes. Develop annual targets for department and direct reports, monitor progress, provide feedback, and adjust goals to drive performance. Oversee program-related leadership team, conduct regular performance reviews, coach and mentor team members, and build consensus and buy-in for engagement and growth. Develop and implement change management approaches to prepare staff for new programming, labor market shifts, policy changes, and evolving newcomer experiences. Promote a barrier‑free, non‑discriminatory environment aligned with antiracism, anti‑discrimination, and harassment policies. Community Engagement Liaise with agencies and groups addressing issues relevant to Skills for Change and its clients, ensuring collaborative approaches to shared challenges. Build and nurture partnerships with key organizations and stakeholders to advance community priorities and respond to emerging needs. Participate in public forums, sector events, and community meetings to elevate Skills for Change’s profile, foster dialogue, and advocate for positive change. Champion the organization’s mission by promoting its work, sharing impact stories, and engaging in sector‑wide initiatives to enhance visibility and influence. Qualifications MBA, bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, community development, social work, public administration, business administration, or a related field of interest 10 years’ experience working in a management or other leadership position related to employment, settlement and newcomer services, or related sectors, with people management experience. 10 years of experience designing and implementing programs for community development Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Track record of thinking conceptually and mastering complex subject matter quickly. Exceptional people leadership and program management skills, with example of leading change at an organizational wide level. Strong organizational skills and demonstrated capacity to develop and implement practical strategies, plans, and solutions to identified issues and problems. Proven ability to develop sound community relations and growing programs and funding in a non‑profit context. Proven ability to assimilate information gathered through research and consultations, to apply that information in creative and crosscutting ways, and to synthesize appropriate strategies and responses. Knowledge of emerging trends in AI themes and priorities reacted to workforce development. Superior critical thinking skills, including the capacity to identify and appropriately assess and order competing interests and priorities. First rate verbal and written communication skills. Track record of taking initiative in managing competing organizational and departmental priorities and to work effectively under pressure when facing extremely short deadlines. Exceptional research, writing, analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Good judgment, discretion, tact, and the ability to work easily with senior leaders within the charitable, government, and business sectors. Ability to partner well with colleagues both in and outside of the organization. Ability to work independently and to undertake supervisory responsibilities as needed. Experience working in a unionized environment and applying collective agreements. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Skills for Change by 2x Get notified about new Director of Program Services jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. #J-18808-Ljbffr