Skills for Change | Project Manager, Black Entrepreneurship Hub & Programming

DEPARTMENT: Project Mangement Office

COMPANY: Skills for Change

LOCATION: 791 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto ON

REPORTS TO: Director, Program Operations

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent (Management)

HOURS: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and/or weekend hours)

START DATE: Immediately

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
With 38 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected non-profit charity with a province wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, settlement, language training together with specialized programs for skilled trades, women, and youth. We have 5 locations across the GTA and serve 16,000 clients annually.

PROGRAM NATURE AND SCOPE:
Skills for Change in collaboration with CASA Foundation is part of the implementation of the National Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. SfC and CASA are partnering in the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program to execute and deliver the Black Advisory Hub (“BAH”), a national program across Canada to support Black Canadian entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses through business fundamentals training, mentorship, entrepreneurial programming, webinars and workshops that provide resources and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and supports for Black-led businesses.

Reporting to the Director of Programs Operations, the Project Manager, Black Entrepreneurship Hub and Programming, is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and delivery of Black Advisory Hub entrepreneurship program and the development and expansion of similar programming. The Project Manager attracts participants and delivers programming by working with external stakeholders, internal departments, program speakers, mentors, trainers, and program participants. The successful candidate will assist Black entrepreneurs with program applications through business planning services, responding to business inquiries, providing advice or assistance with business structure, business registrations, and various resources available to entrepreneurs, They administer, organize, and provide training and mentorship programming including, but not limited to, organizing seminars and events, delivering training, publicizing program schedules, booking guest speakers, resources as required, maintaining appropriate data and contact information for each participant, and the preparation of program related reports, briefing notes, and memos. In leading an Entrepreneurship Programs team, you will work with cross-functional colleagues to research, design and implement support programs for Black Entrepreneurs across Canada.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide effective and inspiring leadership to SfC by being actively involved in all programs and services.
Execute program delivery in compliance with the requirements of funding partners, per the direction of the Director
Leads the development and reporting on program grant proposals, marketing and operating plans and procedures, service standards, and goals for programming to expand the HUB
Contribute to the development of entrepreneurship programs, services, and projects, assuring quality of instruction, appropriate selection and development of facilitators and administrators, contributing to the BAH Key Performance Indicators.
Provide business analysis and assessment of program participants’ financial statements, and marketing/operational strategies and activities and provides targeted recommendations and strategic advice for business improvement.
Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery at all stages for the program participant: application; vetting; granting (when necessary); mentorship; and completion.
Identify current and evolving research on successful entrepreneurship to ensure SfC is preparing Black Entrepreneurs using the most contemporary understanding of the resources and supports required to successfully launch and sustain a business.
Assist with the creation, maintenance and implementation of marketing strategies and collateral including the distribution of material to appropriate internal or external offices and stakeholders.
Interactions with Others Responsible for delivering optimal customer service, with efficient and effective response times and current/accurate information by ensuring accuracy, accessibility, clarity, and consistency in customer service.
Conduct in-depth one-on-one business consultation and provide information to program participants who wish to establish or expand a business that will contribute to Ontario’s economy.
Liaise with business improvement organizations, boards of trades, chambers of commerces, similar small business development organizations, governmental and educational agencies, as required, in order to be aware of existing programs and opportunities that will assist small business development and success for program applicants and participants.
Attends and represents the SfC at network meetings, and information sessions, as required

REQUIREMENTS:

University Degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Public Administration, Economic Development or suitable equivalent.
Minimum of 3-5 years related experience in entrepreneurship programs implementation including training programs, designing curriculum and event planning
Solid understanding of the entrepreneurship ecosystem
Mandatory clear vulnerable sector check.
A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

Ability to bring and develop a strong network of professional relationships in the nonprofit sector. Able to easily communicate across multiple industry sectors.
Experience and passion for entrepreneurship, business startups and small businesses
Strong network and sense of purpose, entrepreneurial mentality and/or lived experience working with entrepreneurs and community organizations
Experience with program or event implementation is an asset.
Knowledge and/or experience in governmental organizations.
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, problem solving and written/oral communication skills.
Priority will be given to candidates who identify as Black or identify with the African diaspora including those with background in business management and entrepreneurship
Ability to deal knowledgeably and courteously with the general public and staff.
Experience with proposal development, implementation and reporting.
Strong project management and communication skills
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required from time to time.

WORK WITH US AND ENJOY:

100% employer paid comprehensive health, dental & wellness benefits
Generous paid sick days and attractive vacation package
Employer matched RRSP contributions
Professional development workshops, training & development opportunities
Company wide wellness initiatives, staff awards and retreats.

PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO:hr@skillsforchange.org

Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.