Associate Director of Employment and Community Programs

Location
- 535 Hornby Street, and home office. Travel throughout Metro Vancouver to program locations is required. Occasional travel throughout BC (British Columbia) is expected.
- Posting Period
- June 10, 2025 - June 17, 2025
Job DescriptionThe Associate Director of Employment and Community Programs offers strategic leadership to guide, expand, and strengthen the YWCA’s portfolio of newcomer and related programs. Creating new partnerships, working with other community providers and employers, as well as representing the YWCA on community and industry tables are key components of this role. This role focuses on new program development as well as oversight of programs including those of newcomer self-identified women. The position is key to ensuring programs meet evolving community needs while fostering impactful partnerships and sustainable growth.

**What you’ll be doing**:
**Program Expansion & Partnership Development**
- Lead the development and expansion of community-based programs, in collaboration with the Director and VP of Employment and Community Programs and supported by the VP of Social Enterprises.
- Identify community needs and emerging market opportunities to design innovative programs, including fee-based programs that align with the YWCA’s mission and generate new revenue sources.
- Attend events, often in evenings and weekends to represent the YWCA on industry and community tables.
- Write proposals, create budgets, collaborate with fundraising teams, and actively seek new opportunities through partnerships and external contacts.
- Work with key contributors to develop and implement strategic initiatives to sustain and grow programs.

**Leadership & Program Oversight**
- Lead a portfolio of high-impact employment and community programs for newcomers, ensuring they align with organizational objectives, meet funder requirements, and effectively address participants' needs.
- Provide strategic direction, empowerment, coaching, and mentorship to program managers and senior managers, ensuring staff development and program excellence.
- Champion a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture, encouraging cross-functional cooperation and creative problem-solving.
- Develop, implement, and manage program budgets, ensuring financial deliverables are met and resources are efficiently allocated.
- Support and manage human resources including recruitment, development, and staff supervision.
- Manage complex and detail-oriented budgets
- Work closely with the departmental leadership team to align program delivery, support collaboration, and optimize client support services.
- Advocate for diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and Indigenous perspectives in programming and organizational practices.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Program and Partnership Development: Identify new program opportunities, create partnerships and seek funding opportunities to explore program expansion.
- Strategic Planning and Financial Management: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and oversee budgets, expand programs and maximize program revenue.
- Community Outreach and Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with businesses, government agencies, funders, and community partners to build the visibility of the YWCA, programs and secure funding.
- Staff Leadership and Development: Provide leadership in the areas of professional development, team building, and capacity building for all program staff, while ensuring high standards of client care and program impact.
- Risk and Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a commitment to risk management protocols in all programming.

**Qualifications**:

- Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Master's an asset; not required) with at least 5 years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and lived experience, particularly in working with self-identified women, gender-diverse individuals, and marginalized populations.
- Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead teams with strategic vision, foster a collaborative work environment, and support staff through mentorship and professional growth.
- Program Development: Proven experience in developing new programs, particularly fee-for-service models, with a focus on sustainable revenue generation and long-term growth.
- Financial Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, and financial forecasting. Experience in fee-for-service revenue models will be considered an asset.
- Commitments: A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous perspectives, with a focus on trauma-informed practice.
- Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing environments, work flexible hours, and travel throughout Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and occasionally beyond.

**What you’ll need**:

- An entrepreneurial approach to program developm