Program Coordinator - Community

Program Coordinator - Community

Location

Niagara Region

Pay

Annual Salary: $45,593.60 - $46,966.40
YMCA Membership Benefits upon hire

Employment Type

Join us for a 5 -month full-time role with the chance to grow your impact and continue beyond the initial term
Evening, daytime & weekend hours

Placement Date

May - October 2026 (with possibility of extension)

 Why Work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, advocacy, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

 

NATURE & SCOPE

As the Coordinator of Community Programs, you will lead and support programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and values. This role combines planning and innovation with hands-on leadership in the community. You will inspire staff, foster safe and welcoming spaces, and ensure children, youth, teens, and older adults have opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. With a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and positive development, you will also provide senior leadership to Day Camps, supporting staff to deliver safe, fun, and innovative experiences during school breaks.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Director of Community Programs to plan and deliver community-based initiatives across the Niagara Region, including Youth Action, YMCA Beyond the Bell™, Youth Leadership Program, and Older Adult programming.
• Develop and lead a staff team of approximately 40, including recruitment, training, scheduling, coaching, and development. Participate in direct delivery when the need arises.
• Evaluate program success and ensure program quality and consistency through regular site visits, staff evaluation tools, and participant/parent surveys.
• Contribute to marketing and promotional planning, including administration of departmental social media sites.
• Responsible to manage departmental budgets and monitor revenue and expenses to ensure targets are met.
• Transition to a leadership role in YMCA Day Camps during school breaks and the summer months, assuming responsibilities such as multi-site support, coaching large staff teams, curriculum development, managing partner relationships, conflict resolution, and ensuring program quality.
• Support inclusive program environments by facilitating the successful participation of individuals with diverse abilities, needs, and backgrounds across multiple program locations.
• Collaborate with staff to implement inclusive practices and adapt activities to meet a wide range of participant needs.
• Communicate with parents/guardians, as appropriate, to share participant experiences, address concerns, and provide updates on progress and positive engagement.
• Support other departments within the Association as required.
• Other duties as required

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Recreational Leadership, Child Studies, Physical Education, Education or a related field.
• Current certifications in Standard First Aid/CPR C (within 3 years of issue).
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience in direct program delivery to children, youth, teens, and/or older adults.
• Experience in youth drop-in programs and/or Day Camp is an asset.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and lead staff teams. Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility and ability to work independently while prioritizing and managing multiple tasks with various deadlines.
• Experience supporting children or youth with disabilities, behavioural challenges or complex needs.
• Demonstrated experience applying behaviour management and de-escalation strategies
• Proficiency in social media use and an understanding of its role in participant engagement.
• Strong knowledge of relevant business technologies
• Ability to participate in physical activity and lifting when required.
• Reliable transportation throughout the Niagara Region.
• Upon hiring, a clear and satisfactory criminal reference check inclusive of the vulnerable sector search (PVSC)  issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

 

COMPETENCIES

Child and Youth Focused
Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

Leadership
Guides, motivates, and inspires self and others to achieve desired outcomes.

Coaching and Development
Commits to assisting participants, volunteers, staff, and self in continuous learning and development.

Problem Solving
Identifies issues and implements appropriate solutions.

Creativity and Innovation
Develops new ideas or adapts existing ones to achieve desired results.

Results Oriented
Leads, manages, and achieves identified goals.

Commitment to Organizational Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the Mission, Vision, Strategic Outcomes, and Values of the YMCA.

Diversity
Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds, and characteristics bring a richness to the YMCA.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on May 14, 2026.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org