HOF-NU25-08 Director, Strategic Initiatives & Programs – Springboard – Toronto, ON

Company: Springboard

Location: Toronto, ON

Expected salary: $110000 per year

Job date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:15:58 GMT

Job description: ABOUT USSpringboard’s mission is to provide quality services that support individuals facing barriers to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. As a non-profit, charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include Youth and Adult Justice Services, Employment and Training Services, housing and community services for people with developmental disabilities, and a digital learning platform – The Community Learning HUB.WHO WE AREPeople are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a retirement plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.THE OPPORTUNITYJob ClassNon-UnionDepartmentAdministration – Head OfficeLocationTorontoStatusFull-time, PermanentPay Rate$110,000Vacancy NumberHOF-NU25-08AvailableApril 2025HoursMonday to Friday, 9am – 5pm mainly with some events happening on weekends and /or evening meetings. Schedules are subject to change to meet departmental needs.This is a wonderful opportunity for a visionary leader with strong experience in strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration and program development and evaluation. The Director, Strategic Initiatives & Programs will be responsible for overseeing a comprehensive array of programs and services and creating and executing strategies that maximize Springboard’s impact, enhance operational efficiency, and drive long-term sustainabilityReporting to the CEO, the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Programs will provide strong, balanced leadership and direction to maintain program and service integrity to ensure the achievement of Springboard’s strategic plan and operational goals of the organization. The position will be responsible for four program areas: Youth & Adult Justice Services, Developmental Services, Employment Services and a digital learning platform – The Community Learning HUB.The Director will work closely with the Executive Team and Program Managers, ensuring alignment of resources, goals, and actions across the organization. They will engage with community, key stakeholders—including community leaders, governmental agencies, non-profits, and corporate partners—to foster partnerships, mobilize resources, and advocate for policy changes that support the well-being of underserved populations.RequirementsResponsibilities:Strategic Vision & Organizational Alignment

  • In conjunction with the CEO and Board of Directors, lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives, such as housing and Fee For Service programs, that align with the organization’s mission, values and Strategic Priorities.
  • As part of the Executive Team, collaborate to ensure that the operational goals are responsive to the diverse needs of the communities served by the organization.
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects that address multi-sectoral social issues, ensuring they are effective and inclusive.
  • Provide direction and leadership to Managers on strategic initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
  • Work with the CEO, Executive Team and Managers to strategize on solutions to pressing organizational and sector challenges.

Cross-program Collaboration & Leadership

  • Facilitate collaboration between different departments (Justice, Employment, Community Learning HUB and Developmental Services, etc.) to implement multi-faceted initiatives that address complex social issues.
  • Integrate the HUB to be central in delivering professional development trainings for staff and Board.
  • Work with HUB Task Group on marketing potential for HUB modules to generate revenue
  • Act as a bridge between internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders across various sectors to ensure a unified approach to achieving organizational goals.
  • Lead and motivate cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment of resources and activities towards common strategic objectives.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Management

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, governmental agencies, local non for profits, and corporate partners.
  • Engage with communities to understand their needs and ensure that strategic initiatives are designed in a participatory, inclusive manner that respects and empowers local voices.
  • Actively represent the organization in community meetings, conferences, and coalitions to advocate for its mission and initiatives.

Social Innovation & Resource Mobilization

  • Identify and implement innovative strategies to address social challenges through the integration of new technologies, partnerships, or community-driven solutions.
  • Lead efforts to secure funding, including grant writing, partnerships, and resource mobilization to support sustainability.
  • Explore new models for program delivery that increase social impact while remaining cost-effective and scalable across multiple sectors.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within Springboard and among partners
  • Incorporate knowledge of innovation tools, project management practices and design thinking into culture and operations.
  • Participate in the social innovation sector, identify advancements in best practices, create strategic opportunities for Springboard to lead or participate in knowledge-sharing activities.

Operational Efficiency & Resource Allocation

  • Develop and manage the budget across four program areas, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals and financial sustainability.
  • Implement processes to monitor and evaluate the delivery of programs and services, adjusting plans as necessary to achieve strategic outcomes and lead the Evaluation Committee
  • Stay informed on social, economic, and political trends affecting the services involved and proactively adjust strategic initiatives accordingly.

Change Management & Organizational Development

  • Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning across departments, encouraging staff to adopt new methodologies and best practices in addressing social challenges.
  • Lead a high performing team of department People Leaders developing and implementing recruitment, training and retention strategies.
  • Partner with the CEO to represent all program areas with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations.
  • Build and maintain a positive public image for the organization, positioning it as a leader in driving social change across various sectors.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships / partnerships with other service providers, government and other funders.

Education/Training

  • Minimum of Undergraduate degree in Social Services and an MBA or similar advanced degree.

Knowledge/Experience

  • A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience overall, with a minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience managing seasoned staff across multiple human services programs in multiple locations, in a Non-for-Profit Organization.
  • In-depth understanding of program service areas and industry trends.
  • Demonstrated use of core competencies in:
  • Strategic service delivery judgement in bringing a business perspective to service delivery, thinking long term about challenges and developing innovative solutions that bridge the complexities of business and operational needs.
  • Professional proactivity in modeling decisiveness in the drive to move professional standards forward by setting ambitious goals and priorities and taking informed risks to do new things to improve program and service delivery.
  • Resource maximization in having a drive to maximize the impact of the organization’s resources, utilizing best practices to measure options and acting decisively to get people involved in embedding process and system improvements.
  • Change influence in focusing on building acceptance of new ideas, going beyond the logic of those ideas to think through what will make it difficult for others to accept a change and taking multiple actions to defuse resistance.
  • Grant writing demonstrated experience in writing proposals and applications to government and / or foundations and corporations. Addressing the needs of the program areas and the priorities of the funder.
  • Passion for Operation Springboard’s mission and values and demonstrated ability to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission and values of an organization to external and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to different program locations as needed.
  • Experience working in a unionized environment
  • Experience with submitting grant applications / reports, collaborating with government funders
  • Proven leadership skills and ability to ability to work in a diverse environment
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively within an executive team, make presentations to Board members and lead discussions as a subject matter expert in specific areas.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including people leaders, CUPE representatives, and unionized/non-unionized staff.
  • Strong network-building skills to connect with partner agencies and knowledge experts for specialized information and insights.
  • Knowledge and experience implementing evaluation and collecting data (KPIs)
  • Ability to navigate difficult conversations and achieve consensus.
  • Ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and maintain productive relationships with government stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical skills to assess complex situations, interpret data, and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Ability to identify trends and propose innovative solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Broad Record Check

Nice to HaveAbility to speak French is an asset.Must HavesCurrent Police Records Check.
Experience in the non-profit, social services sector.APPLYThank you for your interest in working with Springboard.Completion of satisfactory professional references, willingness to undergo a police clearance/Broad Record Check, and proof of education are all requirements for employment.The Deadline for Applications is April 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document.No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.

Springboard is a non-profit organization focused on providing quality services to support individuals facing barriers in leading meaningful lives. Their program areas include Youth and Adult Justice Services, Employment and Training Services, housing and community services for people with developmental disabilities, and a digital learning platform called The Community Learning HUB. They prioritize people-centered approaches, promote work/life balance and mental health supports, and offer comprehensive benefits packages for staff. They are currently seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives & Programs who will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives, collaborate with community partners, and oversee program areas to maximize impact, efficiency, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of ten years of professional experience and experience in program service areas, as well as a passion for Springboard’s mission and values. The deadline for applications is April 23, 2025.