Youth and Young Adult Program Manager (Term Contract)

Position Summary 

Seabird Island is committed to empowering the community through innovative and culturally informed services. Our programs emphasize high-quality services for youth and young adults (13-24), covering a range of supports, programming, cultural competency, mental health, wellness, and meaningful outings that foster growth and connection. As the Youth and Young Adults Program Manager, you will oversee the daily operations and strategic direction of key programs, ensuring that all services are delivered in alignment with our organizational goals and values. you will lead passionate teams, engage with community partners, and continuously strive to improve outcomes for youth and young adults in our community. 

Under the direction of the Director of Education the Youth and Young Adults Program Manager provides culturally informed leadership and oversight of programs designed to serve youth and young adults. Programs include culturally responsive activities, meaningful outings, and workshops designed to build life skills, resilience, and community partners, funders, and stakeholders while developing and implementing prevention-focused programming that strengthens connections with at risk youth and young adults. 

This is a term contract with an end date of August 1st 2026 with a possibility of extension.

What you'll do 

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of professionals, promoting a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Provide overall leadership to direct reports, including:
  • Authorizing leaves of absence.
  • Work planning, scheduling, payroll processing and assessment of staffing needs.
  • Hiring, staff development, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to staff.
  • Promoting shared team goals and collaboration among members.
  • Conflict resolution, discipline, and termination recommendations.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities that incorporate First Nations perspectives and practices. 
• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all participants and staff by implementing and monitoring appropriate safety protocols, fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Program Management & Quality Assurance

• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of youth and young adult programs to ensure they meet community needs and organizational standards.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and frameworks that promote consistency and excellence in program operations. 
• Utilize feedback and performance data to continuously improve services and adapt programming to emerging needs and trends.

Community Engagement

• Build and nurture strong relationships with community partners, Elders and stakeholders to expand program reach and relevance.
• Represent the organization at events, forums and working groups to advocate for the needs and interests of youth and young adults. 
• Collaborate with other departments and organizations to create integrated and culturally responsive services. 

Programming

• Oversee and coordinate drop-in programming tailored to the interests and needs of youth and young adults, ensuring engaging and inclusive activities. 
• Develop comprehensive plans for events and outings, including:
  • Creating and disseminating communication materials for participants. 
  • Establishing safety and emergency plans tailored to each event. 
  • Organizing check0ins, pick-ups, and drop-offs to ensure smooth logistics.
  • Maintaining open communication with parents or guardians.
  • Ensuring appropriate staffing ratios and assigning roles for effective supervision.
  • Defining and evaluating expected outcomes for program activities and events. 
• Develop and implement culturally informed, prevention-focused programs to strengthen protective factors and reduce risks for at-risk youth and young adults. 
• Facilitate workshops, events, and activities that promote life skills, resilience, and positive relationships. 

Finance & Reporting

• Support the development, monitoring, and management of program budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and submit funder reports, grant applications, and funding proposals as needed, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Maintain accurate program records, including attendance, progress reports, and outcomes tracking. 
• Develop and present detailed reports on program performance, challenges, and successes to leadership and funders.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements in all aspects of program delivery.

Advocacy & Planning

• Advocate for the needs and interests of youth and young adults within the community and organization. 
• Stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging issues in youth services to ensure program relevance and innovation.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you Bring 

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social sciences, social work, or a related field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. 
  
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in program management, youth services, or community outreach, with at least 4 years in a management role.
  
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• Strong understanding of youth development principles, especially in the context of at-risk youth and young adults.
• Excellent leadership, mentorship, and team-building skills, with a passion for empowering others.
• Experience in financial and resource management, including budgeting and reporting. 
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with community partners, families, funders, and other stakeholders.

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competencies 

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.
  
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Director of Education

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.