Program Manager

Organization Summary

We are an ambitious national registered charity working with Indigenous communities on culturally relevant employment and skills training opportunities for Indigenous youth. Self-determination is at the core of all that we do. We work across Canada, collaborating with community partners to co-develop programming that provides youth with opportunities to build new skills, develop a deeper understanding of themselves, create connections, and expand their thinking around education and career paths.

Position Summary

This is a full-time, one-year contract position based in Nova Scotia, Canada – with the possibility of extension beyond one year. The regional Program Manager position offers a rare opportunity to contribute at a national level and subsequently lead a focused provincial program. The position is responsible for the coordination, delivery, and regional oversight of employment and skills development programming for Indigenous youth. This role blends hands-on program delivery with regional leadership, including partnership development, program planning, and performance monitoring. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Program Manager ensures programs are culturally relevant, responsive to community needs, and aligned with organizational goals. This role also supports program evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement while providing mentorship and guidance to local staff and/or coordinators.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Program Delivery, Coordination & Regional Oversight

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of regional programming;
• Lead and facilitate regional employment and skills development programming for Indigenous youth;
• Provide support to program delivery in other regions across Canada as needed.
• Coordinate all program logistics, including recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day operations;
• Act as the primary point of contact for youth participants, fostering a safe, supportive, and culturally grounded environment;
• Provide direct support to youth and employer partners, including attendance tracking, check-ins, and job coaching;
• Support pre and post program activities such as intake, data collection, evaluation, and reporting;
• Identify and implement adjustments to programming to better meet participant and community needs.
• Monitor program outcomes, track progress, and ensure alignment with workplans, timelines, and funding requirements;

Partnership Development & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, schools, employers, and service providers;
• Collaborate with partners to ensure programs are culturally relevant and community-driven;
• Support the development and ongoing engagement of a Youth Advisory Circle;

Strategic & Administrative Support

• Contribute to national program planning, development, and refinement in alignment with organizational strategy;
• Support data collection, results tracking, and reporting for funders and internal evaluation;
• Assist with funding proposals and identifying regional funding opportunities;
• Maintain awareness of funder requirements and support compliance with reporting standards;

Outreach, Communications & Fundraising

• Support outreach and promotion through social media and community engagement;
• Assist in developing marketing materials using Canva, PowerPoint, or similar tools;
• Identify and connect with potential regional funders and partners;

Preferred Qualifications

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field (e.g., Community Development, Social Work, Education, Human Services);
• 2–4 years of progressive experience in program coordination or management;
• Experience working with Indigenous youth and/or Indigenous communities;

Equivalent combinations of educational qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Lived experience as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or non-Status) is preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong program coordination and facilitation skills;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote environment;
• Experience building and working alongside Indigenous communities, youth, community organizations, and funding partners;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills;
• Experience with program evaluation, reporting, and data collection;
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, communities, and the impacts of colonialism;
• Experience with budgets or financial tracking is an asset;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools;
• Knowledge of social media platforms and outreach strategies;
• Ability to travel within the region as required;
• Ability to provide an up-to-date clean police record check for the vulnerable sector;
• Valid driver’s license.

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume via email to: careers@focusforwardfiy.org.

Closing Date: April 24, 2026 – 5pm EST.

If you have questions about the application process or experience difficulties with the application process, please call (343) 645-4646 or email contact@focusforwardfiy.org.