DIRECTOR, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES Full Time

Type of Contract: PermanentHours of Work: 37.5 Hours/Week

Compensation: $87,633-$91,182/Year

Job Code: 1-MWP/MTT-2026

Start Date: TBD

Department: Employment and Training Services

Location: Hamilton, ON

About Us

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 committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities.

YWORK FOR US?

Grounded in our core values of intersectional feminism, people-centred approaches, belonging, shared responsibility and strong partnerships, our work is guided by the belief that lasting change can be created together. YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans), girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community.

AS A YWCA HAMILTON EMPLOYEE YOU GET

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies)

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

Responsibilities

Oversees and leads the planning, development and implementation of employment and training services for women, non-binary individuals and individuals with multiple barriers within the YWCA Hamilton Employment and Training Services department, responding to the needs of women and girls within the community. Directs operations through strategic planning, community partnerships, supervision of staff, development and monitoring of budget, and fundraising.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides oversight, strategic direction and leadership in development of short- and long-term employment program plans in accordance with the YWCA Hamilton’s overall goals, reflecting the needs of the community and the objectives of the Association;
• 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 market areas;
• Develops programming strategies required to deliver employment services and identifies both governmental and non-governmental funding sources;
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform program design, policy alignment, and organizational strategy;
• Directs and actively negotiates all new government purchase of service agreements, grants, and funding applications and renewals of current agreements for all existing programs in collaboration with the Vice Preside of Economic Development;
• Ensures that all programs are evaluated on an annual basis and that all required reporting to government funders is completed on schedule;
• Prepares reports for the Vice Preside of Economic Development as required on the activities and outcomes of all programs;
• Contributes to advocacy initiatives to improve employment services for women and girls in co-operation with the YWCA leadership team;
• Represents the YWCA Hamilton on relevant Boards and committees as appropriate and at community events and public speaking engagements as required;
• Develops, manages and monitors the department budget; meets financial goals; resolving issues by monitoring, and taking corrective action;
• Ensures that programs maximize customer service, satisfy stakeholder requirements, incorporate external agency requirements, and serve the community interests;
• Ensures the development of all policies and procedures related to the effective, efficient and legal delivery of departmental programs;
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, training institutions, community organizations, and government stakeholders.
• Support the co-creation of workforce initiatives with partners that respond to regional economic priorities.
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with client information and employee information;
• Demonstrates and model’s strong leadership behaviors as a member of the management team;
• Fosters a safe and healthy work environment; ensures employees comply with health & safety standards that meet or exceed legislated requirements;
• Understands emerging labour market trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton’s mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Education, Community Development, or a related field (or equivalent lived and professional experience).
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in workforce development, economic development, research, or program design including a minimum of 5 years’ management experience with demonstrated leadership skills;
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, proposal development, and securing multi-year funding.
• Knowledge of girls’ and women’s employment and skills development issues is an asset;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills;
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research is an asset;
• Ability to lead with a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective for day to day work and strategic planning;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a standard 37.50-hour work week and willingness to work occasional weekend

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, if you require accommodation please reach out to jobs@ywcahamilton.org

Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. YWCA Hamilton may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.

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

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