Job Description: Manager, Brantford Programs
Reports to: Associate Director
Term: Permanent Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week; flexibility required including evenings and weekends
Location: Brantford (on-site and community-based)
New or Existing: New Position
Salary Range: $62,000 - $72,000 annual
Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg provides wholistic programs and services for Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities rooted in culture and language. Our vision is: Indigeneity – Strong cultural identity and healthy families.
Position Summary:
The Manager, Brantford Programs provides leadership, coordination, and operational oversight for all Niwasa Brantford-based programs, including Child and Youth and Outreach Programs. The role integrates strategic program leadership with hands-on people management, ensuring high-quality, culturally grounded services that support Indigenous children, youth, adults, and families. Guided by an Indigenous worldview and Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s mission, vision, and values, the Manager fosters a healthy, inclusive team culture, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures programs are responsive to community needs, funder expectations, and legislative requirements. The Manager directly supervises program and site support staff.
Program Leadership and Oversight
· Provide leadership and direction for all Brantford-based programs.
· Support the expansion of programs and services, development, implementation and supervision
· Ensure culturally grounded, trauma-informed service delivery.
· Oversee programs planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
· Align programs with organizational strategy and mitigate operational risks.
· Ensure compliance with legislation and organizational policy; support health and safety practices; contribute to policy development.
Supervision and People Leadership
· Supervise, coach, and support Niwasa staff
· Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
· Foster a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.
· Address HR concerns in collaboration with senior leadership.
Programs & Services Oversight
· Ensure existing and new programs and services meet the community's needs.
· Support culturally based programming including drop-ins, parenting sessions, land-based learning and outreach; provide coverage when short-staffed.
· Ensure legislative and best practice compliance.
· Oversee program initiatives; strengthen partnerships; ensure coordinated culturally safe support; monitor outcomes related to stability and wellbeing of program participants.
Financial and Administrative Oversight
· Contribute to program budgets; monitor expenditures; and ensure financial accountability and reporting compliance in alignment with funder requirements and organizational policies.
· Track program outcomes and performance indicators to support continuous improvement and funding obligations.
· Support fundraising, grant development, and proposal-writing activities by contributing to program narratives, budgets, work plans and outcome data for funding applications, reports, and partnership proposals.
Community Engagement, Outreach and Partnerships
· Represent Niwasa at community tables, coalitions and events, strengthening Niwasa’s presence and relationships within Brantford, Niagara and surrounding communities.
· Actively support the expansion of Niwasa programs and services by identifying emerging community needs, partnership opportunities, and service gaps.
· Build, maintain and nurture strong service-delivery partnerships and regional networks with Indigenous organizations, mainstream service providers, schools, funders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community stakeholders to support coordinated, culturally safe and wrap-around services for children, youth, adults and families.
· Ensure community voices inform program planning, expansion and ongoing service improvement while promoting Indigenous-led and community-driven approaches to care.
Qualifications
Post-secondary education in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
· Minimum 3-5 years of experience in program management, preferably Indigenous-led programs/services experience. Experience in child (0-6), and/or youth outreach programming are an asset.
Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, traditions, and contemporary realities. Knowledge of Indigenous language is an asset.
Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on staff development and retention.
Demonstrated experience in budget management, funding reporting, and program evaluation.
Ability to develop and sustain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
· Valid driver’s license, clear driver’s abstract and access to reliable vehicle; mileage will be reimbursed per organization guidelines.
· Clear Vulnerable Sector Screen.
· Valid First Aid/CPR certification.
· All required medical vaccinations.
· Food Handler's Certificate is an asset.
· Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy items over 50 lbs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems.
Please note that Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg does not use AI technology for the purpose of screening or assessing applicants.