Director, Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program

Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

What do you offer?

Reporting to the Senior Director of Employment and Immigrant Services, the Director of the Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program (NYLD) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction and operation of the program that is focused on social integration, leadership skills development and well-being of newcomer youth. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the program’s operations, including managing staff, developing and delivering services, managing budgets, and building partnerships with community organizations and government agencies. The Director of the NYLD will be a proactive and collaborative leader who is passionate about supporting newcomer youth and promoting diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate will demonstrate a personal commitment to and understanding of the Y’s mission, vision, values and participant outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Operations and Logistics
• Framework and Curriculum Development
• Social Media Management
• Advisory Committee Creation and Leadership
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Partnership Building:

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Developing and implementing strategies to effectively manage program operations and logistics, ensuring the smooth functioning of all activities.
• Coordinating with staff and volunteers to ensure efficient execution of program events, workshops, and training sessions.
• Designing and developing a comprehensive framework for the NYLD program, aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Creating engaging and culturally responsive curricula that enhance leadership skills, promote social integration, and address the unique needs of newcomer youth.
• Collaborating with subject matter experts and stakeholders to incorporate best practices and current research into program content.
• Developing and implementing a social media strategy to promote the organization’s youth programs effectively.
• Managing social media platforms, creating engaging content, and coordinating with the marketing team to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Monitoring and analyzing social media metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and making data-driven improvements.
• Establishing an advisory committee comprised of diverse stakeholders, including youth, community leaders, and subject matter experts.
• Providing leadership to the advisory committee, facilitating regular meetings, and guiding discussions to gather valuable insights and perspectives.
• Collaborating with the committee to solicit input, reviewing program strategies, and making recommendations for program enhancements.
• Fostering relationships with external agencies, community organizations, and educational institutions to build partnerships that support program goals.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify resources, securing funding opportunities, and expanding program reach.
• Representing the organization in community forums, conferences, and networking events to promote the Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in a related field

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• Other languages are an asset

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of immigration and newcomer services
• Knowledge of organizations serving newcomer youth in the community
• Experience working in newcomer services
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent consultation and business analytical skills
• Strong leadership, decision-making and networking skills
• Extensive contacts in the community
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience with budget and financials
• Excellent organizational and time management capabilities
• Ability to work with clients and staff with diverse needs, backgrounds and skills
• Proficient in MS Office

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not more than 6 months old is required. 
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for the Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons, and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Organizational Awareness and Understanding: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the vision, mission and values of the YMCA of the National Capital Region.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to establish a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long term work goals.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify and issue, gather and process relevant information, determine possible solutions, select appropriate responses and implement and evaluate them.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to speak, write, listen and secure information in a variety of settings.  Ability to cooperate with others to achieve results.  Ability to create and build relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Teamwork: Participates actively in a team for program quality and effectiveness.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y: 

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.  Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job, unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Brianna Saumure. Please send applications to People & Culture Assistant, Brianna Saumure (recruitment@ymcaottawa.ca)

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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