Inclusion Leadership Manager

Title
: Inclusion Leadership Manager

Location
: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS

Position Status
: Full-Time Temporary

Start Date
: June 2026

Compensation
: $650+ per week

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone's in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It's your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

About The Role
The Inclusion Focused Leadership Manager is responsible for shaping the culture, safety, and development of Big Cove YMCA Camp's Leadership programs (L1, L2, and 12-Day). This role maintains all core responsibilities of the traditional Leadership Director/Manager while intentionally embedding inclusion, belonging, accessibility, cultural safety, and trauma-informed practice into every component of Leadership programming.

The Inclusion Focused Leadership Manager ensures that every leadership participant—regardless of identity, background, ability, learning style, or lived experience—feels supported, valued, and empowered. This position guides staff in inclusive facilitation, supportive group management, and strengths-based youth development.

The inclusion leadership manager works closely with the Camp Director, Camper Care team, Leadership Counsellors, and Trippers to ensure that Leadership programming reflects YMCA values, models safe and inclusive environments, and provides equitable access to meaningful leadership experiences.

In This Role, You Will
Program Leadership

• Lead the development and facilitation of L1, L2, and 12-Day Leadership programs with a strong emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Ensure leadership curriculum is adaptable to diverse learning needs, comfort levels, cultural identities, and developmental stages.
• Model and train staff in inclusive facilitation strategies including differentiated instruction, non-violent communication, strengths-based coaching, and co-regulation.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and incorporate participant feedback, inclusive practices, and emerging youth development research.
• Work closely with senior leadership to ensure Leadership campers receive proper training for potential future staff roles.

Camper Support

• Create predictable, supportive routines and group norms that promote psychological safety and confidence-building.
• Support participants who require accommodations, communication strategies, or individualized expectations.
• Lead restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and group dynamic interventions.
• Collaborate with Camper Care and Wellness teams to identify needs, assess barriers, and implement proactive support.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise Leadership staff, including L1 Counsellors, L2 Counsellors, and Trippers.
• Provide daily coaching, mentorship, and debrief sessions to ensure consistency in inclusive practice.
• Facilitate focused training sessions on:
• inclusive program delivery
• cultural safety and humility
• trauma-informed outdoor leadership
• supporting neurodivergent youth
• managing diverse group dynamics
• Schedule Leadership staff breaks and rotations.

Trip Leadership & Safety

• Oversee planning, risk management, and delivery of multi-day canoe trips for Leadership groups.
• Ensure expedition practices reflect inclusion, accessibility, and equitable participation.
• Support Trippers in teaching navigation, campcraft, safety systems, and group leadership skills.
• Assist camp operations while Leadership groups are on trip, when required.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop program schedules, activity plans, trip documents, and leadership curriculum.
• Track participant progress and program outcomes with a focus on inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
• Communicate with families regarding expectations, needs, and updates.
• Maintain documentation including behaviour logs, adaptations, and incident reports.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with kitchen duties, including dishes and meal cleanup.
• Support facility maintenance, including cleaning shared spaces and program areas.
• Participate in groundskeeping, such as outdoor tidying and basic upkeep.
• Assist with trail and campsite maintenance to ensure safe and accessible program spaces.

Required
Education and skills qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age by December 31, 2026
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• Bronze Cross
• WHMIS
• Strong work ethic and positive, team-oriented attitude
• Good judgement, patience, and genuine interest in supporting child development
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and clear during high-pressure situations
• Experience working with children or youth in one or more of the following:
• Camp or recreation
• Education
• Child & youth care
• Social work
• Behaviour support or mental health settings

Assets

• National Lifeguard Service (NLS)
• Class 4 Driver's License
• Pleasure Craft Operator's License
• Mental Health First Aid
• Crisis intervention or behavioural support training
• Previous supervisory experience in a camp setting
• Experience delivering leadership development programs

To Apply
Please apply online at

Please note that all successful candidate are required to provide:

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• A valid First Aid and CPR Training

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.