Director, Children's Services

PASSIONATE ● COLLABORATIVE ● INNOVATIVE ● RESULTS-DRIVEN ● STRATEGIC OVERVIEW A leading community-based agency focused on creating meaningful opportunities and inclusive communities to provide the resources for leading communities. Collaboration and people-centric values drive the organization to achieve social justice and equitable solutions. Our client advocates for gender equity and social justice for women and gender-diverse people through programs, services and supports. EDI-B VALUES The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities. Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders. Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. MISSION The Director, Children's Services is a key leadership role that oversees and leads the growth and development of child care and youth services (child care centers, before and after school programs, camp, recreational activities and initiatives). Directs operations through supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budget, marketing, public relations, program development and fundraising. The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a compassionate and hands-on leader to fulfill the role of the Director, Children's Services. PRIORITIES Plans and develops short and long-term child care services’ plans in accordance with the overall goals of the organization, reflecting the needs of the community and the objectives of the organization. Identifies the needs of the communities and develops programs that respond to those needs through changes to existing programs, the development of new programs and/or the expansion into new areas. Ensures that programs, maximize customer service, satisfy stakeholder requirements, incorporate external agency requirements, and serve the community interests. Develops programming strategies required to deliver these services and identifies both governmental and non-governmental funding sources. Collaborates in the development of strategic, comprehensive and cost-effective public relations, marketing, and fundraising plans to support the programs, working with the Development and Finance departments and the Manager, Children’s Services. Builds internal and external relationships and partnerships with funders and community partners to deliver successful programs and services. Directs and actively negotiates all new funding agreements, grants and funding applications and renewals of current agreements for all existing departmental programs. Ensures that all departmental programs are evaluated on an annual basis and that all required reporting to funders is completed on schedule. Represents the organization at community planning tables for the early years’ system and youth system; represents the Association at community events and public speaking engagements as required. Oversees the Youth Advisory Council. Develops, manages and monitors department budget. Maintains a high level of confidentiality when working with child/family, employee and contract information and foster a safe and healthy work environment. Directly manages and coaches employees, including recruiting, training and evaluating performance. Perform other duties as required. Requirements TALENTS & EXPERTISE Completion of a 4-year degree in social services, business or human services or equivalent. Minimum 7 to 10 years’ experience in the non-profit sector and children’s services, including a minimum of 5 to 7 years’ management experience with demonstrated leadership skills. Ability to lead from a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective for day-to-day work and strategic planning. Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost. Ability to travel to all child care sites under the management of the organization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual English/French or other languages is an asset. THE POD GROUP The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client’s growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement. We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations. The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care. We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision. This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.