Community Projects Lead

Position Overview

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Community Projects Lead ensures that Hope House is able to execute their community projects on an ongoing basis. This individual is able to cultivate relationships with community partners and donors, develop and execute community projects, and be responsible for some organizational and community engagement administrative functions. This role requires strong project management, relationship management, time management, problem solving, and communication skills.

Hope House’s community projects include the:

• Affordable Gift Market – provides individuals the opportunity to select holiday gifts for family and friends at pay-what-you-can prices including free.
• Guelph Community Backpack Project - partnering with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, the Salvation Army, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, Immigrant Services, and the YMCA, Hope House leads the coordination of a school supply drive to provide every child (K- Grade 12) in need with a brand new, fully stocked backpack.
• Fundraising Events – supports the administration on our two major fundraising events – Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) February and Hope in the Street (HITS) September
• Year round management of the Clothing Market
• Year round management of the Hair Salon

In addition, this role is responsible for completion of some organization-wide administrative projects and tasks. This position will give key insight to the applicant on the daily requirements of operating a not-for-profit on an executive level.

Duties and responsibilities

Guelph Community Backpack Project (May 1 to September 15) through the supervision of a short-term employment contract responsible for the:

• Collection and organization of applications
• Works with project partners including Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Immigrant Services, YMCA-YWCA Three Rivers, Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington, The Grove Hubs and the Salvation Army to coordinate city-wide effort
• Identifies, sorts and organizes supplies for the assembly of all backpacks
• Markets this program to the greater community by sharing information with the Communications Manager
• Collects and organizes volunteers for the execution of the project
• Coordinates all the assembly and distribution of the backpacks
• Determines backpack supply needs and completes orders and supply drives
• Develop and maintain standard procedures document for program
• Evaluate inventory needs, order supplies, secure sponsorships, and organize the collection and sorting of donations.

Affordable Gift Market (October 1 to December 31) supported by a volunteer/placement is responsible for the:

• Sourcing and collection of new gifts for the Affordable Gift Market
• Identifies, sorts and organizes supplies for the market
• Markets this program to the greater community by sharing information with the Communications Manager
• Collects and organizes volunteers for the execution of the project
• Coordinates all the assembly and distribution of the gifts via market days
• Maintain standard procedures document for program

Fundraising Events Support

• Ensure that the critical paths and timelines for event execution are met for Coldest Night of the Year and Hope in the Street
• Ensure detailed records of events are maintained to support future Event Committee work
• Ensure compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations during events
• Ensure event evaluations are conducted
• Ensure that event guides and key activity milestones are maintained

Clothing Market Management

• Ensure the clothing market is fully operational and accessible during scheduled hours, maintaining a high standard of service for community members
• Train and supervise a diverse volunteer team; delegating and scheduling tasks effectively to ensure daily targets and safety protocols are met.
• Regularly update the Community Engagement Manager about real-time inventory needs.
• Regularly update the Volunteer and Placement Coordinator about volunteers who intend to take short, medium or long term absences, including leaving.
• Collaborate with the volunteer team to oversee the intake, sorting, and organization of donations, ensuring a clean and streamlined storage system.
• Maintain a high standard for the physical space, ensuring the market is organized, welcoming, and easy for participants to navigate.

Hair Salon Management

• Work with volunteer hair stylists to oversee salon operations, ensuring a high-functioning, organized, and welcoming environment for Hope House community members.
• Lead the recruitment and vetting of licensed hair stylists, ensuring all volunteers possess valid professional credentials and align with the organization’s mission.
• Maintain a high standard for the physical space, ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained.

Administration

• Work on administrative projects as directed by the Communications Manager and Community Engagement Manager
• Order office supplies for staff
• Prepare the deposit reports
• Make deposits at financial institution

Other duties

• Uphold a strict level of confidentiality
• Develop and sustain a level of professionalism among staff, volunteers and community member
• Other duties as assigned

Direct reports

• Supervises temporary contracts/student placements supporting the Guelph Community Backpack Project and Affordable Gift Market
• Some supervision of volunteers

Compensation and Details

• Hours: Average 32 hrs/week, permanent position
• Days of work: between Monday to Friday, may include some weekend work
• Start Date: Ideally by May 25, 2026
• Salary: $40,000/year
• Health and dental benefits
• 3 weeks paid vacation
• 7 paid wellness days
• RRSP Matching Program up to 5% of salary
• This position is located 10 Cork Street East, Guelph ON N1H 2W8

Competencies & Skills Required

• Demonstrated success in project management
• Solid understanding and appreciation of values-based, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organizations
• Self-motivated and driven to succeed
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, presentation, networking and communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and appreciation of diversity, and community development
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively from a community driven approach
• Valid G Driver’s License required

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre is an equal opportunities employer, committed to employment equity. We value diversity and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We welcome team members with the knowledge and skills to productively work with diverse communities. Hope House values lived experience alongside educational and workplace experience. Feel free to highlight your lived experience in your application, as you feel comfortable, as it will help us consider your application in a holistic way.

About Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre

Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre provides support to vulnerable individuals, including the unhoused, employed, unemployed, and those facing various challenges. Our programs and services aim to promote independence while upholding dignity, belonging, and empowerment. Hope House offers a range of services such as a Food and Clothing Market, Healthy Living programs, the Guelph Community Backpack Project, a daily Café, Affordable Gift Market, and more to assist community members.

Our vision is to help community members achieve their fullest potential, with a mission to enhance the well-being of vulnerable adults, youth, and children through immediate relief and ongoing support.

To learn more visit www.hopehouseguelph.ca

Next Steps

• Please email your cover letter and resume, specifying Community Projects Lead in the subject line, to connect@hopehouseguelph.ca by 11:59 pm May 7, 2026.

Please include in your cover letter the answer to the question, “Why do you believe you are a good fit for this role?”