Program Manager, Employment Services
Organization: John Howard Society
Location: In Person, Victoria, BC
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work hours: 40 hours a week, Mon - Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Help People Find More Than a Job — Help Them Build a Future
We is seeking a passionate, results-driven, and innovative Manager, Employment Programs to lead a diverse portfolio of employment and workforce development initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is passionate about workforce development, community engagement, and creating equitable access to employment opportunities. Reporting to the Sr. Program Manager, you'll play a key role in overseeing program operations, driving participant outcomes, developing employer partnerships, and leading a dedicated team committed to helping individuals build sustainable careers and greater independence.
As a leader within a growing and innovative social service organization, you will have the opportunity to influence program development, strengthen community partnerships, and support individuals in achieving long-term success through employment. The position is in-person with no opportunities to work remotely.
Program Development & Strategic Leadership (30%)
Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of inclusive employment programs.
Support organizational strategic priorities and ensure programs align with funder contracts, performance expectations, and organizational goals.
Identify opportunities to enhance programs and create new employment pathways for participants.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, program materials, and operational frameworks.
Collaborate across departments to strengthen service integration and referral pathways.
Support the execution of JHSV's strategic plan through effective program leadership and oversight.
Outcome Management & Performance Excellence (20%)
Monitor program performance and employment outcomes to ensure contractual targets are achieved.
Analyze participant and program data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Develop corrective action plans and improvement strategies to strengthen outcomes.
Maintain systems to track key performance indicators, participant success, and program effectiveness.
Support evidence-informed decision-making through reporting and data analysis.
Program Operations & Compliance (20%)
Provide operational oversight for employment programs and services.
Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contractual obligations, CARF standards, and organizational policies.
Monitor program deliverables, reporting requirements, and quality assurance processes.
Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports for funders and organizational leadership.
Ensure services are delivered consistently, effectively, and in accordance with organizational standards.
Community Engagement & Partnership Development (10%)
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, referral agencies, government stakeholders, and service providers.
Strengthen collaboration opportunities that enhance participant outcomes and community impact.
Represent JHSV within community initiatives, partnerships, and sector discussions.
Promote awareness of employment programs and available services throughout the community.
Employer Engagement & Job Development (10%)
Lead employer engagement strategies that create sustainable employment opportunities for participants.
Develop and maintain relationships with local employers and industry partners.
Identify labor market trends and workforce needs to align participants with employment opportunities.
Coordinate hiring events, employer information sessions, job fairs, and recruitment initiatives.
Promote wage subsidies, employment supports, and workforce development opportunities available through employment programs.
People Leadership & Team Development (10%)
Lead, mentor, and support employment program staff.
Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and performance standards.
Support employee recruitment, onboarding, supervision, development, and performance management.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and results-focused team culture.
Ensure employee practices align with organizational policies, procedures, and collective agreements.
Must have Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree and/or professional designation, with a minimum of 5 years of applicable or relevant transferable work experience.
Extensive experience and expertise in the Community Living, Mental Health, Youth Programs or Criminal Justice System.
Strong experience in development and managing the day-to-day aspects of community-based programs, including case planning, behavior modification techniques, and psychosocial rehabilitative techniques.
Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint) and learning new operational software.
Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle.
Criminal Record Check.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.
Skills and Competencies:
Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail and leadership skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Proven track record of successful funding experience in a nonprofit or similar setting.
Strong knowledge of funding techniques and strategies, with demonstrated experience in building corporate sponsorship programs.
Proficiency in grant and report writing with proven success in drafting and submitting complex proposals that include clear, compelling narrative and data-driven content, program/project budgets and other required documentation.
Excellent project management skills to meet goals and deadlines while working with various internal and external stakeholders.
Are you a dynamic operations leader ready to make an impact? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about operational excellence!
Here’s what describes you best:
You are proactive. You take initiative and anticipate operational challenges before they arise.
You are detail-oriented. You pay close attention to details to ensure compliance and accuracy in all aspects of operations.
You are a strong communicator. You convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
You are an analytical thinker. You possess strong problem-solving skills and can analyze data to drive informed decision-making.
You are a collaborative team player. You work well with cross-functional teams, fostering cooperation and unity to achieve common goals.
You are innovative. You are open to new ideas and approaches that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
You are mentorship-oriented. You enjoy coaching and developing team members to reach their full potential.
You demonstrate integrity and accountability. You uphold high ethical standards and take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
You are resilient. You maintain composure under pressure and remain focused on achieving objectives even in challenging circumstances.
You are goal-oriented. You are driven by achieving operational excellence and alignment with organizational goals.
You are systems savvy. You are comfortable with technology and databases, with a willingness to learn new systems and processes.
In addition to a competitive wage based on experience and qualifications, JHSV offers:
Extended Health and Dental Coverage
Disability and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pension Plan
Paid Vacation and Time Off
Employee Engagement Activities
Organization-Wide Events
Professional Development Opportunities
A Supportive and Collaborative Work Environment
Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email
[email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help!
Ready to Make a Positive Impact?
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your application through our portal. Submission deadline is July 10, 2026 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!
