Program Lead

Job Responsibility: About CEE: CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is committed to cultivating a pool of young Black professionals who will positively impact the Canadian economy. Our mandate is workforce development for Black youth aged 18-29 who are furthest from the labour market. Through strategically curated programming, CEE is addressing widening labour gaps and creating viable pathways to employment for Black youth. Our programs are holistic, person-centered, and culturally relevant to offer dedicated social supports, such as access to psychotherapy and hardship aid, alongside relevant and engaging workforce development to advance their lives, education, career options and job readiness. Our programming is purposeful in its aim to reduce the multiple barriers to employment faced by Black youth and to empower our members toward the realization of progressive, upwardly mobile, and longstanding achievement. The experience at CEE ignites the innate brilliance of Black youth and helps them reimagine their identities and reframe the narratives of their futures to break cycles of trauma, poverty, and violence. CEE is the place for Careers, Education and Empowerment, providing transformative support, inspiration, and possibility. Main Purpose of the Job: The CEE Programs Lead is energetic, solution focused and skilled in facilitation, career coaching and administration. They will report to the Programs Manager and work as part of an integrated programs and social support team to deliver CEE's core programs in 5 sectors: technology, social services, trades, hospitality and film. The incumbent will lead in areas of participant recruitment and intake; curriculum development, instructing career training/workshops; youth mentorship and coaching; cultivating, and stewarding relationships with industry professionals, employers and program delivery partners to facilitate guest speakers, job placement, exposure trips and expanding CEE's social network. Additionally, the Programs Lead is tasked with data tracking, evaluation and reporting. Reports to: Program Manager (Service Delivery) Duties and Responsibilities:

• Marketing the program to youth in priority neighborhoods in the city of Toronto, which includes: flyer drops in community, social media promotions, gaining referrals from community partners, in community presentations and direct registration of participants
• Screening all applicants for the program and holding interviews to select cohort members
• Lead in delivering training and workshops including the CEE essentials, retreat, meet and greet, career orientation and system navigation
• Ensuring the program is accessible to youth who may face multiple barriers to participation (such as financial hardship, conflict with the law, being a young parent)
• Work with the Industry Liaison to adapt the program curriculum to meet the needs of the cohort of participants, including designing new workshops and sessions when necessary
• Implementing weekly sessions of the program while engaging program partners, participants and volunteers: guest speakers, placement students etc.
• Lead in coaching participants in their transition to subsidized and unsubsidized employment, internship, higher education, self-employment and CEE alumni support groups
• Conducting ongoing data collection activities, programs evaluation and reporting
• Work in tandem with the program Social Support Staff and Industry Liaison to support youth facing crisis
• Collaborate with Industry Liaison to organize and deliver program graduation

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Program Redesign: Support the Industry Liaison and Program Manager in the re-design of CEE core programs.
• Support in producing workplans, budget tracking and conducting project evaluations
• Consulted on program quality assurance issues and solution pathways
• Consult on marketing strategies: including flyer and content direction working in collaboration with the Industry Liaison and outreach team.
• Support with onboarding and supervision of placement students
• Other tasks as assigned by Program Manager

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in delivering community programs
• A proven ability to work with Black youth living in priority neighborhoods
• Education in a field relevant to the social services sector or a combination of relevant experiences and related education
• A proven ability to mentor, coach or train individuals
• Experience in skills training, workshop design and facilitation
• Have a proven community network in which to market and recruit participants for programs
• Proven ability to build a robust professional network
• The ability to build partnerships and deliver collaborative programming
• Competent in Microsoft Office and related software
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Knowledge and experience of working within an anti-oppression and anti-racist framework
• Personal commitment to the values and mission of CEE

Department: Development & Communication Salary Range: $45,000-50,000 Position: Full-Time, 1 year Contract Benefits: Competitive enhanced benefit package, life insurance, professional development Start Date: April 2025 Closing Date: March 28, 2025 At CEE we are dedicated to advancing social and economic equity in Ontario, aligning with our mission to empower individuals and communities. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to serve the community. Through this, we are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, and advancement. If you require accommodation during the application process or at any stage of employment, please inform us, and we will work diligently to meet your needs. Join us in our mission to uplift and empower diverse voices, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared vision of community well-being. Priority will be given to those who identify with and have experience supporting Black youth.