Director, Language Program

Canada’s language learning system for newcomers is falling apart. The Canadian government is cutting funding for English and French programs nationwide. Languages Canada has called it “the sharpest decline in the sector’s history.” Refugees are especially struggling. Without the right language level, refugees cannot fully resettle or integrate in Canada. This is bad for refugees, bad for Canadians, and bad for Canada. What Haven is doing about it We believe that all new Canadians should be able to learn English and French. However, we’re starting with refugees first. We’re building the best way for refugees to learn English in Canada (and French, as soon as we can). We need to help every single refugee in Canada. That means our model must be scalable and cost-efficient. Haven teaches English through an online and personalized program built around three parts: Classes with teachers: Private and small-group lessons led by ESL teachers. Many teachers are refugees themselves and share the same native languages as their students. Immersion with Canadians: Refugees are matched with volunteers for guided conversations about real-life topics like employment and life in Canada. Individual study: Teachers assign personalized exercises and materials tailored to each refugee’s learning needs. This model has already helped hundreds of refugees. Now we need to reach thousands. That’s where you come in. The role and what you’ll be doing We’re looking for a Director to lead Haven’s Language Program. You’ll take what we’ve created and make it even better. You will refine the program from end to end: the curriculum, the teachers, and the systems that make it all work. You’ll ensure that thousands of refugees, from coast to coast to coast, gain access to high-quality English learning that helps them rebuild their lives in Canada. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director and Haven’s technology and operations teams. You’ll directly manage our current team of 25 teachers and grow it to two to three times that size. Responsibilities Build and refine the curriculum: Turn Haven’s materials into a structured, repeatable program that students love to learn from and teachers love to teach. Lead and support teachers: Grow and enable a national teaching team by building systems for onboarding, development, and consistent quality. Run the program: Oversee scheduling, quality control, and continuous improvement as the program scales nationally. Guide program expansion: As Haven reaches new communities across Canada and refugees of different backgrounds, support how the program needs to evolve and adapt. Integrate technology: Believe deeply that technology is critical to the future of language learning. Partner with Haven’s product team to build tools that make teaching and learning easier, faster, and more personalized, including through AI. Who we’re looking for We’re looking for someone who has deep experience with the ESL sector in Canada, is frustrated with the current system, and has always wished for the chance to fix it. This role is that chance. Your full-time job will be to build a better language system. The focus will be on action and results. Less talking, less bureaucracy. You might be the right fit if your background includes: ESL Program leadership: You have experience leading an ESL program in Canada. ESL Curriculum design: You have built or managed an ESL curriculum (preferably CLB-aligned). Teacher leadership: You have experience teaching ESL, giving you the credibility and empathy to manage a large team of teachers. Tech-forward education: You’re excited about technology in education and want to bridge the gap between pedagogy and innovation (with our product team). Excellent communication: You’re an excellent communicator and problem solver who wants to work on tough problems with a high-performing team. Small ego, big work ethic. Mission focus: You care about our vision: building a better Canada, helping to get refugees in Canada back on their feet, and creating the best language learning system for refugees in Canada. What we offer Competitive compensation in line with experience Remote work flexibility (Canada-wide, with preference for Montreal or Toronto) Mission-driven, high-autonomy role at one of the fastest-growing charities in Canada Generous vacation The chance to help build the future of refugee language learning in Canada To apply Please email with: Your resume. A clear and short answer explaining how you fit each of the six criteria under “Who we’re looking for” (ESL Program leadership, ESL Curriculum design, Teacher leadership, Tech-forward education, Excellent communication, and Mission focus). Applications submitted through LinkedIn will not be considered. We’re reviewing applications sent by email as they come in. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Haven by 2x Get notified about new Program Director jobs in Canada. Seniority level: Director. Employment type: Full-time. Job function: Business Development and Sales. Industries: Non-profit Organizations. #J-18808-Ljbffr