Manager of Community Programs

Manager of Community Programs & Volunteer Services
Edmonton, AB Provincial Office (Community Service) Full-time Jan 16, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Community Programs & Volunteer Services is responsible for the professional management of St. John Ambulance (SJA) Alberta Community Programs & Volunteer Services across the province and will primarily be responsible for the direct supervision of the Community Programs & Volunteer Service Coordinator staff in the seven SJA Alberta offices. The Manager will provide department leadership to ensure effective delivery of the programs and services operating within SJA Alberta Council and is responsible for provincially coordinating the SJA Alberta volunteer emergency response program during times of declared emergencies and disasters.

Working collaboratively with the department Coordinators, the Manager is accountable for program quality assurance, effective delivery of volunteer services, equipment and resources, and for ensuring compliance with SJA provincial and national policies and procedures. The Manager is responsible for the approved department budgets and local operation plans including growth in service delivery and community visibility to promote the value of S services provided to the local communities in alignment with the organization’s missions, vision, and values.

The Manager maintains cooperative working relationships with the staff teams at the SJA local Centres, Provincial Office, and National Office. The Manager advises the Executive on business-critical items and risk mitigation in relation to delivery of services along with recommendations and decisions concerning the department, client and volunteer needs.

The Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with other non-governmental organizations, provincial and national event organizers for special events, and government relations in connection to SJA Community Programs and Volunteer Services provided.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Organization

Responsible for the direct supervision of the Community Programs & Volunteer Service Coordinator staff in the seven SJA Alberta offices.

Implements and applies operational policies and procedures designed to enhance and ensure quality control of volunteer services and programs. Monitors compliance to provincial and national policies and procedures applicable to the Community Services department (programs and service delivery).

Translates organization strategic goals into practical actions.

Working collaboratively, develops and operates local SJA Centre operational plans for Community Programs and Volunteer Services in Alberta which establishes key goals and objectives, identifies all operational costs and links both the Council business and strategic plans and budgets. Provides plan updates to the Management and Executive Teams, as required.

Develops and maintains a quality assurance plan for Community Programs and Volunteer Services implemented in SJA Alberta Council.

Collaborate with Human Resources to design and implement robust strategies for the recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, and retention of volunteers. Provide strategic guidance to local Centre Volunteer Service Coordinators to ensure these processes are executed effectively to attract and equip a high-quality volunteer workforce.

Serves as the SJA Alberta Council Emergency Management lead and liaises with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through attendance at the NGO Council for Alberta meetings and liaises with the SJA National Office Emergency Management Team. Works collaboratively with the local SJA Centre Coordinators on managing the Emergency Response Units and leading the teams through any official deployments during times of declared emergencies.

Serves as the Alberta Council representative on the SJA National Community Service Committee and attends meetings, virtual and in-person, as scheduled. Facilitates information exchange between National Office, Provincial Head Office and the local SJA Centres regarding Community Programs and Volunteer Services, in the areas of service utilization, cost / benefit analyses, image and public relations issues and community linkages, and any applicable changes in programs and service delivery.

Works closely with the Coordinators, Provincial Executive Team, and any advisory committees established to implement the Community Service goals and objectives contained within the Council’s Business Plan and the Board’s policy directives.

Identifies areas of waste and inefficiencies in the structure and function of Community Services and makes recommendations to the Executive Team on any suggested improvements, as required.

Demonstrates leadership in fostering a safe working environment for employees and volunteers by integrating health and safety considerations into Community Program training and emergency response activities. Ensures the proactive identification, reporting, and mitigation of incidents and risks in alignment with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety legislation.

Accepts other duties assigned by the Executive Team.

Public Relations and Communications

Works closely with the local Centre Volunteer Service Coordinators in developing and maintaining contacts and partnerships with clients of SJA Volunteer Services throughout the Province and liaises with corporate clients and / or venue operators to sustain and / or enhance the public image and perception of the organization.

Works closely with the Manager of Marketing to plan and execute external communications to promote the mission of the organization and the value of the services SJA provides in each community within the Province of Alberta.

Establishes regular internal communications to department staff and volunteer base, including an electronic newsletter, or other forms of communication.

Attends meetings and conferences having a direct bearing and/or impact on the provision of Community Programs and Volunteer Services, when practicable.

Frequently attends external and internal SJA and community events to maintain a high degree of visibility for the organization.

As directed by the CEO or the Vice-President of Operations, may act as a spokesperson for St John Ambulance Alberta Council Community Programs and Volunteer Services in dealings with media and external organizations.

Working with the Community Programs and Volunteer Service Coordinators, engages in membership and end-user surveys to measure the effectiveness of the Volunteer Service delivery and activities.

Keeps abreast of any legal, social and cultural changes having a direct impact on Community Programs and Volunteer Services in Alberta and communicates relevant changes with accompanying suggestions for internal change or accommodation to the Executive Team.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Key Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

Communication:The ability to effectively convey the mission and values of the organization internally and externally is essential. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate goals, expectations, and instructions is essential. Ability to listen to concerns, and serve as a liaison between staff, volunteers, and leadership is paramount.

Motivation & Inspiration:The ability to inspire and energize staff and volunteers by connecting their work to the larger mission and impact of the organization.

Empathy & Respect:Approaching everyone with warmth, understanding, and appreciation builds trust and ensures staff and volunteers feel valued, which is crucial for engagement and retention.

Teamwork & Collaboration:Fostering a positive, collaborative environment and building strong relationships with staff and external community partners is essential for collective success.

Conflict Resolution:The ability to navigate complex human interactions and manage conflict among clients, staff, and volunteers is a critical skill for maintaining a healthy environment.

Change Management:Ability to identify, implement, and communicate organizational changes successfully to relevant SJA teams, partners, and.

Cultural Sensitivity: Promotes an inclusive environment exemplified by understanding all cultural groups.

Managing Employee Performance: Provides direct supervision of the employed department Coordinators, identifies employees’ strengths and weaknesses and provides guidance, direction and support, as required.

Administrative & Program Management Skills

Organization & Planning:Managing varied tasks, multiple initiatives, schedules, and resources requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Risk Management:The ability to review and monitor activities for quality assurance, ensure policies and procedures are current and implemented, and effectively utilize program and volunteer evaluation tools to monitor success and support changes as needed.

Recruitment & Onboarding:Work with the Human Resources Administrator to design and implement efficient strategies for recruiting, screening, onboarding, training and retaining volunteers. Provide guidance to local Centre Volunteer Service Coordinators to ensure these strategies are effectively executed to attract, prepare and retain volunteers.

Training & Coaching:Ability to develop and deliver effective training programs to equip staff and volunteers with the necessary skills for their roles.

Technical Proficiency:Competence in using St. John Ambulance volunteer management software, databases, and other digital tools as approved for use to support operations and reporting requirements.

Resource and Fiscal Management:Uses resources such as human capital, supplies, products, materials, and other items effectively and with foresight to available and limited funds.

Core Attributes

Flexibility & Adaptability:The volunteer programs and service delivery environment can be unpredictable, ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions to problems is paramount.

Passion & Commitment:A genuine passion for the organization’s cause is contagious and helps keep staff and volunteers motivated and dedicated to the mission.

Growth Mindset:A commitment to professional development, openness to feedback, and the continuous refinement of processes ensures the programs remain relevant, effective, and sustainable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-Secondary education in Volunteer Management, Human Resources, Bachelor of Arts, Human Ecology, or related field.

Emergency Management training/experience, an asset.

Public relations training/experience, an asset.

Demonstrated leadership experience in not-for-profit, voluntary, or public service organizations.

Ability to supervise and motivate a team to achieve and exceed their goals.

Experience working with employee teams and volunteers in a support and/or administrative role with a good understanding and comprehension of volunteerism and effective delivery of services to local communities.

Demonstrated project management skills.

A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.

Clean police record check and vulnerable sector check.

Ability to travel within the Province of Alberta and occasional travel within Canada for conferences and national meetings.

Some flexibility with hours will be needed to attend events, meetings, and functions that may include occasional evenings and weekends.

Valid Class 5 Operator’s (Driver’s) License.

Is able to work in person at our Provincial Office located in Edmonton.

St. John Ambulance Alberta Council is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

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