Department: Community Learning & Engagement
Reports to: Director, Program Operations
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Hours: 35 per week
Location: Primarily On-site
Wage: $87,550 a year
About the Crisis Centre of BC
The Crisis Centre of BC provides barrier-free emotional support, suicide prevention services, and community education throughout British Columbia. Since 1969, we have worked to ensure people have access to compassionate, confidential support while helping build suicide-safer communities through education, training, and outreach.
We acknowledge that our office is located on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
About the Role
Join our Community Learning & Engagement team and help strengthen community capacity to respond to crisis and suicide through education, training, and engagement initiatives.
The Program Director, Community Learning & Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for the Community Learning & Engagement (CLE) department, including youth suicide prevention programs, bereavement programs, external training offerings, and community engagement initiatives. This position is responsible for advancing the department’s goals, ensuring effective program delivery, and strengthening community capacity to respond to crisis and suicide while supporting individual and collective wellbeing. The role provides leadership to staff, volunteers, and contractors while building partnerships, supporting revenue development, and contributing to organizational strategy. As a member of the Directors’ Team and Program Directors’ Team, this position contributes to cross-functional collaboration and the achievement of the Crisis Centre’s mission, vision, and values.
We're looking for a leader with a genuine passion for crisis support, suicide prevention, and mental health and wellness work, someone motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.
What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership & Program Direction
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Community Learning & Engagement department by developing and implementing departmental goals, operational plans, and priorities that align with organizational strategy and community needs.
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and evaluate departmental strategies, operational priorities, and organizational initiatives.
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for the strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and sustainability of the Community Learning & Engagement department.
- Contribute to organizational strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives as a member of the Directors’ Team and Program Directors’ Team, participating alongside the Director, Program Operations, the Directors' Team, the Executive Director, and the Board in the development of the organization's strategic plan.
- Strengthen awareness, integration, and collaboration of CLE initiatives across the organization and with external stakeholders.
Program Development, Delivery & Evaluation
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CLE programs, projects, and educational initiatives to support quality, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor program effectiveness, emerging research, and community needs to inform program development and service improvements.
- Support the development of facilitator teams, including volunteers and contractors, to ensure effective and consistent program delivery.
- Establish program priorities and operational approaches that support sustainable growth and alignment with evidence-informed practices.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, organizations, and stakeholders to identify and secure new business opportunities, address community needs, and strengthen program reach.
- Represent CLE through community meetings, events, committees, presentations, and other engagement activities to support awareness and collaboration.
- Identify opportunities for partnerships, program expansion, and community impact through ongoing engagement and environmental awareness.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support communications, community engagement, and external representation of CLE initiatives.
Budget, Revenue & Resource Management
- Develop and gain approval for the CLE annual budget, in collaboration with the Director, Program Operations and the Director of Finance and Administration; monitor financial performance, resource allocation, revenues, and expenditures to support operational effectiveness.
- Identify and pursue funding and revenue opportunities that support department sustainability and organizational objectives.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of financial reporting, contracts, grant requirements, performance reporting, and related documentation.
- Analyze financial and operational information to support decision-making and recommend adjustments as required.
People Leadership & Performance Management
- Provide leadership, direction, and support to staff, volunteers, and contractors while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and values-based work environment.
- Model the organization's mission, vision, and values through ethical, respectful, and inclusive leadership.
- Support people management activities, including recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management, scheduling, and addressing workplace concerns.
- Promote innovation, accountability, and effective teamwork within the CLE department.
- Provide guidance and support to direct reports while ensuring alignment with organizational policies, procedures, and practices.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who has:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of related leadership experience, preferably within a non-profit, community services, social services, or related sector.
- Experience leading programs, initiatives, or services involving community engagement, education, or capacity-building.
- Experience managing budgets, reporting requirements, and resource planning.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
Asset Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in adult education, community development, community partnerships, or evidence-informed program development.
- Experience working within the mental health, suicide prevention, or related community services sectors.
- Knowledge of youth suicide prevention programming or community-based wellness initiatives.
- Successful completion of a crisis intervention/counseling course, including suicide risk assessment.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation methodologies.
- Ability to develop and manage budgets, analyze financial information, and support resource planning.
- Ability to interpret research,
community information, and emerging trends to inform program decisions.
- Experience with reporting, project planning, program development, evaluation, and reporting.
- Proficiency with common workplace technology, including Microsoft Office tools, Google Workspace
- Familiarity with online collaboration platforms (e.g. Monday.com, Zoom, and Teams).
Professional Competencies
- Strategic thinking and ability to align departmental priorities with organizational goals.
- Leadership ability to support, develop, and guide teams toward shared outcomes while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Robust communication and active listening skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
- Ability to assess situations, apply sound judgment, resolve conflicts, and navigate sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
- Relationship-building skills with diverse community groups, partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
- Planning, organization, and ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to work independently while adapting to changing operational needs.
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and values-based decision-making.
Position Details
This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week.
The role is primarily based at the Crisis Centre's Vancouver office, with travel to community locations as required to support program delivery, partnerships, and organizational activities. Some remote work may be available.
The position is generally performed during regular business hours. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support community engagement activities, program delivery, and operational needs.
Due to the nature of the Crisis Centre's work, employees may occasionally be exposed to sensitive information or emotionally complex subject matter. Professionalism, confidentiality, and respect are essential.
The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, as a condition of employment.
Why Join Us?
-
Extended Health & Dental benefits after three months
- Employer RRSP program after one year of continuous full-time employment
- Three weeks of paid vacation to start
- 10 paid wellness days plus 3 unpaid wellness days each year
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Annual Wellness Spending Account
- Free access to Crisis Centre workshops
- Hybrid work arrangement
How to Apply
To apply, please attach your resume and a cover letter and select "Apply Now" and create an account if you are a first-time user. If you have previously used the portal, simply select "Login to Apply." Applications submitted through the LinkedIn "Apply" buttons will not be received.
Applications will be accepted until August 20, 2026 , or until the position is filled.
The selection process will include:
- Screening Call (approximately 30 minutes long)
- Two in-person interviews (approximately 60 minutes each)
All applicants will receive an email notification regarding the status of their application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange each interview.
We thank all applicants for their interest.
The Crisis Centre of BC is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Accommodation is available throughout the hiring process upon request by emailing
[email protected].
📌 Program Director, Community Learning & Engagement (Canada)
🏢 Crisis Centre BC
📍 Canada