Role Description

The Program Manager, ​reporting to Unity’s ​National Program Director, is the key individual that implements Unity Charity’s hip hop based community programs and performances in Alberta, specifically in Calgary and surrounding regions. The key objective of this role is to ensure the success of the program's operations and the timely and professional performance of administrative and partner stewardship tasks. In addition, the Program Manager is managing and supporting on the ground drop-in programs and events with local Unity Artist Educators. 

As an advocate and representative of Unity’s values, the candidate will engage and mentor youth through Unity’s message of resiliency and mental health through hip-hop arts programming. The candidate will conduct weekly reports which includes capturing photos and videos of the programs and events, administering program surveys, document weekly attendance, collect registration information and compile participant feedback. 

The Program Manager will also lead the development of multiple in program events that  promote the programs and celebrate its successes. 

Outside of the drop-in programs, the Program Manager is expected to assist in the planning and facilitation of Unity events, to actively research new potential partners and collaborate with the other community partners to identify and develop cross-program promotional opportunities. Lastly the Program Manager is involved in the recruitment, hiring & training of the local Unity Artist Educator roster as well as being an advocate for equity, anti-oppression and social change within the programs and organization.

Contract Type: 1-year contract, with strong possibility of opportunity to renew for further contract/role. (Unity is working to make this role permanent, and full-time.) 

Hours: 75% of Full Time Equivalent (28 hrs. / week) 

Compensation: $42,000 (75% of $56,000 FTE Salary)

Location: Employee must be living in Calgary; hybrid work from home/ in person as needed (dictated by program schedules/locations)  

Benefits: 12 paid vacation days, 7 paid personal/wellness days, extended closure over December holiday seasons (~2 weeks), working subsidy ($75 /  month)

Accountabilities Summary

• Program Management and Administration: Manage and administer local Unity programs, reporting to and working alongside remotely located Unity Leadership, Program and Admin Directors. 
• Budget Management: Accurately design, follow and report on program budgets, responsibly stewarding Unity funds while reaching program goals. 
• Program & Curriculum Design: Design new, creative, flexible and sustainable program curriculums that share the culture of Hip Hop while focusing on improving mental health and resiliency in young people’s lives, using Unity’s existing archive of program curriculums and designs as a starting point. 
• Partnerships: With support from the National Program Director, sustain, steward and grow local current business and community partnerships for Unity and ensure the business objectives of both partners are successfully executed.
• Communications: Provide vision and strategic leadership and take accountability for developing and implementing local outreach and communications for all stakeholders. 
• Artist Management: Support Unity Artist Educators of all local programs so they know their program goals and requirements.
• Event and Performance Planning and Delivery: To deliver Unity outreach performances in schools and partnership events, and organize a number of showcase events to celebrate program youth achievement and involve local partners and community collectives. Support in Alberta components for Digital Social Inclusion and Incubator programs, as well as Unity fundraising initiatives in the Alberta region. 

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Key Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• 4 - 6 years experience in Program Management or related field
• Some previous experience in youth work, non-profit work, or community work is required. 
• Some previous experience in managing direct reports or equivalent experience with volunteers/teams etc. 
• Some previous experience in project managing events
• Some previous experience in virtual delivery of programs and events
• Exceptional written and verbal communications. 
• Clean criminal record/vulnerable sector check.
• Drivers license and access to a vehicle is preferred. 
• Experience in the Hip Hop community, knowledge of Hip Hop culture & its related art forms is considered an asset
• Experience with arts-based facilitation is considered a major asset
• An innovative, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the Unity Charity mission
• A true desire to execute top-notch youth programs in a fast-paced, energetic environment
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Positive team player, self-motivated, and excellent communicator with the ability to coordinate with interdepartmental teams and with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail
• Act in accordance to Unity’s Behavioral Code of Conduct and exercise professional judgment in all scenarios involving youth and external stakeholders
• Driving is an asset, but not required
• Literacy with Zoom, Google Suite
• Experience with virtual program delivery is an asset

Program Management Skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks across varying timelines.
• Ability to manage others with accountability and a commitment to mentorship.
• Ability to appropriately anticipate program / partner issues, relay concerns to the Unity team, and problem solve to ensure program success, continuity and growth. 

Accountability and Organizational Skills

• Ability to be accountable, and keep others accountable to see projects, programs and efforts through to completion. This is mandatory. 
• Strong ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• Self-directed with ability to organize, plan, and prioritize.

Communication Skills

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills. This is mandatory. 
• Able to engage in constructive, meaningful, and timely interactions with youth, Unity staff, stakeholders, partners, and funders.
• Strong ability to assess and convey local program needs, concerns and priorities to the managing supervisor, the National Programs Director. 

Partner Management Skills

• Ability to build and manage relationships, and influence without authority.
• Ability to identify potential partners and strengthen existing relationships.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how to capitalize on strategic opportunities to benefit Unity’s goals in the region. 

 Advocate for Equity, Accessibility, Anti-oppression & Social Change

• Proactively research and apply anti-oppression and equity frameworks in all levels of work--administrative, programmatic and otherwise. 
• Self-evaluate, locate and self-reflect on biases, privilege and power. 
• Constantly evaluate the accessibility of the programming we offer and seek to make appropriate changes.
• To be able to recognize when a partner, a space or a process is oppressive and to not be afraid to challenge systems of oppression that have an impact on the work we do with youth. 

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Unity promotes and advocates for individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourages applicants from individuals who identify as LGBTQS+, racially visible, person with disabilities and Indigenous.

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Those with diverse abilities who need accommodation in the application or interview process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may contact bob.v@unitycharity.com.

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How to Apply: To apply for this role, please forward your cover letter and resume by Friday, September 13, 2024 to bob.v@unitycharity.com.

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Unity sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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