Manager, Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement

We’re not your typical non-profit. We bring swagger to everything we do. That means we move with purpose in every step, driven by our commitment to putting our community at the centre of our work. Every day, we ask ourselves to see possibility where others see limits. Because people with Parkinson’s and care partners deserve better. Better care, more inclusive research and access to treatment and supports that make living well possible.

Our culture is ambitious, bold and collaborative. Every role is a chance to spark real change and contribute to lasting impact. If you’re passionate about applying your knowledge, skills and passion to a role that challenges the status quo – we'd love to meet you.

Working at Parkinson Canada is more than just a job—it’s a movement.

At Parkinson Canada, we envision a world where no one is limited by Parkinson’s. Today, more than 120,000 people in Canada are living with this complex and deeply personal condition. We’re inspired every day by the courage and strength of our community. Every individual has their own unique experience with Parkinson’s — no two journeys are alike.

Our mission is to empower and inspire people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to live fully and courageously. Through community support, advocacy, and research, we encourage others to see a diagnosis not as a dimming of light, but a spark for a new beginning.

Move forward. Together. On Mission.

Job Overview

The Manager, Peer Support & Volunteer Engagement provides leadership and oversight for Parkinson Canada’s peer support programs, including volunteer‑led support groups and the 1:1 Peer Program. This role is responsible for program quality, volunteer engagement, community outreach, and the development of tools, training, and processes that strengthen service delivery. The Manager ensures that volunteers, participants, and staff are supported through consistent practices, timely guidance, and a collaborative, client‑focused approach across diverse communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

Peer Support Program Leadership

• Oversee operations of peer support groups and the one to one peer support program in English and French, ensuring timely and meaningful connections between individuals seeking support and trained volunteers.
• Provide strategic direction for the delivery, quality, and growth of peer support programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community needs.
• Ensure consistency in peer support service practices, documentation, and data collection across team members.
• Advise on escalated inquiries program coordinators on complex matters relating to peer support or client inquiries
• Lead the identification and initiation of new support groups, ensuring appropriate resources, volunteer readiness, and community alignment.

Volunteer Engagement and Experience

• In partnership with the Volunteer Experience team, oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of volunteers participating in peer support programs.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers leading support groups, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for participants
• Lead ongoing training sessions for peer support volunteers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Support volunteer recognition and engagement initiatives in collaboration with the Volunteer Experience team.
• Oversee proactive check ins, issue resolution, and ongoing relationship management with peer support volunteers.

Program Quality, Evaluation and Development

• Lead program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives, using participant engagement, community feedback, and data insights to inform program evolution.
• Maintain oversight of accurate records of peer support program activities, volunteer engagement, participant interactions, and program outcomes.
• Contribute data, insights, and content for internal and external reports to showcase program impact.
• Support consistent program practices and documentation across the Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement teams, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and risk management requirements.
• Support the development of tools, resources, and training materials to strengthen program delivery and volunteer effectiveness.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Identify opportunities to establish new peer support groups and provide guidance and resources to local volunteers to initiate and sustain support groups in diverse communities.
• Lead community needs assessments to inform program and ensure services reflect the voice of Canadians living with Parkinson's.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to share success stories, promote peer support programs, and increase online engagement.
• Support Parkinson Canada events as needed and coordinate the promotion of peer support programs where relevant (PDIQ, Community Engagement Events, Superwalk etc.).

Provider Relationships and Community Insights

• Lead community needs analysis, service gap mapping, and regional trends tracking to inform the development and expansion of peer support programs and services.
• Provide program-side insights to support accurate, up-to-date public-facing program information about available services and supports.
• Oversee the Coordinator’s provider-related activities, including vetting, onboarding, and relationship management, to ensure accurate information is shared for public‑facing (CareFinder) updates.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise Coordinators within the Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement teams, providing coaching, guidance, and performance support.
• Provide oversight and guidance on program inbox communications, ensuring timely responses, consistent practices, and appropriate escalation of complex inquiries.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture grounded in consistency, quality, and shared purpose.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration with internal teams to support integrated service delivery and organizational alignment.
• Provide leadership on complex matters, escalations, and cross‑department initiatives related to peer support and volunteer engagement.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in social services, community work, volunteer management, or a related field is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in community engagement, peer support, volunteer management, or program coordination within a nonprofit or community‑based organization, including staff supervision.
• Experience developing or enhancing program practices, training materials, or engagement approaches.
• Experience supporting volunteers and community participants using person‑centered, empathetic approaches.
• Experience using volunteer engagement platforms or nonprofit CRM systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills, with excellent verbal and written abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting timelines.
• Client‑focused and proactive in engaging internal and external teams and partners to support program needs.
• Openness to adopting new practices, learning new approaches, and adapting to change.
• Strong facilitation, relationship‑building, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to coach volunteers and staff through guidance, and problem‑solving.
• Ability to apply equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice (EDIJ) principles to program and volunteer engagement.
• Willingness to learn about Parkinson's disease and the needs of the Parkinson's community.
• Proficiency with Office 365, volunteer engagement platforms, and databases, with the ability to oversee data quality and support program reporting.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference for people living with Parkinson’s—and want a role with real impact and room to grow—this role is for you.

This posting is for an existing vacancy

Parkinson Canada is committed to providing an inclusive, barrier‑free experience for applicants. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment, selection, and assessment process. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to complete a standard Criminal Record Check.