Director, Program Operations

Skills For Change Metro•Toronto, ON

5d•CA$0 - CA$115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Skills for Change is seeking a Director, Program Operations to provide strategic and operational oversight of a diverse portfolio of programs and services. This senior leadership role reports to the Vice President, Program Operations and is responsible for ensuring high-quality program delivery, driving innovation, strengthening performance and accountability, and supporting organizational growth. The Director will lead 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. The role champions a client-centered, trauma-informed, and relational approach to service delivery, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and responsive programming that reflects evolving community needs and labour market trends.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, social work, public administration, business administration, or a related field
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
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

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree is considered an asset
Experience working with government-funded programs (e.g., IRCC, MLITSD, ESDC) is an asset
Experience in a unionized environment is an asset

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.