Director Of Employment & Learning Centre

Position Summary

Director of Employment & Learning is responsible for the overall management and leadership functions of the department including but not limited to: human resources; program delivery; administration; financial control; funder reports; funding applications; community outreach; systems and processes; and project management.

This position researches and keeps informed of emerging and on-going needs for women and their families within Saskatoon in the area of work readiness and employment and works to provide services that reflect and meet these needs.

Position Reporting: Reports to the CEO

Direct Reports:2 Program Managers, total department complement of 16

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1.As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and VP Finance & Operations to deliver services as outlined in agreements with funding agencies.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate all programs.
• Recruit and train staff, supervise and allocate work assignments.
• Create a harmonious work environment that is sensitive to cultural and socio-economic differences in and between clients and employees.
• Ensure services are operating according to established standards, provincial acts and/or operating systems according to funding sources.
• Update and Implement policies and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to funder’s reporting requirements and referrals.

2.As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, works closely with the CEO to develop and implement integrated strategies for Employment & Learning Department and supporting action plans for the strategic plan.

• Participates in development of annual strategic planning goals.
• Directs the implementation of strategic plan within department.

3.Monitors revenue levels and financial position of the department.

• Identify potential sources of revenue and submit funding proposals and grant applications.
• Compile and prepare yearly budget for approval and consolidation into complete budget.

3.Promotes a consistent image and professional presence in the community.

• Maintain cooperative and effective partnerships with agencies providing similar services.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with referral sources and other community agencies in order to deliver appropriate services to YWCA clients and/or refer individuals to appropriate agencies.
• Organize the delivery of educational/promotional sessions to internal and external audiences.
• Represent YWCA Saskatoon on internal and external committees as appropriate.

4.Implements processes to support exemplary customer service and accountability amongst the team.

• Resolve customer inquiries, concerns and information requests relating to program areas, either personally or delegated through other department managers.
• Resolves staff concerns, and uses a coach approach to support meeting performance plan goals and funder key performance indicators, either personally or delegated through other department managers.

KEY CORE COMPETENCIES

Stakeholder awareness and strategic thinking – Understands the external environment and is aware of both emerging needs of stakeholders and their view of current YWCA programs and services.Describes a clear and compelling vision of the future of the organization that promotes a voluntary, inclusive and diverse environment working together to create a just and equitable society.Displays concern and commitment for the long-term success of the organization and its mission of improving the lives of women and their families in the community.

Leadership – Leads, coaches and develops others through clear communication, setting expectations for performance, providing recognition and consistently following through on commitments.Models high standards for ethics and integrity.Creates an atmosphere where employees experience opportunities to stretch, take risks, create, contribute and learn.Celebrates successes and uses disappointments as an opportunity to enhance learning and growth.

Communication and interpersonal skills – Foster open communication and dialogue by sharing information, listening effectively, speaking honestly, and preparing written communications.Explain concepts clearly by understanding audience dynamics and providing concise, understandable messages.Is able to influence and gain support from others, both internal and external to the organization.

Decision making/problem solving – Considers the impact on members, stakeholders, departments and employees when making decisions.Makes timely and sound decisions, even under situations of uncertainty.Acts decisively and creatively when implementing solutions to ensure they are in alignment with the vision and values of the organization and to ensure that positive outcomes will be achieved.

Results Orientation – Uses outcome-based thinking and ensures that all employees understand administration and operational policies, the resources that are available to them and the outcomes that they are accountable for.Considers the changes occurring in the external and internal environments when recommending investment in people, technology and processes that will enable the organization to achieve results described in the strategic plan.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Organizational Skills:Must demonstrate strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, set priorities, delegate work and meet timelines consistently.

Conflict Resolution:Must possess the ability to facilitate consensus and manage conflict with individuals and groups.

Team Building:Builds common objectives among all areas of the YWCA through understanding department and group dynamics and bringing cross-functional teams together to communicate and problem solve operational and administrative concerns and issues.

Community Awareness:Attuned to the community needs with the ability to be proactive and responsive in adapting the YWCA service lines to remain a viable alternative for employment counseling and skill-building services.

Human Resources:Requires knowledge of fundamental human resource management systems and processes including recruitment, performance reviews, supervision, coaching and employee relations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong organizational skills.
• Post-secondary education combined with relevant experience at a senior management level.
• Familiarity with a unionized work environment would be beneficial.
• Ability to facilitate consensus and manage conflict.
• Competent in the use of specific digital applications Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point; and Zoom.
• Knowledge of fundamental human resource management systems.
• Familiar with return-to-work strategies, employment training and counselling.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a similar role within a workforce development setting.
• Superior communication skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to, the philosophies of YWCA Saskatoon.
• Well-developed relationship-building and ability to develop rapport and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
• Experience with report writing, grant applications, and budgets is necessary for this role.
• Experience leading diverse and dynamic teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of Saskatoon’s labour market trends, opportunities and challenges.