Jobs at Skills for Change (Now Hiring) — 8 open

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Director, Program Operations

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT: Program Operations

COMPANY: Skills for Change 

HOURS: 35 hours per week, Hybrid (Monday to Friday with occasional evening/weekend hours) 

CONTRACT TYPE: Indefinite 

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Program Operations

START DATE: Immediately 

Salary Range: $115,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled 

COMPANY: 

Located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, Skills for Change is working towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Named Charity Village’s Best Non-Profit Employer—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and winner of the 2021 Canada Volunteer Awards for innovation, our organization is committed to reducing poverty, improving mental health, eliminating gender-based violence, building, community, eradicating systemic racism, and creating sustainable communities for all immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities. 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY: 

Founded in 1982, Skills for Change is a leading non-profit organization serving immigrants and refugees in Canada. Our mission is to build welcoming and equitable communities. Skills for Change is known for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We create skills development opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community. Our Agency has played a major role in uplifting immigrant and equity-seeking communities for 43 years. As one of the leading holistic service providers in our sector, Skills for Change offers more than 25 programs and services, and annually serves 16,000 people who are newcomers, immigrants, and equity-seeking groups in services around employment, integration, mental health, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. 

POSITION NATURE AND SCOPE: 

The Director, Program Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of a diverse portfolio of programs and services across Skills for Change. Reporting to the Vice President, Program Operations, the Director ensures high-quality program delivery, drives innovation, strengthens performance and accountability, and supports organizational growth aligned with SfC’s strategic priorities.

The Director leads a broad portfolio that may include Employment Services, Newcomer Services, settlement programming, community-based initiatives, and emerging areas such as workforce innovation, AI upskilling, and equity-focused programs.

This role champions a client-centered, trauma-informed, and relational approach to service delivery while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and responsive programming that reflects evolving community needs and labour market trends.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for a multi-program, multi-site portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and priorities
• Lead the growth and advancement of key program areas through strategic implementation, excellence and innovation
• Establish and maintain frameworks for program quality, accountability, and consistent service delivery
• Foster integrated service models by strengthening cross-program collaboration and referral pathways
• Apply proactive risk management to identify, assess, and mitigate operational and program risks
• Lead change management initiatives to support organizational transformation and innovation
• Serve as an escalation point for complex operational and site-level issues

2. Program Performance & Quality Management

• Oversee program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure strong outcomes and impact
• Leverage data systems to support performance tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement
• Analyze program results (monthly, quarterly, annual) and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Ensure programs are responsive to client needs, community realities, and labour market demands
• Advance integrated service delivery models across employment, settlement, and related programs

3. Program Development & Growth

• Lead and support the development of funding proposals in collaboration with program design teams
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities
• Stay informed of sector trends, policy changes, and emerging program models
• Build strategic partnerships with community agencies, employers, and stakeholders
• Support annual program planning, including evaluation of outcomes and identification of growth opportunities

4. Budget, Administration & Reporting

• Develop and oversee program budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance
• Participate in organizational budget planning and resource allocation
• Lead development of program work plans and business plans
• Prepare financial and program performance reports for senior leadership and funders
• Contribute to senior management discussions and organizational planning

5. People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a multi-level team including senior managers, managers, and frontline staff
• Build a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable team culture
• Set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and support ongoing staff development
• Foster a positive, equitable, and anti-racist workplace environment
• Support staff through change, ensuring readiness for evolving programs and priorities
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and, where applicable, collective agreements

6. Community & Sector Engagement

• Represent Skills for Change in sector forums, community meetings, and partnerships
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders and funders
• Promote the organization’s impact, programs, and strategic priorities
• Contribute to sector leadership, partnership development and knowledge sharing initiatives

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, social work, public administration, business administration, or a related field
• A graduate degree is considered an asset

Experience

• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in program operations, service delivery, or community-based programming
• Experience in employment, settlement, newcomer services, or related sectors
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and multi-site operations
• Experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Experience working with government-funded programs (e.g., IRCC, MLITSD, ESDC) is an asset
• Experience in a unionized environment is an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills
• Strong program management and operational planning abilities
• Financial acumen, including budgeting and reporting
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and proposal writing abilities
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally
• Understanding of trauma-informed and client-centered service delivery approaches

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Entrepreneurial, strategic, and results-driven leader
• Committed to social impact and community development
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented
• Adaptable and comfortable leading through change
• Passionate about advancing equitable outcomes for newcomers and underserved communities

Why Join Skills for Change

• Salary Range: $110,000-$115,000 per annum
• Comprehensive health, dental, and wellness benefits (100% employer paid)
• Generous vacation and paid sick days
• Employer-matched RRSP contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Organization-wide wellness initiatives and staff recognition programs

Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants, refugees and equity seeking groups to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community to persons with disabilities to newcomers to Canada (including refugees) to Indigenous peoples to members of a visible minority to children or youth to women of all ages including seniors to the LGBTQ2 community.  

Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.