JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Manager, Black Community Access Programming

PROGRAM: Black Community Access Programming

COMPANY: Skills for Change

LOCATION: 791 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto ON

CONTRACT TYPE: Non-unionized

HOURS: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday with occasional evening and/or weekend hours)

REPORTS TO: Director, Programs and Services

START DATE: Immediately

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

With 40 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected non-profit charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, settlement, and language training together with specialized programs for skilled trades, women, and youth. We have 5 locations across the GTA and serve 16,000 clients annually.

PROGRAM NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Black Community Access Programming Department within Skills for Change was established to combat individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing culturally competent programs and services to the members of the Black communities, including engaging in advocacy, community development, employment and skills development training, mental health and other supports. Since 2020, the department has grown from one program to five distinct programs, with a number of programs in development. The incumbent must have a history of demonstrated commitment to the Black community and work related to anti-Black racism, community development and / or non-profit program delivery. Experience in program development, a sound understanding of African-Canadian history and the Black Diaspora combined with lived understanding of issues, currently confronting Black Canadians.

The Manager, Black Community Access and Programming (BCAP) and is responsible for the management of new strategic program(s) in support of Black ∕African-diasporic communities, and identifies, investigates and assesses community needs, formulates creative strategies to address them through the development of significant projects and programs.

The Ideal Candidate has:

◉ Experience working with, sensitivity and knowledge in dealing with individuals from different cultural and racial backgrounds with special needs, marginalized and equity seeking groups

◉ Knowledge about Greater Toronto’s Black ∕African-diasporic communities including LGBTQ+ and the issues facing members of those communities

◉ Knowledge/understanding of and sensitivity to issues of concern to Black immigrants and refugees and Black youth in the GTA and Hamilton

◉ Knowledge of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices and Anti-Black Racism frameworks

◉ Extensive experience working cooperatively with various government and community agencies providing training, settlement and employment services.

◉ Experience in budget preparation and budget management.

◉ Superior proposal writing, analytical and problem-solving skills

◉ Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with the stakeholders in equity seeking communities

◉ Demonstrated excellence in: time management, organization, planning and research skills

◉ Excellent verbal, written communication and facilitation skills

◉ Exceptional collaboration and teamwork skills and positive attitude towards change

◉ Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and diverse team environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

◉ Manage all aspects of BCAP programs from staff leadership, budget management, funding relations, reporting, community relations, budgeting and business planning, and other duties required of the position

◉ Execute program delivery in compliance with the requirements of funding partners, per the direction of the Director of Programs and Services

◉ Leads the development and reporting on program grant proposals, marketing and operating plans and procedures, service standards, and goals for programming to expand programs and strategic initiatives under the Black Community Access Program

◉ Leads the development of entrepreneurship programs, services, and projects, assuring quality of instruction, appropriate selection and development of facilitators and administrators, contributing to Key Performance Indicators

◉ Provide business analysis and assessment of program participants' financial statements, and marketing/operational strategies and activities and provide targeted recommendations and strategic advice for business improvement.

◉ Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery at all stages for the program participant: application; vetting; granting (when necessary); mentorship; and completion.

◉ Assist with the creation, maintenance and implementation of marketing strategies and collateral including the distribution of material to appropriate internal or external offices and stakeholders. Works collaboratively with the SfC marketing team to raise awareness of BCAP programs and impact across diverse marketing channels

◉ Responsible for delivering optimal customer service, with efficient and effective response times and current/accurate information by ensuring accuracy, accessibility, clarity, and consistency in customer service.

◉ Liaise with business improvement organizations, boards of trades, chambers of commerce, similar small business development organizations, governmental and educational agencies, as required, in order to be aware of existing programs and opportunities that will assist small business development and success for program applicants and participants.

◉ Attends and represents the SfC at network meetings, and information sessions, as required

◉ Assist with the development of proposals to public and private funding organizations, based on emerging opportunities throughout each fiscal year and ensure the quality and content of proposals that are fully responsive to requirements

◉ Staying abreast of current and future programmatic directions and funding prospects of various funders and becoming familiar with research sources on the non-profit sector.

◉ Build relationships with individuals and organizations to facilitate awareness of and responses to community-based needs

◉ Any other duties assigned by the Director of Programs and Services.

SKILLS, EDUCATION & ATTRIBUTES:

◉ 5-7 years in program development and management, including funding reporting and impact measurement, program and event implementation

◉ Ability to bring and develop a strong network of professional relationships in the nonprofit sector. Able to easily communicate across multiple industry sectors.

◉ Experience and passion for entrepreneurship, leadership, business start-ups and small businesses

◉ Strong network and sense of purpose, entrepreneurial mentality and/or lived experience working with entrepreneurs and community organizations

◉ Knowledge and/or experience in governmental organizations.

◉ Excellent analytical, interpersonal, problem solving and written/oral communication skills.

◉ Priority will be given to candidates who identify as Black or identify with the African diaspora including those with background in business management and entrepreneurship

◉ Ability to deal knowledgeably and courteously with the general public and staff.

◉ Experience with proposal development, implementation and reporting.

◉ Strong project management and communication skills

◉ Excellent computer skills, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Salesforce

◉ Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required from time to time.

◉ French bilingualism is an asset.

◉ A clear vulnerable sector check is required.

◉ Position requires travel, access to a motor vehicle would be an asset

PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO:

hr@skillsforchange.org

As part of our commitment to diverse & inclusion racial justice and reconciliation, Skills for Change encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, Racialized and other under-represented communities. 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 an alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted