Summary
Description
About In the Lead 180
In the Lead 180 is an innovative leadership and character-building program for young people involved in the justice system. The program connects with youth who are often seen through a lens of risk and deficit and instead recognizes their unique strengths and potential. Our strength-based leadership curriculum empowers youth to reframe how they see themselves, their communities, and their futures — building hope, resilience, and connection.
Position Summary
We are seeking a passionate and organized Program Lead based in the Edmonton area to support the provincial expansion and program delivery of In the Lead 180. This is a dynamic role that blends facilitation, program coordination, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will bring experience working with youth within the justice sector, a strength-based mindset, and the ability to foster strong community relationships to enhance program visibility and increase referrals.
Key Responsibilities
Program Facilitation & Delivery
- Facilitate engaging and strength-based leadership programming for youth involved in the justice system, using the In the Lead 180 curriculum as a foundation.
- Deliver programming across multiple formats including:
- Online sessions using virtual platforms to reach participants in remote or secure locations.
- In-person sessions hosted in community or partner spaces, ensuring accessibility and a supportive learning environment.
- Condensed programs which offer a more immersive and focused experience through condensed timelines or increased frequency
- Adapt facilitation style to meet the needs, learning styles, and life circumstances of diverse youth, with an emphasis on inclusion, consistency, and trauma-informed practice while maintaining key messaging and outcome fidelity.
- Build authentic, trust-based relationships with participants to foster a sense of belonging and support personal growth and leadership development.
- Monitor participant engagement and progress, offering encouragement, coaching, and individualized support when needed.
- Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to coordinate logistics and ensure smooth delivery of each program format.
- Actively contribute to curriculum feedback and evolution to ensure content remains relevant, impactful, and culturally responsive.
Program Administration
- Responsible for onboarding referrals in a timely and supportive manner, ensuring participants, referral sources, and families receive clear, accurate, and accessible information about the program.
- Accurately input and maintain participant data into our database, ensuring all client records are complete, organized, and updated in compliance with FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) guidelines.
- Manage program logistics including scheduling sessions, tracking attendance, and coordinating meeting spaces or virtual platforms when needed.
- Prepare regular reports on program participation, progress, and outcomes for internal use and funder reporting, as required
- Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline administrative processes and enhance efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager to ensure program operations align with organizational goals, policies, and quality standards..
Community Engagement & Outreach
- Develop and implement a strategic community engagement and outreach plan to promote In the Lead 180 and increase referrals.
- Identify key stakeholders, partners, and opportunities within the justice sector and broader community to raise awareness of the program.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with referral sources including probation officers, youth justice staff, and community organizations.
- Represent the program at community meetings, events, and engagement opportunities to enhance visibility and foster collaboration.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts, adjusting strategies as needed to meet engagement and referral goals.
Qualifications
- Education in Social Sciences, Human Services, or equivalent experience working with youth.
- Minimum 3 years experience in facilitation, with the ability to lead engaging, youth-centered programming.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with justice sector and community stakeholders.
- Proven ability to build professional relationships across sectors.
- Strong understanding of positive youth development.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and other digital tools.
- Effective communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.
- Able to work in diverse, multi-disciplinary environments with strong time-management and organizational abilities.
- Comfortable working independently in a remote setting with regular virtual team communication.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for travel as required.
- Clear Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector) and Child Intervention Record Check.
Attributes
- Strengths-based, inclusive, and open to feedback.
- Adaptable, collaborative, and solutions focused.
- Persistent, strategic and tenacious
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and efficient.
- Approachable, team-oriented, and resilient—with a sense of humor.
- Experience with Better Impact is an asset
Working Conditions
Remote work from Edmonton or surrounding area, with regular travel to partner locations across the province and occasional visits to the Calgary office.
Workdays are typically 5 days a week, 7 hours per day, at 35 hours per week. The incumbent will be required to work evenings and/or weekends and organization events as scheduled, including outdoor locations. The Program Coordinator consistently works collaboratively with staff; is exposed to noise and regular flow of people from the office and members of the public; and is assigned tasks and deliverables, as determined by changing priorities.
Physical Requirements
Lifting: No more than 15kg.
Movement: Standing and/or sitting for long periods, driving or public transportation between worksite locations.
Visual: Long periods on computer; attention to multiple devices and software throughout the day.
Employment Equity
CYJS is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental ability or financial ability.
While remaining alert and sensitive to the issue of fair and equitable treatment for all, CYJS has a special concern with the participation and advancement of members of the following designated groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged in employment: women, queer, trans and non-binary persons, racialized peoples, indigenous peoples and people living with disabilities.
With respect, gratitude, and accountability, Calgary Youth Justice Society acknowledges the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations, the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 and we honour all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. We see and celebrate the many strengths of Indigenous people and commit to reflect upon and change our ways of knowing, being, and doing so that we can truly work towards reconciliation in a meaningful way.
