Job Description

Interim Manager, Employment Services - Waterloo Region

Location:

Kitchener, Cambridge, Stratford Locations

Work Hours:

37.5 hours per week

Employment Type:

Full Time, Contract

Number of Vacancies:

1

Anticipated Start Date:

September 22, 2025

Contract End Date:

September 22, 2026

Deadline to Apply:

September 01, 2025

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

The YMCA of Three Rivers is seeking an Interim Manager for our Employment Services team. We are seeking a leader who approaches teams with a people-first lens, who is excited to serve the diverse needs of job seekers in our community, many of whom are New Canadians, and work alongside other leaders who are passionate about our mission.


The Manager of Employment Services will provide leadership to the team delivering a variety of services including the Employment Ontario program. They will supervise employees, oversee operations, manage funding relationships and further program development and guide strategic direction for the service area. Our team is dedicated and passionate, they ensure that our community members are served with dignity and respect. Driven by a passion to see the communities of the YMCA of Three Rivers healthier and more vibrant, the successful candidate will be a leader in the community, a relationship builder, a collaborative and solution-oriented people leader who has experience with government funding, reporting and is inspired to serve our community.

About The YMCA of Three Rivers

The YMCA of Three Rivers is one of the community's largest non-profit organizations. We are dedicated to the enrichment of our communities through the development of people and families. Through our work, we foster belonging and well-being and dedicate ourselves to building a healthy and vibrant community every day.


For more than 150 years, we've demonstrated our commitment to our communities by showing up and delivering the programs, outreach, and services to our people need. This is the good stuff that we're all about. And in unifying, we're equipped with a re-commitment and a bold, new shared vision and purpose.


Our goal? Keep showing up for our communities - where, when, and how they need us most.

Our Mission

Our purpose as a charity is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

Our Vision

We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. We are working to be a leader in challenging systemic bias and barriers by creating and providing equitable access to individuals and communities to support their emotional, mental and physical health and overall well-being.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership:

Lead operational and strategic planning for Employment Services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs. Develop and implement vision and strategy for new programs, initiatives, and service directions. Create and manage the annual financial plan (operating and capital) to support the YMCA's goals and financial targets. Monitor the operations and financial performance of Employment Services and related programs to ensure achievement of outcomes and targets. Ensure risk management plans are implemented and non-compliance issues are resolved. Serve as a key member of the overall Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning and decision-making. Assume other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational success.

Program and Service Delivery:

Provide leadership in the delivery and implementation of Employment Ontario's service model, including employment coaching, job development, employer/employee supports, placements, and achievement of outcome and financial targets. Guide program leaders and stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery aligned with best practices and policy standards. Coach direct reports to maintain effective communication, operational consistency, and adherence to procedures and service excellence.

People Management

Lead the strategic direction and execution of talent management across the department, ensuring alignment with organizational values and priorities. Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, succession planning, and offboarding. Hire, train, lead, and coach employees and leaders to foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture. Champion employee engagement and well-being through open communication, recognition, and proactive support. Ensure compliance with HR policies, labor laws, and organizational standards while cultivating a respectful and equitable workplace. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to align departmental staffing strategies with broader organizational needs.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Develop and maintain positive relationships with strategic community partners, agencies, and networks to enhance service coordination and community impact. Actively participate in alliances and planning groups to represent the department and contribute to sector-wide initiatives. Serve as the primary contact for contracts and funding relationships, including regular liaison with the Service System Manager (SSM) and other funders.

Reporting and Compliance

Provide regular updates and reports to internal leaders, stakeholders, and funding partners as required. Ensure funder/government reports are accurate and submitted within required timelines. Support program leaders in preparing annual funding submissions as determined by the SSM and other funders.

Qualifications

Proven Leadership Experience:

Seasoned, experienced people leader with a minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in employment services, social impact, or community development, including 5+ years in people leadership within an operational setting.

Educational Background:

Post-secondary education required; a University Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, or a related discipline is a strong asset. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Sector Knowledge

: Deep understanding of employment issues, labour market trends, and barriers faced by under- or unemployed individuals, particularly newcomers and equity-deserving communities.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:

Strong commitment to Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (JAIDE) principles, with demonstrated knowledge of the lived experiences of diverse populations.

Immigration and Settlement Awareness:

Working knowledge of the Canadian immigration system is an asset, given the client base includes a high proportion of newcomers.

Language Proficiency:

Ability to communicate in multiple languages or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

Financial and Business Acumen:

Strong financial literacy and basic accounting skills required to manage funding programs, develop budgets, and monitor financial performance.

Communication Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect, influence, and collaborate effectively across diverse teams, stakeholders, and community partners.

Process and Innovation Orientation:

Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives, develop operational processes, and implement best practices.

Technology Proficiency:

Comfortable using digital tools and platforms for reporting, communication, and program management.

Police Record Check:

Must have an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check, renewable every three years.

Mobility:

Access to reliable transportation is required to support community engagement and multi-site operations.

Don't meet every single requirement??

We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected group.


Studies have shown that women and people of diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote inclusion of equity groups. We strongly encourage applications even if you don't believe you meet all the requirements outlined. We will do our best to respond.


In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.


The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy, please visit our website. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

What you will gain....

You will be an integral part of a team that is committed to providing essential support to new community members. Overall, you'll join a dynamic team and an organization that has massive impact across our community. You'll be joining a local organization but you'll also be part of a global movement. Your work will have impact and the community we all call home will be a little better every day because of you.


We will review applications as they arrive and keep our recruitment open until we find the right person for this extraordinary opportunity.



This role requires regular travel across the regions, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their own transportation to these sites. A valid G driver's license and full time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

Additional Information:

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.


Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don't believe you meet all the requirements outlined.


Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers' commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our

Career Page

.