Program Manager

About HIEC

HIEC is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise that focuses on partnership, mentorship and workforce development in Ontario. With over 30 years of experience as an active community-focused organization, HIECs goal is to enhance career education and inspire youth to make informed career decisions.

Why Us?

At HIEC, our goal is to make a positive impact in the career journeys of others, and this also applies to our own internal team! We offer a team environment that encourages innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging so everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. Simply put as possible, we care about our employees (have a look for yourself!)

This role also offers:

- Competitive salary (we included the details!)

- Comprehensive company paid for benefits after 3 months

- Mental Health Supports (Calm App Subscription, Better Help Sessions)

- 2 Weeks Vacation + a Holiday ShutDown

- Hybrid Work Model

- PD/Career Development Opportunities

Position Description

Program Managers are responsible for spearheading the design, development, and execution of HIECs funded programs. Reporting directly to senior leadership, program managers ensure that all programs are delivered effectively on budget and in compliance with funding requirements, with the goal of driving meaningful impact for our participants and the communities we serve. The ideal candidate will be an experienced program leader passionate about career development, workforce development, experiential learning, and the skilled trades sector.

This role will help with the implementation of new and/or existing programs, for example, the launch of career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students in all Ontario publicly funded secondary schools and students in other publicly funded educational settings!

Job Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Create project plans and critical paths, executing project components, and keeping senior leadership informed of project progress and deliverables
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of new and existing programs, ensuring alignment with the organizations strategic goals, community needs, and funding requirements
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align programs with the strategic vision of the organization, contributing to long-term planning
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to identify program priorities and develop innovative approaches that maximize impact
• Pilot and scale programs, managing every stage from inception to completion while maintaining flexibility to adapt and refine initiatives based on real-time data and feedback
• Ensure program operations comply with funding requirements, reporting protocols, and contractual obligations
• Develop and manage systems for tracking program performance, assessing outcomes, and preparing detailed reports for senior leadership and funders
• Identify opportunities for improving program efficiency, scalability, and community impact through data-driven insights and feedback
• Develop and implement knowledge transfer strategies and write a variety of communication and information dissemination documents
• Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, employer groups, school boards, and policymakers, to leverage resources, secure buy-in, and enhance program reach
• Serve as a representative of the organization in networking events, funding meetings, and collaborative initiatives
• Facilitate cross-sector partnerships to extend the reach of programs and ensure long-term sustainability
• Develop and implement robust systems for program monitoring and evaluation, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome metrics to measure program success
• Stay informed of emerging best practices in the sector and incorporate them into program design and delivery
• Actively seek feedback from participants, community members, and stakeholders to improve program delivery and impact continuously
• Enhance understanding and alignment of different programs within the organization among team members
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and training of new staff members; contribute to
• Plan and host, when needed, project-related events, roundtables, and meetings
• Provide leadership and direction to staff who are part of the program delivery team
• May assist in the development of grant applications or proposals

Qualifications to Succeed:

• Bachelors degree in social sciences, Public Administration, Community Development, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is required; equivalent job experience will be taken into consideration
• Project Management Certification (PMP) is a strong asset
• Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) Certification is an asset
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably within the nonprofit or public sector, with demonstrated experience managing government-funded programs
• Experience managing programs with a career/education focus is a strong asset
• Bilingualism is a strong asset
• Experience with project management software; experience implementing project management software within an organization
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, InDesign, web management, and databases
• Knowledge of or interest in the skilled trades sector is an asset

Key Competencies:

• Self-starter with a passion for education and career development

• Strong leadership abilities with the ability to guide and motivate a team

• Ability and willingness to contribute to projects of varying size and scope

• Strong understanding of federal and provincial grant management, funding regulations, and reporting standards

• Ability to manage program budgets, ensure fiscal responsibility, and prepare detailed financial reports for funders and organizational leadership

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences

• A natural collaborator with a proven track record of building strong partnerships and working effectively in cross-functional teams

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess challenges, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions in real-time

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to pivot and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, manage multiple programs simultaneously, and meet critical deadlines while ensuring high-quality program delivery and compliance with program requirements

• Comfortable with ambiguity but look to streamline and build strong processes
• Ability to work through conflicting leadership opinions and positioning related to projects/issues to arrive at a diplomatic resolution

Working Conditions:

• This will be a hybrid role that varies in its in-office requirements on a week-to-week basis
• There will be circumstances where travel to conferences, trade shows, and events is required
• A valid Drivers license and access to a vehicle is required
• Vulnerable Sector Screening will be required

Target Hire Range: $79,640.74 - $90,000

We thank everyone who submits an application for their interest! This job opening represents an existing vacancy. Although our team is mighty, it's still small; only successful applicants will be contacted. To ensure that each candidate's journey is consistent and that it is a fair and equitable hiring process, we will not respond to any personal messages regarding this role.

HIEC is committed to equity and creating a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the broad diversity of communities we work with. This includes people who identify as immigrants, refugees, women, Indigenous, Black, LGBTQ2S+ people of colour, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada. Please contact Human Resources by phone at (905) 634-2575 ext. 107