Coordinator, Industry Connections

The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) is a recognized leader of the recreation and parks sector. Established in 1951, we have continued to support our members by providing opportunities that enhance skills, knowledge and capacity in order to support the delivery of recreation and parks services. We provide leadership & advocacy to ensure the recreation and parks sector is recognized and supported for its vital contributions to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the natural and built environments. We are passionate about providing programs, professional development opportunities, resources, and events that work to enhance the quality of life of ALL Albertans.

This position is a two-year contract responsible for coordinating aspects of a Workforce Strategies project entitled Community Compass.

This project aims to make careers in the recreation and parks sector welcoming and accessible to all. To do this Community Compass provides direction for individuals from equity deserving groups seeking careers, while supporting employers in attracting, and retaining diverse staff through building inclusive and equitable workplaces.

The project will showcase career opportunities and then support individuals in understanding and navigating the pathway to different types of employment in the recreation and parks sector. Job and career showcase opportunities include increasing awareness of, and exposure to, recreation and parks as a career path, job shadowing, tours of workplaces and information related to employment opportunities in the sector.

The Coordinator, Industry Connections position will focus on working with job-seekers and equity-deserving groups both at a group level and an individual level. This will include organizing opportunities for job shadowing and career education and promotion, as well as guiding individuals and groups through existing barriers to employment. This process will include developing relationships with equity-deserving groups and individuals, and also with existing organizations that support them, and gaining knowledge about resources available to support the job-seeking process.

**Responsibilities**:
Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Compass, the Coordinator will provide:
**Individual Coaching and Support**
- Provide personalized coaching and support for individuals from equity-deserving groups participating in the program
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance the individual experience and promote personal growth
- Research grants, subsidies and programs that can assist with reducing barriers to training and professional development for individuals interested in career opportunities in the recreation and parks sector.

**Project Promotion and Engagement**
- Implement targeted marketing strategies to attract diverse participants to the project
- Actively engage with individuals from equity-deserving groups through one-on-one interactions, ensuring their inclusion and participation in project activities

**Community Connections and Relationship Building**
- Cultivate strong connections between individuals from equity-deserving populations and community parks and recreation organizations through personalized outreach and relationship-building efforts
- Facilitate meaningful connections by organizing events and activities that foster collaboration and understanding

**Event Coordination**
- Plan, promote, and execute events to support equity-deserving groups and individuals to learn and find opportunities in the recreation and parks sector, including facility tours, job shadowing, employment promotion events, etc.

**Collaborations and Partnerships**
- Collaborate with external partners to enhance support structures for individuals from equity-deserving groups
- Foster partnerships that align with the program's goals, emphasizing multi-sectoral collaborations that promote inclusivity and diversity
- Connect with recreation and parks sector organizations and employment agencies to establish relationships that lead to job and career showcase opportunities

**Evaluation and Reporting**
- Contribute to project evaluation by providing insights into the impact of individual coaching on participants
- Generate reports highlighting the success stories and achievements of individuals from equity-deserving groups within the program

**Allyship and Representation**
- Actively engage in allyship-related activities, promoting reconciliation and supporting equity-deserving communities
- Represent the organization at meetings, events, and ceremonies, with a specific focus on advocating for and supporting individuals from equity-deserving groups

**Learning Opportunities and Development**
- Facilitate and participate in learning opportunities focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion for ARPA staff, members, and volunteers
- Support and contribute to educational initiatives that promote a deeper understanding of equity-related issues

**Promotion at Ev