Director, Children's Services

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

Why Work for Us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Position Description

Job Code: 1-MCC-2025

Department: Child and Youth Services

Reports to: CEO

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/week

Start Date: TBD

Posting Date: April 3, 2025

Oversees and leads the growth and development of child care and youth services (child care centers, before and after school programs, camp, recreational activities and initiatives), ensuring quality of service, in keeping with the YWCA mission, vision and values while adhering to the YWCA policies and procedures and quality standards, as well as the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act. Directs operations through supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budget, marketing, public relations, program development and fundraising.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans and develops short and long-term child care services’ plans in accordance with the YWCA Hamilton’s overall goals, reflecting the needs of the community and the objectives of the Association;
2. Identifies the needs of the communities and develops programs that respond to those needs through changes to existing programs, the development of new programs and/or the expansion into new areas;
3. Ensures that programs maximize customer service, satisfy stakeholder requirements, incorporate external agency requirements, and serve the community interests;
4. Ensures the development of all policies and procedures related to the effective, efficient and legal delivery of departmental programs;
5. Develops programming strategies required to deliver these services and identifies both governmental and non-governmental funding sources;
6. Collaborates in the development of strategic, comprehensive and cost-effective public relations, marketing, and fundraising plans to support the programs, working with the Development and Finance departments and the Manager, Children’s Services;
7. Builds internal and external relationships and partnerships with funders and community partners to deliver successful programs and services;
8. Uses influence and negotiates to achieve win/win situations when possible, working externally with stakeholders, government, community partners/organizations and funders (e.g. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Sports, City of Hamilton, Haldimand Norfolk County, R.E.A.C.H., etc.);
9. Directs and actively negotiates all new funding agreements, grants and funding applications and renewals of current agreements for all existing departmental programs;
10. Ensures that all departmental programs are evaluated on an annual basis and that all required reporting to funders is completed on schedule;
11. Prepares reports for the Director of Operations as required on the activities and outcomes of all departmental programs and funding;
12. Contributes to advocacy initiatives to improve programs for girls, children and youth;
13. Represents YWCA Hamilton at community planning tables for the early years’ system and youth system; represents the Association at community events and public speaking engagements as required;
14. Oversees the Youth Advisory Council;
15. Develops, manages and monitors department budget;
16. Meets financial goals; resolving issues by monitoring, and taking corrective action;
17. Ensures that all licenses and certifications are obtained and up to date;
18. Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with child/family, employee and contract information;
19. Directly manages and coaches 2 employees; indirectly manages 100+ employees including recruiting, training and evaluating performance;
20. Demonstrates and models strong leadership behaviours as a member of the YWCA leadership team;
21. Fosters a safe and healthy work environment; ensures employees comply with health & safety standards that meet or exceed legislated requirements;
22. Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
23. Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
24. Performs other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works a standard 37.50-hour work week;
2. Regular visits and inspections of child care sites;

Qualifications

1. Completion of 4-year degree in social services, business or human services or equivalent;
2. Minimum 7 to 10 years’ experience in the non-profit sector and children’s services; including a minimum of 5 to 7 years’ management experience with demonstrated leadership skills;
3. Ability to lead from a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective for day to day work and strategic planning;
4. Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
5. Ability to travel to all child care sites under YWCA management;
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
7. Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.