Program Director

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an experienced Full-Time Program Director for our Directors team to enhance the lives of children, youth, and young adults receiving care in our specialized caregiver homes and specialized homes and support services. The proposed start date for this position is March 27, 2023. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership. 

The Program Director ensures the programs within their portfolio are successfully delivered and add value to the agency, through effective planning/oversight, the development and pursuit of strategic objectives, the coaching and mentorship of direct reports, and the innovative use of available resources.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023015PD1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Program Planning and Oversight: Plans, oversees and evaluates the program(s)’s operations and service delivery through a constant quality improvement lens. Ensures program needs are met and that operations comply with internal and external requirements (e.g., agency policies, the Collective Agreement, contracts, licensing, accreditation, and legislation). Assesses and addresses where program improvements are needed.
2. Team Performance: Hires and/or develops employees to create a high performing team, equipped to lead front-line workers in a unionized environment effectively. Establishes and reinforces the agency’s learning culture. Holds direct reports accountable to the performance standards set. Identifies gaps in staffing and develops plans to address issues (e.g., succession plans and business readiness).
3. Strategic Development: Develops action plans for the program(s), in accordance with the agency’s strategic objectives. Formulates effective and progressive strategies to meet current and future program needs. Anticipates change, and designs/implements strategies to increase the agency’s business readiness (i.e., its ability to adapt and meet future business needs). Makes evidence-based decisions for the program(s) that further the agency’s mission and values.
4. Policies and Reports: Develops effective policies and procedures that comply with all requirements and support program/agency goals. Prepares and presents presentation-ready reports/communications for internal and external distribution.
5. Subject Matter Expertise: Remains up to date on the trends and knowledge related to the program(s). Provides direction, advice and guidance to the COO and other leaders on program/service issues arising within the region, program area or with implications across the agency. Takes a leadership role within the Directors’ group; uses subject-matter expertise to guide individual and group decision making.
6. Financial Acumen and Negotiations: Ensures prepared budgets align with available resources and the strategic plan. Prepares funding proposals and bids for the procurement of funds. Negotiates contracts related to the program and/or agency operations. Participates in fundraising efforts. Participates in the development of bargaining proposals and essential services plans.
7. Relationship Building: Fosters collaborative relationships within and outside of the agency. Participates in agency profile raising/public events, including the recruitment of caregivers. Acts as liaison to funders, referring authorities and counterparts in government. Represents the agency at external events, such as networking events and conferences. Attends events and represents the agency with various associations.
8. Mitigating Risk: Takes a proactive approach in identifying and resolving issues before they escalate. Manages crises successfully and monitors the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Prepares program reports, funding proposals and other formal documents, ensuring they are complete, comprehensive and accurate.
9. Committee Work: Leads various committee(s) to further the completion of the agency’s strategic plan. Advises leadership on the committee’s plans, activities and findings. Ensures the committee’s strategic plan aligns with that of the agency.
10. Performs other related duties as required.
11. Protects and upholds privacy and confidentiality.

1. Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation, and management skills.
2. Demonstrated business writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with others and prepare presentation-ready reports.
3. Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking skills, including the ability to identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions.
4. Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to guide others in building high-performing teams, reinforce a learning culture, hold others accountable and motivate others to make decisions in line with agency values/vision.
5. Excellent conflict management and problem-solving skills.
6. Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to identify and analyse operational needs, develop comprehensive plans and establish program priorities.
8. Demonstrated ability to articulate the business case and rationales behind decision making.
9. Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions in high pressure situations and be accountable for results.
10. Demonstrated organization and time management skills, including the ability to multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances.
11. Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.

Education and Knowledge:

1. A Bachelor's degree in a related field.
2. Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

Training and Experience:

1. Four (4) or more years of progressively more responsible management experience.

Requirements:

1. Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
2. Satisfactory Centralized Services Hub Clearance by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
3. Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
4. Use of Personal Vehicle. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
5. A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract. 
6. The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Monday to Friday flextime scheduling arrangement of 37.5 working hours per week.
7. Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
8. As a Public Service employer and to meet our funding obligations, PLEA requires successful applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.