Associate Director, Program Services

Covenant House Toronto acknowledges that the land on which we meet is the Traditional Territory of many Indigenous Nations including the Ojibway, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Today this territory is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land and the importance of working to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people here and across Canada.

Covenant House Toronto—a beacon of hope and support for young people in need now forty years and counting—supports youth in igniting their potential and reclaiming their lives. As Canada’s foremost and largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk, the organization provides ground-breaking programs and inclusive services to the 300+ young people whom it serves every day. With thanks to its supportive donors—who contribute almost 80 percent towards the $43-million annual operating budget—Covenant House Toronto provides youth-driven well-being support, holistic health services, and training and skills development, and is committed to the provision of having an indelible impact on young lives well into their futures.

Covenant House Toronto maintains a steadfast dedication to their fundamental focus and mission: supporting the vulnerable youth who come through their doors. This vision permeates the work and culture of the organization, and will inform the search for its next Associate Director, Program Services. Individuals with a deep passion for the development and well-being of young people are encouraged to apply.

The Associate Director, Program Services is responsible for the strategic direction and operation of the Shelter Program as well as the youth and staff connected to it. They are responsible for safeguarding the smooth and safe daily operation of the program, ensuring practices are trauma-informed and adhere to harm-reduction principles, all while delivered in compliance with agency policies and procedures. Reporting to the Director of Program Services, they will work in partnership with the Director on various projects and assignments relating to programming for youth, as well as budgets, changes or improvements to programs and facilities, human resources processes, and work with community partners and Covenant House International (based in New York).

The individual most likely to realize success in the role has training and work experience in areas related to adolescent developmental theory, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (including matters related to anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism). Further to this, they bring experience in or a strong appreciation for partnering with the City of Toronto Shelter Support and Housing Administration, as well as a deep understanding of the causes, issues and responses related to homelessness, mental health, and addictions. The successful candidate will: have operational/management experience in people management, change management, continuous improvement, conflict resolution, budgetary planning, and strategic planning; bring community development skills specific to culturally and racially diverse communities; possess a solid framework for community outreach and engagement; strong understanding of a data driven decision making process; and, have a degree/training in an area related to the core purpose and work at Covenant House (including, but not limited to, social work, child and youth care, community development, social science, psychology, and nursing).

How to Apply

As an employer, Covenant House is committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who represent diverse communities.

To ensure an applicant list that includes Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, thereby reflecting Canada’s diverse population, Covenant House Toronto is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search. All interested applicants can send their resume to Melissa Sumnauth or Jason Murray by e-mailing msumnauth@bipocsearch.com. Alternatively, apply through the “BIPOC Executive Search” app. Download the app through the Apple Store or Google Play.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.