The Associate Director, Employment and Community Programs, is responsible and accountable for providing energetic, inclusive and thoughtful leadership in all aspects of employment and community-based programming under the Employment and Community Services portfolio at the YWCA. This role provides oversight and strategic direction for programming and ensures operational success. Program focus for this role will include, but not limited to, the diverse needs of self-identified women, gender diverse individuals, single mothers, and survivors of violence employment programming.  A key deliverable of this role is to grow our current YWCA programs and meet the needs of clients in the communities we serve.  

What you’ll be doing: 

Leadership in Programs and Contracts 

As the Associate Director, you will be part of a engaged leadership team, overseeing employment and community programs.  Your role involves offering comprehensive leadership, strategic planning, resource management, program creation and design, advocating for and embodying IDEA principles, and fostering internal and external relationships to the YWCA.  

As a leader in this role, you possess the skills to create supportive environments, guide teams toward strategic objectives, navigate complex HR issues, motivate and maximize team capacity, provide mentorship, and efficiently manage and execute department operations. 

Development and Expansion of Programs 

Under the guidance of the VP of Employment and Community Services and in collaboration with the Leadership team, you will provide strategic leadership at the community level. This role involves assessing community and participant needs, identifying opportunities, writing proposals, collaborating with the fundraising department, and working to sustain and establish innovative and responsive programming in partnership with the community. Your responsibilities include leading a forward-thinking team, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering a culture of belonging and accountability to support clients within the community. 

Key Areas of Responsibility include: 

• Overall Oversight and Program Deliverables 

• Coaching, Training, and Development 

• Creating and Managing Budgets 

• Strategic and Operational Planning 

• Human Resources and Leadership 

• Resource Acquisition and Allocation 

• Proposal Writing and Creation of New Programs and Initiatives 

• Program and Service Delivery 

• Internal and External Program Communications 

• Relationship and Partnership Development 

• Facilities Management 

Specific Tasks and Duties: 

• Provide leadership and oversight in all aspects of programs and services, ensuring targets and deliverables are achieved and programs are aligned with the YWCA’s   mission, vision and values.  

• Program Creation:  Contribute to funding proposals, partnership development, strategic planning, and budget management.   

• Presentations:  On behalf of the organization, work as part of a team to present program findings and promote and market programs at donor events, conferences and other community and business events.   

• In collaboration with a finance team, create and manage budgets and ensure different funding streams are utilized appropriately in multi-funder projects 

• In collaboration with management, oversee facilities and general operations.  

• Communicate internally to service level departments (HR, Finance, Marketing, Purchasing) to ensure projects are following polices, practices and staff are supported.  

• Coach, lead, and supervise and support managers, including but not limited to self-identified women’s programs. 

• Develop and maintain operational and strategic partnerships in the community. 

• Strategically advocate, within the program context to support the needs of clients.  

• Continuously assess the intersectional needs of clients in communities served and identify opportunities for expansion. 

• Liaise with multiple levels of government, funders, associations, foundations, donors, and relevant associations.   

• Provide ongoing and accurate reporting to funders, teachers, reporting bodies, agencies, partners and government.     

• Work in conjunction with senior leadership to implement strategies, pivot programs, evolve practices to ensure program success and accountability   

• Constructively propose solutions and allocate resources to ensure programs’ performance.  

• Comply with health and safety regulations, assess program and delivery risk and create strategies to support teams in managing operational risk  

• Other duties as required 

What you’ll need: 

• Masters or Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline with at least 5 years’ experience in a leadership role responsible for decision making and strategic direction or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience (work or lived).   

• An interest and passion for working with women, gender diverse individuals and intersectional programming.   

• Strong background in coaching, career development and program development    

• Demonstrated ability to work in a senior leadership capacity working with self-identified women, gender diverse clients with intersectional needs.    

• An entrepreneurial and enthusiastic attitude, and a proven ability to see opportunities and strategic alliances to serve participants and programs.    

• Demonstrated ability to identify potential prospects that may not be immediately visible, leveraging strategic thinking and innovative insights to develop impactful programs and secure necessary resources/funding   

• Demonstrated commitment to leading and learning in an environment prioritizing a commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility   

• Competence in trauma-informed practice and in supporting programming that serves marginalized and vulnerable clients  

• Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to embracing Indigenous ways of knowing and a decolonial framework in programming and leadership, including but not limited to programming that serves Indigenous people  

• Competence in program management, employee management, financial management and budgeting  

• Proven ability to write successful funding proposals and develop innovative services and programs for clients.  

• Capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment with multiple, often conflicting priorities.  

• Willingness to work management hours, including a flexible schedule as needed for various projects, such as funding applications.  

• Skilled in creative thinking to ensure strategic alignment with the organization's long-term vision.  

• Comfortable with embracing change and adept at leading teams through transitions and challenges.  

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to remain calm and collaborative in difficult situations.  

• Experienced in coaching, leading, and creating accountability frameworks, including for managers.  

• Knowledgeable in program design, program evaluation, and impact assessment frameworks.  

• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written, with the ability to absorb and explain complex information to multiple interested parties   

• Use or access to a vehicle and willingness to travel throughout Metro Vancouver and occasionally throughout British Columbia or Canada 

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.  

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties. 

What we offer:  We offer our eligible employees the following benefits as part of their total compensation package: 

• Extended medical and dental benefits 

• 22 days holidays per annum + 3 Personal days = 5 weeks paid annual leave  

• MPP Defined Benefit Pension Plan 

• Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions 

• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members 

• Free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres 

• A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion. 

Work Location: This role is hybrid, with the ability to work out of a home office and travel to different locations as required for meetings and onsite engagements. Travel throughout Metro Vancouver is required. Occasional travel throughout BC and / or Canada for relevant conferences, events or presentations is expected.    

Current Pay rate: $102,606 per annum. Salary increases annually over 4 years with annual cost of living adjustments and progressions.