Role Summary: 

The Associate Director of Employment and Community Programs provides strategic leadership to expand and enhance the YWCA’s program portfolio. This role focuses on developing innovative revenue streams, such as fee-for-service programming, and overseeing initiatives that include but are not limited to, supporting self-identified women, gender-diverse individuals, single mothers, and survivors of violence. The position is key to ensuring programs meet evolving community needs while fostering impactful partnerships and sustainable growth. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Expansion & Fee-for-Service Development (70%) 

• Lead the development and expansion of community-based programs, in collaboration with the VP of Employment and Community Programs and supported by the VP of Social Enterprises. 

• Identify community needs and emerging market opportunities to design innovative fee-based programs that align with the YWCA’s mission and generate new revenue sources.  

• Develop financial models for fee-for-service programs in partnership with the finance team, ensuring sustainability and scalability. 

• Write proposals, collaborate with fundraising teams, and actively seek new revenue opportunities through partnerships and external contracts. 

• Establish systems and processes to track and measure the success of fee-for-service programs, ensuring operational success and quality of service. 

• Work with key contributors to develop and implement strategic initiatives to sustain and grow programs. 

Leadership & Program Oversight (30%) 

• Oversee a portfolio of high-quality employment and community programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and participants’ needs. 

• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and mentorship to program managers, ensuring staff development and program excellence. 

• Champion a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture, encouraging cross-functional cooperation and creative problem-solving. 

• Develop, implement, and manage program budgets, ensuring financial deliverables are met and resources are efficiently allocated. 

• Support and manage human resources including recruitment, development, and staff supervision. 

• Advocate for diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and Indigenous perspectives in programming and organizational practices. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Program and Revenue Development: Identify and implement opportunities for new fee-for-service programs and initiatives that address the needs of the community while generating self-sustaining income. 

• Strategic Planning and Financial Management: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop revenue models, operational plans, and key performance indicators for fee-based programs. 

• Community Outreach and Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with businesses, government agencies, funders, and community partners to build the visibility of programs and secure funding. 

• Staff Leadership and Development: Provide leadership in the areas of professional development, team building, and capacity building for all program staff, while ensuring high standards of client care and program impact. 

• Risk and Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a commitment to risk management protocols in all programming. 

Qualifications: 

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Master's an asset) with at least 5 years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and lived experience, particularly in working with self-identified women, gender-diverse individuals, and marginalized populations. 

• Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead teams with strategic vision, foster a collaborative work environment, and support staff through mentorship and professional growth. 

• Program Development: Proven experience in developing new programs, particularly fee-for-service models, with a focus on sustainable revenue generation and long-term growth. 

• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in financial management, including budgeting, financial forecasting, and fee-for-service revenue models. 

• Commitments: A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous perspectives, with a focus on trauma-informed practice. 

• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing environments, work flexible hours, and travel throughout Metro Vancouver and occasionally beyond. 

What You’ll Bring: 

• An entrepreneurial approach to program development and revenue generation. 

• A strategic mindset with a proven track record in building partnerships, securing resources, and developing sustainable programs. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. 

• A commitment to creating meaningful impact in the lives of women, gender-diverse individuals, and other underserved communities. 

• Requirements: Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle for site visits; clear criminal record check 

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required currently. 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 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 5 years with annual cost of living adjustments and progressions.