Head of Programme Management

At Promise Vancouver, we create opportunities for children and youth to participate in cycles of growth, leadership, and belonging right in their own community. Children in grades 1-4 and preteens in grades 5-7 participate in engaging, relationship-based programs that help them know and believe they are valuable and loved. Teens in grades 8-12 take on opportunities to lead in a supportive environment: mentoring younger children as employed Young Leaders and learning valuable leadership skills. The Programs Director oversees Promise Vancouver’s entire program mix to ensure it is effectively meeting the needs of children, youth, and families. This role combines strategic and on-the-ground leadership with operational management and staff oversight. Working closely with the Executive Director as part of the leadership team, the Programs Director refines program quality, strengthens team cohesion, and fosters a healthy, relational, and community-focused culture. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader to expand the impact of social programs for a diverse community.
Promise Vancouver is a registered charity serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, focused on helping children and youth know they are valuable and loved. Our approach, "Reach a Child, Raise a Leader, Restore Community," is realized through long-term relationships and intentional, trauma-informed, non-religious programs.
Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, our organization is rooted in the Christian tradition of loving all people with compassion, dignity, and hope. We create safe and welcoming spaces where young people of all backgrounds and identities can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Lead and be involved in day-to-day operations of year-round out-of-school programs, ensuring program quality, consistency, and effectiveness.
Foster a safe, welcoming, inclusive, trauma-informed environment for children and youth, particularly Indigenous and marginalized families.
Remain present and hands-on in programming, building trust with participants and families.
Provide coaching, training, supervision, accountability, and performance evaluation.
Operational & Administrative Duties
Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets and resources, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with organizational priorities.
Implement operational systems, policies, communication structures, and safety protocols.
Define program goals and outcomes, monitor performance data, and translate insights into reports and strategic recommendations for leadership and funders.
Build, steward, and maintain strategic relationships with community partners, schools, and service providers to strengthen program delivery and long-term impact.
Manage essential HR functions, such as processing payroll hours for program staff and Young Leaders, creating and maintaining staff schedules, and facilitating recruitment, hiring, and onboarding workflows.
Oversee the Young Leaders Program (recruitment, training, scheduling, coaching, and evaluation).
Support teens through employment development, mentorship, and coaching.
Design and facilitate bi-weekly team nights and workshops that develop Young Leaders’ practical skills, confidence, and connection.
Serve as a senior organizational leader contributing to the setting and execution of organizational priorities.
Contribute to and help execute strategies related to organizational sustainability, growth, and long-term impact.
Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, child development, or related field, or equivalent experience
Minimum 3 years of program management experience, preferably serving vulnerable populations
Demonstrated experience leading, supervising, and developing staff teams, including performance management and accountability
Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, Indigenous realities, and barriers faced by low-income families
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage operational, administrative, and strategic responsibilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with children, youth, families, and community partners
Charismatic, relational, and hands-on leadership style with a passion for developing young people
Deep passion for making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in the Downtown Eastside
Joyful – curious, playful, and energized by mentoring youth
Empowering – helps others grow and reach their potential
Relational – builds trusting connections with children, youth, and staff
Committed – passionate about equity, reconciliation, and community-rooted work
Dedicated – loves working with youth while strengthening programs and teams
Comprehensive extended health benefits package, fully covered by the organization