Job Summary: The Manager of Community Programs is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for managing all aspects of Free Play for Kids’ Free to Play program and every program delivered within it. This role ensures that Free to Play programming aligns with the organization’s mission, meets community needs, and operates efficiently within the budget and resources set out by the COO, CEO & Board of Directors. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and a collaborative leader who leads with empathy, and a passionate advocate for Free Play’s mission and values. As the Manager of Community Programs, you will be directly responsible for the oversight and coordination of the Free to Play program, including Free to Play after-school programming, the Free to Play Food Program, and In-School Welcome to Play sessions (currently running at 8 schools and growing). You will lead, manage and support the team of Regional Managers, providing feedback, setting goals, and helping resolve complex issues or concerns as they arise. You will also lead all Free to Play operations, including the planning and delivery of Super Tournaments and special events. The Manager of Community Programs will use their leadership skills to ensure that staff feel supported, programming is at capacity, and the quality of service aligns with the Free Play curriculum and intended outcomes. Education and

Qualifications:

- Proven experience as a senior manager or in other managerial positions
- Minimum 5 years experience working with youth such as coaching, social work, in-school services, after-school programs, day homes, or summer camps.
- Minimum 3 years experience managing/supervising staff, including managers or team leads, in a sport and recreation, social service, or education environment
- Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Education, Coaching, Leadership, or a combination of relevant experience and education
- Demonstrated experience planning and running large-scale events (tournaments, community events, or multi-site activities)
- Demonstrated experience with public speaking, presenting, and facilitating
- Learning facilitator experience in other courses is considered a solid asset (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASSIST, Sport related training, etc)
- Experience implementing and teaching curriculum would be considered an asset
- Experience within the four core sports offered by Free Play is required (Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football). Experience with other sports is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with social and emotional learning
- Experience in working with complex behavioral situations would be considered an asset
- A people-first, empathetic leadership style, with experience supporting staff wellbeing and growth
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills




- Excellent communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills as well as the ability to multitask
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable
- Valid driver’s license with no at-fault accidents
- Clear Criminal and Vulnerable Sector check
- Proficient with using Gsuites and all its applications
- Standard First Aid Certification and CPR training

Key Responsibilities
*Free to Play Program Leadership:
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- Learn and become comfortable with the established Free Play for Kids programming model as well as the organization's processes & policies.
- Manage all aspects of the Free to Play program, including after-school programming, the Free to Play Food Program, and In-School Welcome to Play sessions.
- Lead the growth of In-School Welcome to Play sessions beyond the current 8 schools, working with school partners to onboard new sites.
- Initiate and deliver goals set out by the Chief Operating Officer and CEO.
- Support in the development and management of annual program plans, objectives, and performance metrics aligned with strategic goals set out by the Board of Directors, CEO & COO.
- Provide regular updates and recommendations on programming progress to the Chief Operating Officer.
- Support in the development of lesson plans, ensuring compliance as well as integration of the Sport to Life curriculum.
- Support in the delivery of the Sport to Life Curriculum internal & external training.
- Collaborate with Sport Managers to ensure technical programming is delivered correctly across Free to Play sites.
- Collect assessment data via surveys from participants of programs as well as their guardians and caregivers and compile the information to make informed programming decisions.
- Ensure programs meet the needs of the community, adhere to quality standards, and are delivered within budget.
- Develop and implement ways to enhance program efficiency and productivity. *Team Leadership:
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- Lead, manage and support the team of Regional Managers, providing guidance, mentorship, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Lead with empathy: build a supportive, people-first team culture where staff feel heard, valued, and equipped to do their best work.
- Support Regional Managers with retaining staff, troubleshooting concerns and issues as they arise, and resolving complex or escalated situations.
- Plan, organize, and deliver weekly, monthly,



and annual Regional Manager training that incorporates both internal and external training resources when possible.
- Oversee the onboarding and training process for Free to Play staff and support recruitment processes. *Free to Play Operations & Events:
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- Manage and support all logistics and operations related to the Free to Play program.
- Lead the planning and delivery of monthly Super Tournaments, including scheduling, venues, transportation, staffing, and safety planning.
- Plan and oversee Free to Play special events, field trips, and community celebrations.
- Ensure program operations are documented, consistent across regions, and continuously improved. *Jr Wolves Staffing Support:
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- Support Jr Wolves staffing needs by working collaboratively with the Jr Wolves Program Manager (who reports to the Wolves Athletic Manager) to coordinate shared coaching staff, scheduling, and coverage across programs. *Organizational Development:
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- Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer, CEO, Board of Directors, and Regional Managers to support the growth and development of the organization.
- Create & integrate special events into Free to Play programming, such as Black History Month, Pride Month, Indigenous History Month, Women’s History Month, etc.
- Liaise with community leagues, school boards, and community stakeholders to create relationships to help expand Free to Play programming.
- Contribute to larger-picture discussion as needed regarding the organization’s future within the landscape of social service.
- Support the development of internal procedure documents to continue refining programming operations. Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line of the email. Free Play for Kids is an equal-opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are values of Free Play for Kids. Free Play welcomes applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds. Free Play for Kids respectfully operates on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our community. Pay: $60,000.00-$65,000.00 per year Application question(s):
- This position requires working in Edmonton, AB. Are you located here or able to commute?
- Are you able to obtain and submit a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) if selected? (Typically requires applicants to be 18+ yrs)
- Are you currently certified in First Aid + CPR Level C, or willing to obtain this certification if selected? Work

Location:
Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T5A 5G4

📌 Manager of Community Programs (Edmonton)
🏢 Free Footie
📍 Edmonton