Job Description

Program Director

REPORTS TO

: Board of Directors

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

: Permanent Full-Time 40 hours per week

JOB FUNCTION

: Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society (MVESS) is seeking a full-time, experienced, and dedicated Program Director to oversee the overall operations of the organization, including the launch and day-to-day management of Kirsten's Place, a newly established domestic violence shelter in Olds, Alberta, as well as the coordination of MVESS's community-based Outreach Team. The Program Director plays a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out the vision, strategic direction, and priorities established by the Board for the shelter and outreach services. The Program Director is tasked with recruiting and onboarding a new team of shelter and outreach staff, providing ongoing supervision and support, implementing organizational policies and procedures, and fostering strong relationships with community partners. This role also leads efforts to secure sustainable funding through grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and volunteer engagement strategies. Additionally, with the assistance of the Board the Program Director liaises with government representatives to advocate for sustained operational funding and to advance the long-term sustainability and impact of MVESS's shelter and outreach services.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the successful launch and ongoing operation of Kirsten's Place and the MVESS Outreach Program. Implement the staffing model, budget, and program objectives as directed by the MVESS Board of Directors. Ensure effective coordination between shelter and outreach staff to provide seamless, client-centered support across all service delivery areas. Lead the development of workflows and communication practices that promote collaboration between shelter and outreach teams.

Staff Recruitment, Onboarding & Supervision

Assist the Board with the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of a brand-new team for both shelter and outreach roles. Establish and maintain a supportive, trauma-informed workplace culture grounded in professional development, team learning, and ethical practice. Provide direct supervision, performance management, and mentorship to all program staff.

Policy & Procedure Development

Implement, and continuously review policies, procedures, and protocols that ensure the safe, efficient, and ethical operation of MVESS programs under the direction of the Board. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, Occupational Health & Safety standards, and best practices in gender-based violence response.

Funding, Grant Writing & Corporate Engagement

Identify, write, and manage grants to secure funding for program operations, staff, and service expansion. Build and maintain relationships with donors and corporate sponsors; create tailored sponsorship packages and recognition strategies. Ensure all funding proposals, reports, and compliance requirements are submitted on time and accurately reflect program impact.

Government Relations & Advocacy

Assist the Board in liaising with municipal, provincial, and federal government stakeholders to advocate for long-term operational funding and policy support. Represent MVESS in government relations efforts that align with board priorities and strategic direction.

Volunteer Engagement

Develop and implement a volunteer strategy to support program delivery and community engagement. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to ensure alignment with MVESS's mission and service values.

Community Outreach & Public Education

Oversee the outreach program, ensuring it raises awareness of domestic violence, connects individuals to resources, and builds relationships across the region. Support community capacity-building by organizing educational events, presentations, and partnerships with schools, law enforcement, Indigenous groups, and health services. Promote public understanding of MVESS services and the role of Kirsten's Place within the regional response to domestic violence.

Financial & Administrative Management

Work within the budgetary framework established by the Board of Directors, ensuring responsible and transparent financial management. Oversee administrative processes, data collection, and program documentation to meet evaluation, funder, insurance and legal requirements.

Public Representation & Accountability

Represent MVESS publicly in alignment with board-approved messaging and priorities. Liaison with the Board as a point of contact for public and media inquiries related to program operations. Collaborate with the board on strategic planning, evaluation, and reporting to support long-term organizational impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Nonprofit Business Management, Public Administration, Social Work, Psychology or a related human services field. Minimum 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, shelter, or community-based service delivery, preferably in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, housing, or mental health. Demonstrated experience in program development, staff supervision, and team leadership. Proven success in grant writing, budgeting, and fund development (e.g., securing government or private funding). Experience working collaboratively with diverse community stakeholders including government, law enforcement, Indigenous organizations, and mental health or social service agencies. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, gender-based violence, and culturally safe practices.

Leadership & Organizational Skills

Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and support multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to launch new programs or services, including hiring and onboarding staff, setting up systems, and ensuring compliance. Exceptional organizational, planning, and project management skills. Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining clear focus on organizational goals and client needs.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare grant applications, reports, and public presentations. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration across teams and stakeholders. Conflict resolution and critical thinking skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

Technical & Administrative Competence

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and basic data management tools. Familiarity with budgeting and financial reporting processes. Understanding of nonprofit governance, confidentiality, and privacy legislation (FOIP, PIPA, etc.).

Other Requirements

Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Intervention Check. Valid Alberta driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle. Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends. Commitment to continuous learning, equity, and anti-oppressive practice. Demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve and de-escalate situations in a fast-paced environment that requires prioritization of tasks. The role involves working in a domestic violence crisis shelter using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. You will witness or respond to real-life incidents and events in real-time and require emotional resilience due to frequent exposure to trauma and crisis.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive salary and benefit package, including paid time off. Positive work environment where people can see the impact of the individuals we serve. Training and career development opportunities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Commitment to self-care and resilience-building practices to manage the emotional demands of the role. MVESS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Extended health care
Ability to commute/relocate:

Olds, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have experience working with gender based violence? Do you have experience in non-profit leadership? Do you have experience in Grant writing?
Experience:

Leadership: 3 years (required) front line: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-24