Director of Programs

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

• Program Leadership and Oversight

  • Lead and continuously improve Mission Possible’s employment, coaching, and social impact programs while ensuring alignment with organizational values and the Join, Train, Experience, Transition model.

  • Develop effective systems, processes, and feedback mechanisms to ensure programs are responsive, accessible, trauma-informed, and impactful.

• Team Leadership and Supervision

  • Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and accountability for program staff through regular supervision, reviews, and development planning.

  • Foster a collaborative, healthy, and values-aligned team culture while supporting staff growth, succession planning, and role clarity.

• Coaching Program Leadership

  • Oversee the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of coaching practices across programs and staff teams.

  • Support coaching staff with goal tracking, associate progress, and ongoing development while maintaining limited direct coaching involvement as needed.

• Associate Support and Transition Pathways

  • Ensure associates receive comprehensive support through training, coaching, work experience, wraparound services, and transition planning.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and employers to create sustainable employment pathways and successful long-term transitions.

• Partnerships and Community Engagement

  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with employers, funders, community organizations, and training providers to expand opportunities for associates.

  • Represent Mission Possible externally and strengthen the organization’s role in supportive employment and community economic development.

• Strategy, Planning, and Organizational Alignment

  • Contribute to organizational leadership, strategic planning, annual goals, quarterly priorities, and cross-departmental collaboration as part of the Leadership Team.

  • Align program operations and initiatives with organizational objectives, social profit targets, and long-term growth strategies.

• Budget, Grants, and Resource Stewardship

  • Oversee program budgeting, financial planning, and responsible resource management in collaboration with leadership and finance teams.

  • Support grant applications, reporting, funder communication, and impact storytelling by providing accurate program and outcome data.

• Impact Measurement, Data, and Reporting

  • Monitor program performance metrics, outcomes, and reporting processes to ensure accountability and achievement of social impact goals.

  • Use data, reporting, and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, improve programs, and support organizational decision-making.

• Risk, Safety, Compliance, and Policy Alignment

  • Ensure program operations comply with organizational policies, safety standards, funder requirements, and professional practice expectations.

  • Support incident response, risk management, staff training, and the creation of safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all participants.

• Other tasks needed to fulfil the summary of the role as described above
  

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental health, systemic barriers, and barriers to employment.

• Strong relationship-building skills with employers, service providers, funders, community partners, and internal teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to use data, feedback, and frontline experience to guide decisions.

• Ability to lead through change, ambiguity, and growth.

• Strong conflict-resolution, coaching, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with EOS tools, quarterly rocks, KPIs, and accountability rhythms is an asset.

• Familiarity with supportive employment, social enterprise, coaching, or workforce development is an asset.

• A proven ability to demonstrate professionalism, respectful workplace conduct, and alignment with Mission Possible’s core values: Compassion, Humility, Empowerment, Support, and Tenacity
  

Education and Experience 

• Diploma or post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g. psychology, social work, sociology, community economic development, etc.) is an asset.

• Experience leading programs, teams, or complex projects in a nonprofit, social enterprise, employment services, community development, or related setting.

• Experience supervising staff and supporting team performance, development, and accountability.

• Experience with program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Experience managing budgets, resources, outcomes, partnerships, and reporting requirements.