About the Role
This role is responsible for the operational leadership and strategic development of a portfolio of programs and projects serving youth and adults involved in or at-risk of involvement in the justice system. As a key member of Springboard’s senior leadership team, you’ll help shape the direction of the organization through contributions to strategic planning, program evaluation, agency communications, fund development, and risk management.
Responsibilities
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of People Leaders and front-line staff across multiple justice programs and initiatives, with a focus on trauma-informed, equity-centered, and anti-oppressive practices.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and continuous learning, creating space for staff and participants to be heard, supported, and empowered.
- Oversee program operations, service delivery, and quality assurance across all programs and initiatives.
- Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation and standards, including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), Ministry licensing standards, and Serious Occurrence Reporting (SOR) protocols.
- Collaborate with internal departments, community partners, funders, and referral sources to strengthen relationships and ensure coordinated, participant-focused service delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based networks, sector tables, and stakeholders.
- Represent Springboard at external meetings, collaboratives, and community partnerships.
- Develop, manage, and achieve departmental operational goals and objectives as set out in the strategic plan.
- Actively contribute to agency-wide initiatives, including strategic planning, communications, program evaluation, fund development, and risk mitigation as part of the senior leadership team.
- Actively lead and participate in individual and team meetings, supervisory meetings, planning sessions, project meetings, cross-functional projects, and leadership or other designated trainings.
- Support a strong internal culture aligned with Springboard’s values.
- Lead the management of departmental contracts, budgets, and expenditures in collaboration with the Director, ensuring accountability and alignment with organizational and funder requirements and timelines.
- Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and collective agreement provisions in a unionized work environment.
- Guide the development of program and operational goals and objectives, in line with Springboard’s strategic priorities.
- Contribute to program evaluation processes, data collection, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Participate in or lead special projects, pilot initiatives, and service expansions as required.
- Other responsibilities as may be assigned.
Requirements
- Post-secondary education in social work, community development, or a related field
- 5+ years of leadership experience in social services, ideally within youth and/or adult justice, or related community settings
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in direct leadership across multiple programs, within a non-profit setting
- Strong knowledge of the youth and adult justice systems including key legislation, processes, and service landscapes, with an understanding of how systemic inequities shape access, outcomes, and engagement
- Direct experience engaging with diverse populations and an ability to apply a culturally responsive and affirming lens to all interactions
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to support teams with thoughtful, reflective supervision that fosters staff wellbeing, autonomy, and accountability
- Experience overseeing live-in and/or community-based programs, preferably in youth or adult justice contexts
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation, licensing requirements, and compliance standards
- Confidence working collaboratively within unionized settings and supporting People Leaders in managing performance and change
- Proven experience managing program budgets, service contracts, and funder relationships
- Solid financial management and program administration skills, including experience with contract oversight and licensing standards
- Knowledge of program design, implementation, and evaluation frameworks
- Familiarity with trauma-informed, participant-centered, and strength-based service models
- Comfort navigating complex systems and collaborating with multi-sector stakeholders
- Current Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) and eligibility for Broad Record Check
- Lived experience navigating the justice system or other systemic barriers is a strong asset, as is demonstrated understanding of the realities faced by communities most impacted by these systems.
- Ability to speak French is an asset
- Employment requires satisfactory VSS, references and proof of education.
Skills
- Operational leadership
- Strategic development
- Trauma-informed practices
- Participant-centered services
- Equity-centered practices
- Anti-oppressive practices
- Quality assurance
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Program evaluation
- Agency communications
- Fund development
- Risk management
- Budget management
- Contract management
- Financial management
- Program administration
- Interpersonal skills
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Supervision
- Team leadership
Location
- Toronto, ON
Work Type
- Full-Time Permanent
- Some evenings and weekends may be required
- On-call duties as required
Experience Level
- 5+ years of leadership experience in social services
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in direct leadership across multiple programs
Education Level
- Post-secondary education in social work, community development, or a related field
Salary/Compensations
- $78,000 to $94,000 per annum
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Pension plan
About the Company
- Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential.
- As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community.
- Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.
- People are at the center of everything we do.
- We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction.
- We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports.
- We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations.
- We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.
- We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities.
- Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a pension plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.
Equal Opportunity
- Springboard values the diverse skills and experiences and is committed to an inclusive and accessible environment.
- Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
