POSITION SUMMARY – Director of Programs
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs is a senior, non-unionized management role responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and oversight of all John Howard Society of Manitoba programs and their staff. This position works closely with the Executive Director on operational execution to ensure programs are delivered effectively, sustainably, and in alignment with the John Howard Society of Manitoba mission and values. The Director of Programs works collaboratively with Community Residential Facility (CRF) leadership and other internal stakeholders to support coordinated service delivery, operational alignment, and shared organizational goals.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Education and Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership or management experience in a non-profit, social services, or justice-related environment.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing programs and staff within a complex organization.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Experience working with justice-involved populations and/or individuals facing barriers related to housing, addictions, mental health, or reintegration.
- Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and the impacts of colonization.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a senior leadership team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES
- Commitment to the mission, values, and principles of the John Howard Society of Manitoba.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
- Collaborative leadership style that encourages and fosters a positive team environment.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into operational action.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining autonomy in individual tasks.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients, staff, and community partners.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations, including knowledge of best practices in inclusive service delivery.
- Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure while making sound decisions in high-stress situations.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills to assess situations effectively and develop practical solutions.
POSITION BENEFITS
- The Employer contributes to benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and pension.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Program oversight
- Provide leadership to ensure all programs operate in alignment with the John Howard Society of Manitoba’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
- Oversee program planning, staffing, implementation, and evaluation to ensure services are effective.
- Ensure programs meet contractual obligations and funder requirements.
- Monitor program performance, outcomes, and trends, and recommend improvements as needed.
- Support the development and maintenance of program policies, procedures, training plans and manuals.
- Ensure programs are delivered using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centred approaches.
- Collaborate with program leaders to identify service gaps and opportunities for innovation or expansion.
- Support data collection and reporting processes to demonstrate program impact and accountability.
- Provide oversight to ensure consistent service quality and standards across all programs.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to support coordinated service delivery and shared organizational goals.
- Support risk management related to program delivery, including identifying and addressing operational or service risks.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Administration
- Oversee and support administrative systems related to program operations, data collection, documentation, and reporting.
- Ensure consistent use of organizational tools, forms, and processes across all programs.
- Support budget monitoring for programs in collaboration with the Executive Director, including tracking operational expenses and identifying efficiencies.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of internal and external reports, audits, and funder deliverables related to programs.
- Act as a key point of contact for problem resolution across programs.
- Support organizational readiness for inspections, reviews, or compliance requirements.
- Provide reports on all program activities to the Executive Director to present to the Board.
- Participate in senior leadership meetings and contribute to organizational decision-making.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Staff Leadership & Supervision
- Approve and oversee staff scheduling, leave requests, and coverage planning for admin and program staff.
- Provide guidance and support related to workplace performance, attendance, and conduct issues.
- Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and training of program staff in collaboration with Human Resources.
- Ensure staff receive clear direction, expectations, and feedback related to their roles.
- Support succession planning and capacity-building within program teams.
- Address workplace concerns and conflict in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
- Model and reinforce organizational values, ethical conduct, and professional standards.
- Conduct performance evaluations on Program staff.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this position will be a strong and collaborative leader with experience overseeing programs and teams within a non-profit, social services, or justice-related environment. They will possess a strong understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices and demonstrate the ability to effectively support both staff and program participants in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
The successful candidate will be highly organized, approachable, and solutions-focused, with exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills. They will have the ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational oversight while fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about community impact, service delivery, and organizational growth, while remaining committed to the mission, values, and principles of the John Howard Society of Manitoba.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The John Howard Society of Manitoba is committed to achieving employment equity for designated groups in our workforce.
We encourage all applicants to apply, especially candidates who identify as First Nations, Indigenous, Inuit or Metis, visible minorities or persons with disabilities who meet the required qualifications.
Members of these communities are encouraged to self-declare in their cover letter or resume.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Leadership: 5 years (required)
- Unionized Workplace : 3 years (preferred)
- Social services or social justice: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
