Applications for this position are currently closed.

Program Director - Position Overview

The Program Director (PD) is responsible for implementing the winter, spring & summer programs, supervising staff and volunteers, and managing youth outreach and intake. This includes assisting with hiring, organizing and leading training, and coordinating ongoing skill development and training throughout the summer. The PD is expected to follow Project Canoe’s philosophy for working with our youth and adhere to all policies and procedures. The PD will also have training, maintenance, and committee responsibilities. They will lead presentations in the GTA and surrounding communities to promote PC's programs, assist in maintaining the youth database, and conduct intake interviews with youth.

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED) and collaborating with the Program Committee, the Program Director is responsible for the following areas with this approximate time breakdown:

• Youth Outreach and Intake, Partnership Development, and Partnership Stewardship: 35%

• Program Design, Delivery, and Oversight: 50%

• Program and Office Administration (includes meetings, reporting, creation of marketing materials, and distribution of materials): 15%

Due to the ever-evolving nature of COVID-19, we do not know exactly what 2021 will look like for Project Canoe. We are hopeful that we will be able to run our canoe trip program, but we are planning for a spectrum of possibilities including urban and virtual programs. As such, the specific duties of this role are subject to change. Regardless of where we find ourselves in 2021, we will continue to support our youth through meaningful and engaging programs.

Preferred Experience

• Relevant background in child/youth services (MSWs, BSWs, Child and Youth Workers or others with relevant education and experience are encouraged to apply), with preference given to candidates with specific experience working with our target population (youth facing barriers), lived experience, and experience with and love of the outdoors.

• Experience managing or supervising staff and volunteers

• Advanced Wilderness First Aid, National Lifeguard Service (NLS), ORCKA tripping 2 or equivalent experience are highly valued*

• G-Class or F-Class License

• Other instructor qualifications an asset

• Must be comfortable in a collaborative staff working and living structure

This position is partially funded by the expanded Canada Summer Jobs program. Candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or refugees between 18-30 years old at the start of employment.

2020-21 CONTRACT DETAILS

• Part-time position from December 2020-April 2021 (~ 23 hrs per week)

• Full-time position from May-August 2021

• Pay: ~$506/week while part-time, ~$880/week while full-time

 hiring process

• Interview with the ED & a member of the Human Resources Committee

• Criminal reference check (vulnerable sector)

• Signed medical examination within one year of employment start date, certifying fitness for job duties

• Copies of certifications (must be current)

• Minimum 3 references, two of which must be related to working with youth

To apply

• Please submit a resumé and cover letter via email to info@canoe.org with “Program Director” as the subject line by Friday, November 20th at 12:00pm EST

• Interviews will be scheduled and conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received

Project Canoe is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to anti-oppression, anti-racism, equity, and diversity in our workplace and in our community. As such, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. People from marginalized, underrepresented and diverse communities, including women, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, people identifying as LGBTTIQQ2S+, and people facing economic barriers, are especially encouraged to apply. Please advise us if there are any accommodation measures required to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.

*We recognize that the costs of these certifications can be barriers to accessing employment in the outdoor industry. If you identify as BIPOC, or have faced other systemic barriers to accessing employment in the industry, we are able to provide subsidies to cover the cost of certifications. 

Responsibilities: The Specifics

Staff Hiring, Training & Management

• Encourage commitment to youth whom we serve, and ensure that staff work within the philosophy and framework of the organization

• Honour and encourage each staff’s individual talents, experience and contribution to the staff team and program

• Act as an approachable resource for all staff

• Assist on the ad-hoc hiring committee for summer staff, where possible

• Create, implement and supervise summer staff training

• Plan and lead the staff training canoe trip, dependent on COVID-19 restrictions

• Maintain professional relationships with all summer staff and Executive Director

• Advise and support the staff throughout the summer, including advising on behaviour management strategies, programming and trip route plans

• Supervise staff and deal with all conflicts or other issues that may arise among staff

• Check in with and evaluate all staff and assist with exit interviews

• Act as a model of excellent skills in leading wilderness canoe trips and/or urban programs, and in working with our youth population

• Coordinate and supervise program volunteers

Program Supervision and Implementation

• Collaborate with the ED on the design and delivery of the winter program

• Arrange youth in safe and appropriate program groups

• Familiarity with the Risk Management Plan of Project Canoe and all emergency/evacuation procedures and relevant policies

• Act as on-call person for emergencies and evacuations while trips and/or urban programs are in session

• Facilitate group debriefing after trips and programs, and individual staff debriefing when necessary

• Prepare paperwork and Evacuation Packs required for each trip/program

• Collect all reports and paperwork after trips/program

• Provide an end-of-summer debrief with all summer staff for the Board

YOUTH INTAKE, OUTREACH & SUPPORT

• Manage intake process for youth interested in attending our year-round and summer programs.

• Assesses eligibility of youth for program, redirecting those deemed ineligible to other programs

• Connecting youth with the program through outreach efforts (in-person, phone and email)

• Follow Project Canoe’s intake and screening procedures as outlined in our Risk Management Plan. The intake process includes reviewing application forms, speaking with referring agencies and parents/guardians, interviewing youth, and supporting youth until they go on an activity or canoe trip

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