Director, Employment Services

Program Development and Strategic Growth Leads the identification, development, and pursuit of new program opportunities aligned with The Career Foundation’s strategic goals and community needs. Oversees the preparation and delivery of high-quality proposals to public and private funders, ensuring responsiveness to requirements and competitiveness in the sector. Participates in annual business planning, including reviewing past outcomes and setting priorities for future growth initiatives. Stays abreast of funding prospects, labour market trends, and emerging client needs to proactively position The Career Foundation for new opportunities. Builds strategic linkages and partnerships with community organizations, employers, and training providers to co-create innovative service models. Collaborates with managers, coordinators, and the executive team to ensure readiness to respond to appropriate funding solicitations and opportunities. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. Program Operations and Performance Management Leads program managers and coordinators under the assigned portfolio to ensure projects consistently meet targets and budget expectations. Streamlines processes and systems to ensure programs and sites operate in sync wherever possible. Maintains accessible tracking systems for managers, coordinators, and the executive team to monitor progress toward targets and expenditure goals. Reviews, approves, and signs assigned program reports, ensuring they are high-quality and submitted on time. Works with program managers and coordinators to negotiate contract terms with funders and requests amendments as needed. Reviews and signs contracts received from funders, ensuring thorough contract reviews are conducted and documented. Coordinates tasks related to special requests from funders, such as managing complex client cases. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. People Leadership and Management Development Provides training and orientation to new managers and program coordinators to ensure they understand organizational expectations and systems. Provides regular coaching and professional development opportunities to develop the talent of management staff. Continuously monitors management performance, conducting ongoing reviews and appraisals to ensure managers meet and exceed role expectations. Supports program managers and coordinators with problem-solving as needed. Participates in the recruitment process and conducts interviews for managerial positions under assigned portfolio when needed. Reviews and approves vacation requests from program managers and coordinators under assigned portfolio to ensure appropriate coverage and continuity. Assumes executive-level responsibility for ensuring that staff at all levels under assigned portfolio consistently meet targets and role expectations. Supports program managers and coordinators in developing effective relationships with partners and negotiating or setting up sub-contracting agreements as needed. Reviews and signs community partner support letters, MOUs, and contracting partner agreements. Handles customer complaints that require escalation to a senior level, ensuring they are resolved professionally and in alignment with organizational policies and values. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. Funder and Stakeholder Relations Serves as the primary point of contact for funder communications for programs under assigned portfolio, ensuring inquiries are answered in a timely and professional manner. Organizes and coordinates contract amendments with funders as needed. Prepares for and attends all funder audits with management staff, putting plans in place to ensure any recommendations for improvement are addressed and implemented. Works with management staff to make special requests to funders related to contracts, budgets, and program activities as needed. Develops and maintains strong relationships with employers, trainers, associations, networks, community partners, and other key stakeholders. Builds rapport and trust to establish long-lasting partnerships that support program success and community impact. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. Financial Oversight and Contract Management Carefully manages and monitors all program budgets to ensure financial targets and funder expectations are consistently met. Approves and signs managerial expense reports and supplier invoices as needed. Works with the executive team and finance department to ensure accurate, timely budget reporting and compliance with contractual obligations. Works in collaboration with the finance department to ensure robust financial management practices are in place and adhered to across all assigned programs and sites. Collaborates with program managers and coordinators to negotiate contract terms with funders, ensuring sustainability and growth of services. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. Evaluation, Quality Assurance, and Continuous Improvement Works in collaboration with the Director of Quality Assurance to ensure quality assurance monitoring systems are in place to evaluate compliance related to client service, file documentation, budget management practices, and other policies and procedures at the organization. Collaborates with the Director of Quality Assurance and the Manager of Digital Services and Strategies to ensure systems effectively support program operations and quality service delivery. Regularly evaluates program effectiveness, client outcomes, and operational efficiency to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Leads change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new processes, systems, and strategies across all locations. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. External Representation and Partnership Development Represents The Career Foundation at community and employer advisory meetings, funder meetings, and other external partner events. Builds and maintains strong relationships with employers, community partners, training providers, associations, and networks. Promotes the organization’s mission, values, and services in the community to enhance visibility and reputation. Supports management staff in developing partnership initiatives and negotiating roles, responsibilities, and agreements with external partners. Actively seeks opportunities to establish new partnerships and projects that advance organizational goals and improve client outcomes. Performs other relevant responsibilities as needed. Financial and Administrative Qualifications/ Skills Required Post-secondary degree in business management, human services, or a related field relevant to the scope of the position. Minimum of 5 years’ progressive leadership experience overseeing large teams in the employment services or recruitment sectors, with a proven ability to strategically manage program operations and lead teams to successful outcomes Budget and financial analysis expertise is required. Experience preparing proposals that generate funding, liaising with funders and other stakeholders, and demonstrating strong negotiation skills. Excellent organization, analytical, time management and administrative skills. Exceptional rapport-building and relationship development skills. Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to mediate issues and implement effective solutions. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with experience writing high-quality reports. Bilingualism is considered an asset. Tech-savvy, with experience using CRM systems, advanced Excel functions, and Power BI, considered a strong asset. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook 365 applications. Must possess the aptitude and willingness to learn and work with new online systems and technologies. Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and exceptional customer service. Professional and courteous approach to client service, with a high level of respect for the diversity of the people served. High ethics with a proven ability to maintain sensitive information, uphold confidentiality standards, and exhibit sound judgment. Capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment with resilience. Ontario G-class driver’s licence and reliable access to a vehicle for frequent travel to program sites and other stakeholder locations across the GTHA. Willingness and flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours as needed. Proactive and solutions-oriented leader who fosters a positive team culture, leads by example, and consistently demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a strong commitment to collaboration and shared success. How to Apply Please visit the Join Our Team page on our website atcareerfoundation.com/join-our-team and select the position for which you would like to submit your application. You may complete the application form directly through our website. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please. Thank you for your interest in The Career Foundation. The Career Foundation’s Commitment The Career Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy and rewarding environment for all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who represent the diversity of the people we proudly serve, including, but not limited to, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientation. The Career Foundation, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with candidates requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring proc ess. #workwithus Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: $105,000.00-$118,000.00 per year Benefits: Company events Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care Wellness program Work from home Application question(s): What interests you the most about this opportunity? What is the largest team size you have directly managed? Are you comfortable with, and do you meet, all the requirements outlined in the Base Location and Travel Requirements section of the posting? What is your annual salary expectation? Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr