Program Manager

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

14d•CA$80,000 - CA$95,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join a team of passionate educators who are pioneers in their field, contributing to our esteemed 35-year reputation as leaders in early childhood education. Here, you’re not just encouraged — you’re certain to thrive, supported by a dedicated team of educators, leaders, and impactful resources. Starting a career with Umbrella Family means stepping into a role where you can make a meaningful impact during children’s formative years while contributing to the growth and success of a dynamic multi-site organization. Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton operates full-day early learning and child care centres for infant, toddler, and preschool children, as well as extended day programs before and after school for kindergarten and school-age children throughout the Greater Hamilton Area. We are currently recruiting for a collaborative, reflective, and operationally focused Program Manager (RECE) to join our Leadership Team. As a large multi-site licensed childcare organization operating within HWDSB schools, Umbrella Family is committed to delivering high-quality early learning programs grounded in How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy. Reporting to the Director of Childcare Programs, the Program Manager will provide operational, pedagogical, and people leadership across multiple child care locations. This role requires a strong leader who can effectively drive operations, support organizational priorities, lead teams through growth and change, and ensure high-quality service delivery across programs.

Requirements

Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Ten (10) years of experience working within a childcare centre and five (5) years of people management experience
Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, staffing, enrollment management, and program administration.
Strong business and operational acumen, including experience with budgeting, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational planning.
Strong knowledge of the CCEYA, How Does Learning Happen?, and responsive pedagogy.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.
A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and current Standard First Aid/CPR certification are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within not-for-profit and/or unionized environments is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management to Supervisors and program teams across multiple sites.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple child care programs, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, occupancy, compliance, and program support.
Support and monitor program quality to ensure alignment with How Does Learning Happen?, relationship-based practice, and Reggio-inspired pedagogy.
Support financial and operational accountability, including budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
Analyze operational needs and implement strategies that support organizational effectiveness, service quality, and continuous improvement.
Lead and support teams through change management initiatives while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
Build strong relationships with families, school partners, community stakeholders, and internal leadership teams.
Ensure compliance with the CCEYA, licensing requirements, organizational policies, and health and safety standards.
Participate in organizational planning, leadership initiatives, and strategic priorities.