Interim Director of Programs and Services (18-Month Contract)

Interval House of Hamilton
Interim Director of Programs and Services (18-Month Contract)

Pay
• $75,000–$85,000 a year

Job type
• Full-time

Shift and schedule
• Weekends as needed
• Evenings as needed
• On call

Location
In-Person Hamilton, ON L9C 1A9

Company Overview
Interval House of Hamilton is a dedicated shelter providing essential support to women and families who have experienced violence. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to empowering our clients through community-driven initiatives and fundraising efforts.

Summary
The Director of Programs and Services is a key member of Interval House of Hamilton’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across residential and community-based programs including the Women’s Centre of Hamilton, Jared’s Place, and Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre.
The Director ensures service delivery aligns with IHOH’s mission and values and complies with legislation, policies, and funding agreements. Key responsibilities include staff leadership, service quality oversight, systems improvement, and stakeholder engagement. This position supports trauma-informed, intersectional feminist, and culturally safe practices.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
•Lead planning and evaluation of agency-wide programs in alignment with strategic priorities.
•Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, and inclusive services.
•Monitor performance indicators and contribute to succession/risk planning.
•Additional duties may be assigned to support program goals and organizational objectives. Duties may be adjusted or expanded to align with the evolving scope of the position.
•Act as Executive Director delegate as needed.
People & Culture
•Supervise, mentor, and develop program managers and supervisors.
•Collaborate with HR on recruitment, onboarding, performance, and training.
•Foster a psychologically safe, inclusive workplace.
•Support practicum placements and field education partnerships.
Policy, Compliance & Quality Assurance
•Ensure adherence to internal policies, legislation, and funding obligations.
•Oversee privacy, confidentiality, and incident investigations in collaboration with HR.
•Implement service quality and continuous improvement initiatives.
•Support labor relations and unionized staff management.
Operations, Budgeting & Reporting
•Manage daily operations of shelter and outreach services.
•Support budget development, financial tracking, and funder reporting.
•Contribute to proposal writing, grants, and stakeholder communications.
Community Engagement & Representation
•Represent IHOH in community partnerships and advocacy initiatives.
•Build relationships with funders, service partners, and stakeholders.
•Lead or support events aligned with IHOH’s mission and vision.
Emergency & On-Call Response
•Participate in on-call rotation and guide crisis response protocol adherence.
•Provide after-hours support for urgent operational needs.

Skills & Competencies
Strategic Leadership
•Builds inclusive, high-performing teams; models respectful, values-driven leadership.
Communication
•Builds inclusive, high-performing teams; models respectful, values-driven leadership.
Emotional Intelligence
•Adaptable, self-aware, and responsive in high-stress or crisis situations.
•Sector Expertise:
•Deep understanding of trauma, gender-based violence, and anti-oppression frameworks.
Tech Proficiency:
•Skilled with Microsoft Office, virtual platforms, and case management systems.
•Learning Orientation:
•Embraces innovation, best practices, and continuous professional development.
Community Collaboration
•Builds strong inter-agency partnerships and advocacy coalitions.

Working Conditions
This is a fast-paced role requiring travel between program sites, community locations, and across the province and nation. International travel may also occur. A valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and adequate insurance are required. Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work is expected.
The role involves managing competing priorities, responding to crises, and working directly with individuals affected by trauma and violence. Emotional resilience and adherence to personal safety protocols are essential.

Staff may work near animals, as IHOH is a pet-friendly environment. All employees are expected to maintain professional boundaries, follow safety procedures, and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace.

The Victoria and Friends Women’s Shelter is an emergency VAW shelter where women, with or without children, reside. IHOH also operates outreach sites for women seeking support. All staff are responsible for fostering a compassionate, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and cohesive environment that promotes safety, health, and well-being.

The work is fast-paced, with shifting priorities and frequent crises. Staff spend most of their time directly engaging with clients in informal, non-
office settings. Extended advocacy with community partners is common. Staff regularly encounter traumatic stories, service gaps, and challenging client or stakeholder interactions. Situations may involve aggressive or discriminatory behaviors, including attempts by abusive individuals to access services. Community work may also expose staff to harmful attitudes or biases. Personal safety plans are essential at all times.

As a pet-friendly shelter, staff work near various animals. While pet care remains the owner’s responsibility, policies are in place to ensure safety for staff, residents, and visitors.

Because IHOH is funded through grants and contracts, staff must maintain accurate records and may be required to produce reports and documentation.

Disclaimer: Due to evolving needs, responsibilities, location and qualifications may change. This description outlines the general scope of the role but may not cover all tasks or duties.

IHOH is a living wage employer and an equal opportunity organization committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe a diverse, inclusive team leads to stronger, more innovative service for the communities we serve.