Director of Programs

Title: Director of Programs

Department: Administration

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Classification: Full Time, Permanent, Management, Salaried, Exempt

Deadline to Apply: November 22nd, 2024

Location: Halifax, NS

YWCA Halifax is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community in which we serve. In alignment with our commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, this position is specifically designated for racialized individuals.

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Overview

The Director of Programs is a senior leader of YWCA Halifax and, together with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team, sets priorities for organizational operations. The Director leads and participates in strategic planning, budgeting, and problem solving in the best interest of the YWCA.

The Director of Programs is responsible for the development, planning, implementation, management, supervision, evaluation, sustainability, and growth of the YWCA’s Community Programs and Violence to Resilience programs. The Director is responsible for securing funding, ensuring compliance with all funding agreements, legislation and regulations, and managing risk. The Director must possess sharp analytical and superior decision-making skills. The Director is a solution focused and collaborative leader who builds cohesion, ensures compliance with the YWCA policies and procedures, and is passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

The Director of Programs is responsible for the development and evaluation of all YWCA programs areas in his/her/their portfolio and, working with the Senior Management Team, with all YWCA service delivery programs. Creating and regularly reviewing program manuals, policies and procedures, evaluation processes, and underpinning best practices is a core function of the Director of Programs.

The Director of Programs is also responsible for working the Human Resources Department on policies, procedures, and practices that promote a positive and equitable organizational culture.

Essential Duties of Position:

Staff Supervision

• Support for Recruiting staff: Including development of job postings and developing job descriptions.
• Oversite for review of applications, interview candidates, negotiate and make the offer.
• Ensures all staff members within department understand and are in compliance with organizational procedures and policies.
• Ensures staff members receive orientation and training in accordance with organizational standards.
• Provide staff with opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Providing ongoing regular support and supervision including risk management.
• Support staff in transitioning out or to another position in the organization.
• Ensure all Managers are meeting deadlines and providing proper support to their staff.
• Supervise staff by providing direction, input and feedback.
• Support for assisting Managers with HR concerns as they arise.
• Ensure Managers are following all regulations and guidelines as set out by governing bodies for their particular area of work.
• Complete annual performance evaluations with all Managers and ensure they are providing same opportunity for their staff.
• Provides information and guidance to the YWCA Human Resources system as it relates to payroll and benefits administration.

Program Planning and Delivery

• Ensures the planning, implementation, and evaluation of YWCA Halifax’s Community Programs and Violence to Resilience programs in accordance with the mission, goals, strategic direction, and guiding principles of the YWCA.
• Develops new initiatives, programs, and services to support the strategic directions of the YWCA.
• Develops and implements long-term plans, goals, annual budgets and operating plans to support programs and projects.
• Ensures high quality of programs by responding to program evaluation frameworks identifying the strengths of programs and areas for improvement.
• Ensures integration of programs and services within the program department and throughout the YWCA service continuum.
• Works with all YWCA programs to develop and deliver program documentation including best practices, evidence base, evaluations, policies, and procedures.
• Promote service excellence through public education and awareness building activities. Lead knowledge and skills development internal and external to the YWCA.

Leadership

• Serve as a senior member of the YWCA Halifax Senior Management Team.
• Participate in media and public speaking events, representing the YWCA.
• Regularly lead staff meetings.
• Support the leadership of the internal African Nova Scotian and Trans Inclusion Committees.
• Work closely with Human Resources on advancing equity and inclusion within the organization
• Serve on community/sector task forces and committees as a YWCA representative.
• Support partnerships and extension work within the YWCA movement.
• Participate in YWCA and community-based advocacy activities that are consistent with the YWCA policies and mission.
• Support fund development activities as needed.
• Co-lead government relations to provide information and support partnership building.
• Lead and support the engagement of community members in supporting outcome of YWCA’s programs.
• Awareness of and responds to risks, including those related to Human Resource management, participant outcomes, financial, and protection of the organization’s integrity.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Lead the identification, development, and submission of funding proposals, working closely with the Executive Director and other key staff.
• Other duties as delegated by the Executive Director.

Program Management

• Ensures that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the YWCA and ensures the development and implementation of appropriate operation procedures.
• Ensures that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and insurance coverage.
• Supports the development of program evaluations and assessments to ensure high quality programming and service excellence.
• Develops and implements appropriate systems to ensure monitoring of program activities and compliance with funding agreement budgets, work schedules and outcomes.
• Maintains appropriate program record-keeping in accordance with YWCA policies and procedures, and confidentiality/privacy policies.
• Provides regular program reports as requested by Executive Director.
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with the program activities and take appropriate action to control risk.
• Ensure organizational and program priorities inform YWCA communications.

Financial Management

• Provide input and assist with preparation of YWCA Halifax annual budget.
• Monitor and support preparation of all program budgets for funders and the finance department and ensure they are prepared, managed and remitted according to signed agreements.
• Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures in accordance with financial policies.
• Ensure all financial documents are prepared correctly and submitted to finance department according to set timelines.
• Review for accuracy and co-sign all agency cheques.
• Ensure program activities operate within the approved budget.
• Monitor program budgets for slippage and overspending and provide support to staff for course correction.
• Ensure all financial reports are accurate and submitted in accordance with deadlines.
• Ensures the program operates within the approved YWCA’s financial policies and procedures, including purchase order and billing procedures.
• Participates in the development of regular financial reports by the Finance Department, which may include variance reporting, cash flow projections, income statement review, and updating budget projections.
• Ensures effective management of all financial and billing records.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in related field and five years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in a senior management position.
• Demonstrated understanding of program management and evaluation in an outcomes-based framework.
• Foundational understanding of the Nova Scotia Labour Code, human resources, and rules and regulations that apply to employers.
• Effective supervisory and interpersonal skills and strong administrative skills.
• Strong organizational skills, advocacy skills, and an ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• High level of computer literacy and demonstrates financial skills in managing program budgets.
• Knowledge and interest in community development strategies from an intersectional feminist theoretical perspective.
• Deep and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion and the implementation of these core organizational principles.
• Ability to train, supervise and motivate program leaders.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience related to working in a non-profit organization.
• Ability to maintain collaborative partnerships both internal and external to the organization.

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants who identify as racialized to apply for this role. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume in one document to humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject Line: Director of Programs