Deadline: October 30, 2026 (interviews on a rolling basis)

Salary range (1FTE): $90,000 – $100,000 CAD

Purpose of the role

The Head of Programs provides integrated strategic and operational leadership for CanAssist's programs across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing. This role is responsible for both the design and quality of programs (what we deliver and why) and how participants, families, and partners experience them (how we deliver and with what effect).

A defining feature of this role is a commitment to data-informed decision-making and measurable outcomes. The Head of Programs leads the development and use of program performance frameworks, participant outcome indicators, and continuous learning systems that ensure CanAssist can demonstrate impact, adapt based on evidence, and make the case for sustained and expanded investment.

Using a systems-thinking lens, this role connects strategy, data, service quality, and lived experience to strengthen program coherence, reduce access barriers, and advance meaningful, measurable change for people with disabilities.

What does the Head of Programs do?

Outcomes, measurement, and learning

This is a core focus of the role. The Head of Programs is responsible for building and sustaining a program performance culture grounded in data, reflection, and accountability.

- Develop and implement a program-wide outcomes and measurement framework, including logic models, indicators, data collection methods, and reporting processes across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing.
- Define meaningful participant outcome indicators, including access, engagement, progression, and impact, and ensure consistent tracking across all programs and service environments.




- Lead regular review cycles using data to assess program effectiveness, identify gaps, and make evidence-based adjustments.
- Translate program data into clear narratives for internal decision-making, funder reporting, and public accountability.Foster a culture of learning and inquiry where evaluation is embedded into program design, not added on after delivery.
- Synthesize insights across programs to identify patterns, surface systemic barriers, and inform strategic planning.
- Use participant feedback, service experience data, and access indicators to ensure programs are improving over time.

Revenue generation and funding strategy

- Use program data, evaluation findings, and outcome evidence to build compelling funding narratives that demonstrate impact and scalability.
- Lead and contribute to grant applications, including budgets, logic models, and outcome frameworks, across Employment, Education, Health & Wellbeing, and assistive technology initiatives.
- Collaborate with ED or other Heads to develop new service pathways and revenue opportunities grounded in program performance evidence.
- Ensure high-quality, measurable participant experience and outcomes directly informs funder reporting and sustainability strategies.
- Partner with funders, research institutions,



and policy bodies to co-develop initiatives that generate revenue while advancing systemic change.

Strategic vision and program development

- Lead the development of integrated program strategies across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing.
- Translate strategy into accessible, person-centred service models with explicit outcome targets.
- Ensure assistive technology considerations are embedded in program design, in collaboration with the Head of Inclusive Technology & Systems.
- Identify and address access barriers across physical, digital, and socio-cultural environments.
- Guide program evolution based on evidence, sector trends, and the lived experience of participants.

Service quality and participant experience

- Ensure services are delivered in ways that are accessible, coordinated, equitable, and grounded in dignity and belonging.
- Review service experience indicators and act on gaps in continuity, clarity, or quality of care.
- Support referral pathways across employment, education, and health systems to strengthen participant access and navigation.
- Balance operational efficiency with empathy, ensuring service design reflects participant needs and feedback.

Leading staff and programs

- Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to staff contributing to program design, delivery, evaluation, and service coordination.
- Support clarity of roles, shared accountability for outcomes, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Foster a culture of reflection, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.
- Support consistency in practice, accessibility standards, and quality across teams.

Building partnerships

- Build and strengthen re

📌 Head of Programs (Victoria)
🏢 CanAssist
📍 Victoria