Job Description

Director of Housing Programs

Organization

: Connections for Seniors

Location

: St John's, NL

Job Type

: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary

: $80,000 annually

Application Deadline

: October 3rd 2025

About Us

Connections for Seniors

is a mission-driven registered Canadian charity committed to ensuring older adults at risk of homelessness or crisis have access to safe housing, compassionate care, and the supports that they need to thrive. With a focus on dignity, respect, and person centred care, we deliver a growing range of emergency and supportive housing programs for vulnerable seniors.

Position Overview

We are seeking a

Director of Housing Programs

to lead and expand our housing continuum--including emergency housing (47 beds), supportive housing (15 units), a growing case management team, and drop-in supports. This is a senior leadership role requiring a strategic thinker, hands-on leader, and compassionate change agent who can scale our services while upholding our core values of dignity, equity, and empowerment.

The Ideal Candidate

You're a self-starter who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments. You're known as a collaborative leader who builds up teams, trusts your staff, and leads by example.

You bring experience and structure, but you're humble enough to listen, learn, and adapt. You care deeply about people and impact, balancing strategic growth with compassion and client centred practice. You're just as comfortable engaging a funder as you are stepping in to support a client or mentor a frontline worker.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Growth & Program Leadership

Lead the expansion and evolution of our housing programs in alignment with organizational strategy and community needs. Design and evaluate service models grounded in best practices (Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-informed care). Develop program policies, protocols, and case management frameworks that promote consistency and quality.

2. Program Management & Delivery

Oversee daily operations across emergency housing, supportive units, case management, and drop-in services. Ensure high-quality, wrap-around supports that promote housing stability and client well-being. Monitor program performance, analyze outcomes, and lead continuous improvement efforts. Lead crisis response protocols and ensure safety and responsiveness in service delivery.

3. Team Leadership & Development

Inspire, mentor, and manage a diverse team of housing professionals, including case managers and support workers. Lead recruitment, training, supervision, and performance development with a focus on equity, compassion, and trauma-informed practices. Foster a team culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning.

4. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and sustain strong relationships with community agencies, government partners, and funders. Represent Connections for Seniors in system-level discussions, advocacy forums, and sector initiatives. Strengthen our voice and presence in the broader housing and seniors support ecosystem.

5. Financial & Operational Oversight

Manage housing program budgets, reporting, and resource planning to ensure sustainability and impact. Lead grant writing and reporting to maintain and grow funding streams.

Qualifications & Skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Gerontology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience

5+ years of progressive leadership experience in housing, health, or social services--ideally in supportive or emergency housing settings. Knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and seniors' support services. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex programs with compassion and clarity.

Core Competencies

Visionary yet practical leadership with a hands-on approach. Strategic and analytical thinker. Inclusive leadership style with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with data systems and Microsoft Office suite. Ability to work flexible hours and participate in an on-call rotation as needed. Valid drivers license

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership position--it's an opportunity to help reshape housing for vulnerable seniors in our community. You'll be joining a values-driven organization at a critical time of growth, with a supportive team, committed board, and a shared passion for social justice and care. Your work will directly impact the lives of those who need it most.

How to Apply

Please submit your

resume and cover letter

detailing your interest and fit for the role to executiveassistant@connectionsforseniors.ca by

October 3, 2025

. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Connections for Seniors

is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those with lived experience or from equity deserving communities.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off
Work Location: In person