Director of Yukon Operations & Engagement Full Time

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

ROLE PURPOSE
The Director of Yukon Operations & Engagement is responsible for providing strategic leadership and external representation for Connective within the region through driving strategic initiatives, strengthening relationships with key IAPs (interested and affected parties), and leading community engagement efforts. This role ensures that Connective delivers high-quality services that address community needs while fostering long-term sustainability and growth. This position requires strong leadership skills to shape the region’s strategic direction, liaise with government and funding partners, Yukon First Nations, community organizations and enhance media relations. The incumbent must be adept at working in multicultural settings, including with newcomers to Canada; have a strong understanding of the territory and will be a key leader in advocating for program enhancements and service innovation to achieve the organization’s broader strategic goals.

LOCATION
Whitehorse, Yukon

STATUS AND CLASSIFICATION
Exempt

HOURS
Monday to Friday, 0830-1630, 40 hours per week (Full Time)
This position requires the ability to work flexible hours based on operational needs.

WHAT WE OFFER?
• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 & 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement
• Leads the region with a strong focus on strategy, external relations, and leadership in the community.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the strategic plan with a key emphasis on community engagement, media relations, and government liaison.
• Actively represents the organization as a key leader in the community, advocating for Connective service users and services.
• Builds and fosters strong relationships with funders, government organizations, media, and other key IAPs.
• Engages with and supports multicultural communities, including newcomers to Canada, ensuring culturally responsive services and initiatives.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Yukon First Nations cultural awareness and safety, ensuring culturally appropriate service delivery and engagement with Indigenous communities.

Operational Leadership
• Oversees and directs assigned programs and services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Ensures a high level of quality assurance for assigned programs and services and adherence to relevant standards.
• Provides communication to the VP regarding any exposure to risk in programs and services, including media or reputational risks.
• Negotiates contracts with funders in collaboration with relevant teams (finance, implementation, etc.).
• Ensures programs are compliant with policies, contractual, legal, regulatory, and financial requirements, identifying changes to program policies as required.
• Oversees all program reporting, outcome measurements, statistics, and other requirements for funders and internal purposes.
• Identifies opportunities for new program development and expansion of existing programs.
• Proactively assesses and establishes processes with program leadership to understand, analyze and respond to operating trends, mitigate risk and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Community & Government Relations
• Leads high-level engagement with Yukon First Nations to address the needs of people experiencing multiple barriers within the Territory.
• Collaborates with government organizations (justice department, social services/health department) and community non-government organizations to improve service delivery.
• Actively participates in media relations, serving as a spokesperson when required and ensuring consistent messaging aligned with organizational values.

Financial & Operational Accountability
• Works closely with the Finance team to plan, review monthly financials, and provide direct input to the annual budget for assigned programs.
• Makes strategic financial decisions that support programs within the approved budget.
• Oversees and, as needed, leads high-level human resources matters, particularly those related to labour relations and significant employee, volunteer, or contractor issues (e.g., terminations, grievances, and arbitration).
• Oversee the implementation of new programs, ensuring alignment with the organization’s objectives and operational capacity.

Partnerships & Innovation
• Identifies and fosters collaboration with other organizations to develop key partnerships and innovative opportunities.
• Represents the needs of Connective service users by participating in community committees, working groups, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Monitors funding information sources to identify and pursue funding opportunities.
• Ensures a high level of quality assurance for all new programs and services, maintaining adherence to required standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Function independently, while remaining a crucial member of the leadership team
• Adhere to Connective policies and procedures
• Be available to work flexible hours as needed. May include some evenings/weekends, as determined by the regional office needs and schedules

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
• A bachelor’s degree and/or professional designation, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant leadership experience in program delivery, community engagement, or strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and represent an organization in external settings, including media, government, and community relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Yukon First Nations cultural awareness and safety, ensuring culturally appropriate engagement and service delivery.
• Ability to develop and adapt strategies in response to emerging operational and community trends, ensuring continuous growth and responsiveness to evolving needs.
• Strong experience working with multicultural communities, including newcomers to Canada, and understanding of culturally responsive service delivery.
• Experience negotiating and managing funding agreements, including government contracts and partnerships.
• Knowledge of local, territorial, and federal government structures, policies, and funding programs relevant to social services and community development.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and oversee large-scale programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Ability to analyze program development opportunities, including financial and operational feasibility assessments.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams toward achieving organizational objectives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment while managing multiple priorities and IAPs.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with First Nations, government agencies, and other IAPs to improve service delivery and program impact.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the organization and its service users.

REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to successfully complete a RCMP and vulnerable persons check
• Ability to successfully pass a reference check
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate
• Valid driver’s license

COMPENSATION
Annual Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications. This role will also be eligible for the Society’s comprehensive Management Benefits Package.

Important: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.

Posting will be open until filled. First round of reviews will be February 24, 2025.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.

A hiring preference will apply for candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for Yukon First Nation candidates.