Director, Children & Youth Initiatives

Director, Children & Youth Initiatives Permanent, Full-time At United Way of Calgary and Area, we believe that united, we make the biggest difference. We’re strongest when we come together to improve local lives and communities—and when we come together as a team, we passionately propel our mission forward. We’re currently looking for a Director, Children & Youth Initiatives to join our Community Impact & Partnerships team. The Director, Children & Youth Initiatives is responsible for overseeing the children and youth portfolio at United Way, including Planet Youth and All in for Youth. This integrated portfolio has the goal of achieving improved outcomes for children, youth, and their families by providing a coordinated approach to improved and integrated services. This new role will have a matrix reporting relationship during year one, reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer for Planet Youth and the VP Community Impact & Partnerships for Children & Youth initiatives. During year one, a specific focus will be on the integration of Planet Youth, All in for Youth, and other children and youth initiatives under one strategic, aligned portfolio. If you are passionate about your community, aspire to make an impact, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make a difference, then we’re looking for you! What you will do

• Strategic Leadership : In consultation with the Vice President and other executive stakeholders, oversee all aspects of developing, executing, updating and promoting a holistic strategy that supports children and youth in our community, including our signature programs, Planet Youth and All in for Youth. Where identified, develop and execute plans to scale programs, from the local to the provincial level.

• Functional Oversight Responsibilities: Provide strategic direction, develop strategies, annual plans and goals for the team to ensure the successful delivery of business priorities. Ensure operational excellence by developing, implementing, and monitoring operational processes and procedures.

• People Leadership : Provide effective and highly visible leadership to the Children and Youth team. Create a positive and productive work environment by being an effective role model who champions United Way’s mission, vision and values. Build and grow a high performing team and culture through effective feedback, coaching and capability building.

• Fiscal Responsibility: In consultation with the Vice President, manage assigned budgets. Plan for future resources and advocate appropriately for budget to support the business case. Hold self and team members responsible for appropriate use of operational and donor funds, following United Way’s charter.

• Internal Relationship Management: Ensure strong program alignment with other United Way initiatives through strong collaboration with internal partners. Partner with fundraising team to develop strategies and approaches to identify and cultivate potential donors, and for donor recognition. Work with marketing/communications team and/or agencies to develop strategies to enhance the visibility of initiatives.

• External Relationship Management : Build key partnerships and relationships within the social sector, schools, families, and the community, to ensure diverse representation and to support the collective goals. Where applicable, lead government and public relations efforts across all three levels of government to ensure effective advocacy efforts.

• Research, Learning and Evaluation : Intentionally integrate research, policy and best practices into the work. Use evidence-based practices and data to inform data driven decisions and build efficiencies into processes and approaches. Ensure an evaluation framework is in place and seek out knowledge sharing opportunities locally, nationally, and worldwide.

• Risk Management : Develop risk identification and mitigation strategies that may impede successful delivery of program initiatives. Regularly conduct risk assessments and report on approaches to mitigate risks.

What you will bring

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of ten years’ of progressively responsible experience in the not-for-profit sector, community development or building social impact. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is considered an asset.
• At least five years’ experience leading at the senior management level in a large-scale comparable program (i.E. health, education, children and youth, community).
• Knowledge of best practices in social innovation, design thinking and community development.
• Knowledge of structures and decision-making processes at all levels of government, including an understanding of the relationship between the nonprofit sector and government.
• Strong experience in developing strategies, and move to implementation through business planning, and setting goals and milestones.

Attributes:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage staff in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Superior skills in working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and managing complex relationships, including within the local community as well as multi-level government stakeholders.
• A gifted influencer that demonstrates tact, maturity and sensitivity to individuals and conditions in different cultural and organizational contexts.
• Excellent oral and written communication with demonstrated strong presentation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding in applying effective strategies that lead to mass behavior change.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, strategic thinking, financial management, project management and evaluation skills.
• Experience developing and implementing quality initiatives (on time, on budget, and aligned with business strategy).
• Ability to lead and thrive within a dynamic, changing, fast-paced organization.
• Ability to apply an adaptive mindset and consider multiple lenses including Western and Indigenous parallel perspectives.

United, we make the biggest difference United Way is a not-for-profit organization that has played a vital role in our community for over 80 years. As a social impact organization, our mission is clear: we mobilize communities for the common purpose of working together to create lasting social change. In addition to meaningful work where you can have an impact, United Way also offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, a hybrid work environment, and flexible working hours. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Culture We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, styles, and abilities to apply. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know. Our Commitment to Health and Safety At United Way we are committed to protecting our team, our clients, and the community we serve by providing a safe and healthy workplace. We will follow all health and safety guidelines in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Alberta and Alberta Health Services guidelines. To Apply Send cover letter with salary expectations and resume(PDF) to hr@calgaryunitedway.org The closing date is January 24, 2025 or when a suitable candidate is found. Subject Line: Director, Children & Youth Initiatives – Your Name. To learn more about the United Way of Calgary and the Area, please visit our website at We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position, however, only those being considered will be contacted.