Program Lead

Full Time, Contract

Halifax, NS

Reports to: Executive Director, CNIB Maritimes

Compensation: $43,600 - $54,500

Direct Reports: No

Join us in our mission to change what it is to be blind in Canada.

Founded in 1918, CNIB is one of Canada's oldest charities. We believe our new strategic plan, The Way Forward, will once again revolutionize the way we serve and support our community from coast to coast. Working with us means that you'll be part of an ambitious, diverse team that's committed to changing what it is to be blind today.

We're looking for a mission-driven Program Lead who is passionate about creating more accessible, inclusive, and equitable communities across Canada where people with low vision have unlimited opportunities and can experience life free from barriers and discrimination.

Your Impact at CNIB

Programming (65%)

• Host in-person and virtual social and recreation events to create peer support opportunities, while providing real life opportunities to practice new skills
• Oversee the “CNIB Play Library” encouraging people to borrow and try accessible toys, games, and sports equipment.
• Organize and deliver Mobile Hubs in communities across Nova Scotia.
• Develop a committee of individuals with sight loss to run public awareness events.
• Coordinate with a national team to deliver the “Connecting the Dots” conference in May 2025.
• Plan, promote, and implement events and retreats that inspire young people with sight loss to follow their dreams, while giving them concrete ideas, experiences, and skills

Community Engagement (25%)

• Promote and provide accessibility training to external communications including recommending changes to the physical environment, providing sensitivity training to staff, etc.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to promote CNIB services and programs to individuals with sight loss not yet connected with CNIB (developing relationships with eye doctors, etc.)
• Develop and steward strong and effective partnerships with community organizations that are aligned to and/or can help further our mission, including other service delivery organizations, funding agencies, etc.
• Be a key local ambassador for CNIB, representing and promoting the organization at all relevant external events.

Additional (10%)

• Train, engage and support a team of volunteers to help deliver CNIB programs throughout Nova Scotia.
• Conduct data entry to track client participation, while also registering clients and updating their contact and demographic information.
• Evaluate all events and develop best practices.
• Keep abreast of best practices and new developments in programming for people who are blind or partially sighted; constantly seek opportunities to improve programs and participant outcomes.
• Research and identify resources that are available to individuals with sight loss.

Requirements

Who you are:

Education and Certifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field or equivalent experience.

Experience and Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in either program development and delivery or counselling in a peer support/group setting.

• Experience in creating impactful and engaging programs with a participant focus, ideally related to recreation and/or peer support.
• Excellent interpersonal skills when communicating with a diverse audience; you must be passionate about working with both young people and seniors!
• The ability to meaningfully engage volunteers, ensuring they have the resources, training, and motivation they need to be successful.
• The skills to distill information and present it during engaging and informative presentations and training workshops.
• Extensive knowledge in accessibility and adaptive technology; excellent ability to teach to a wide variety of learners with varying learning needs
• A demonstrated understanding and track record of championing diversity and accessibility issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven time management, planning, coordinating and organization skills; proactive in initiating multiple projects on an ongoing basis.
• Professional attitude, results-oriented, strategic and flexible.
• Proficient in using virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Knowledge and experience working in a not-for-profit or charity is an asset.
• Personal or professional experience relating to blindness and sight loss is considered an asset.
• Personal or professional experience working with assistive technology and/or accessible environments is considered an asset.

Benefits

Perks

We offer industry leading comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards packages and a wide range of perks, including:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements and schedules.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth, including internal inclusion, diversity equity and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives.
• Enticing internal employee referral program.

Work Environment (indicate working conditions)

• Willingness to work flexible hours (including evenings as needed).

• Moderate travel will be required; a driver's license is not required.
• Working in an office with some occasional “work from home” days.

Be Part of Our Mission

If this sounds like the role for you, please visit our website to submit an application. Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.

Closing date: December 16, 2024.

Please note that while we invite applications from all interested and qualified applicants, we are unable to follow-up with every applicant.

Working Together for Change

Our diversity is our strength – we take pride in our inclusive workplace. We are committed to recruiting and selecting candidates through fair, transparent, and accessible practices. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.

Learn more about our mission here.