Workforce and Economic Development Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Workforce and Economic Development Program Manager acts as a key liaison with community partners, employers, educational institutions, and employment assistance service (EAS) providers. This role is pivotal in assisting the Association to enhance the economic vitality and build regional community capacity for the English-speaking Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) across the historical Eastern Townships. The Manager will oversee the establishment and operation of a robust network of EAS providers and the delivery of tailored, accessible employment services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Workforce and Economic Development Project Management:

• Execute the multi-year Workforce and Economic Development workplan (as outlined in the project document) in conjunction with ongoing community needs assessments:
  • Determine the type and availability of resources needed to meet the individual and collective employment and economic development needs of the English-speaking community and its members;
  • Collaborate with partners in the employment services, education, economic development, and social development sectors to address service gaps and ensure coordinated service delivery across six regional offices (Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Coaticook, Richmond, East Angus).
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a detailed database of employers and employees within the Estrie region.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to create and implement outreach strategies to promote EAS programs and resources, particularly to vulnerable populations (youth, seniors, newcomers, women, visible minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals).
• Help community partners, including employers and EAS providers, promote their activities, programs, and employment opportunities.
• Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress against project objectives and expected results, generate insights, and prepare detailed reports.
• Ensure all public-facing materials comply with the Official Languages Act, offering bilingual accessibility.
• Participate in the Association’s weekly radio show ‘About Townshippers’ on CIDI and CJMQ FM as requested.
• Support and manage the PAJ program and agent in their work requirements and goals.
• Work as an integral part of the organization’s team (monthly reports, team meetings and committee work).

Staff Management:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and manage a team of 1 Program Coordinator (Outreach) 3 Career Counsellors and 2 Interns, working within a Project Management Matrix to deliver direct services to the community.
• Foster a collaborative and effective team environment.

Event Organization & Management:

• Coordinate, organize, and evaluate events and activities such as workshops, job fairs, and networking events, based on the project action plan and in collaboration with Association staff and community partners.
• Attain action plan targets by using appropriate evaluation tools and methods (surveys, data collection, ongoing improvement, etc.).

Partnership & Networking:

• Strengthen and expand community networks by:
  • Establishing and maintaining quarterly collaboration meetings among EAS providers (ESCQ EAS Ecosystem).
  • Developing and finalizing sub-agreements with key sub-agreement holders and other core organizations.
  • Attending conferences, workshops, and strategic activities at the local and regional level.
  • Playing an active role on local and regional committees and consultation tables, including convening quarterly meetings of the English-speaking Communities of Quebec (ESCQ) Talent Supply Chain.
  • Fostering stronger connections between English-speaking job seekers and local employers, and improving relationships with provincial service providers.
• Disseminate up-to-date labour market information to partners, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct thematic research to identify systemic employment barriers and publish annual labour market trends reports.
• Develop and implement a sustainability plan for successful EAS initiatives.

Reporting:

• Develop and submit reporting on a quarterly or annual basis as is required by the appropriate funders (e.g., Employment and Social Development Canada) and Townshippers’ Board of Directors, as per the stipulated requirements of the funder’s agreement.
• Prepare performance measurement and evaluation reports to support continuous improvement.
• Prepare and submit final project reports, including recommendations for long-term improvements.
• Other duties as requested by the Executive Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

Education:

• University degree in community development, economic development, business administration, human resources, sociology, social work, or related fields. Other combinations of relevant training and experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably in the non-profit or community sector.
• Proven experience in staff supervision and team management (1-3 years preferred).
• Experience working with community partners, stakeholders, employers, and diverse clienteles.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals and groups from different cultural, demographic, and socio-economic backgrounds, including vulnerable populations.
• Experience in employment services, career counselling, workforce development, or economic development initiatives.
• Experience managing government-funded projects and adhering to reporting requirements.
• 1-3 years’ experience working on radio, podcasts, or related media an asset.
• Experience in event planning and coordination.

Communication:

• Advanced proficiency in English and French (written and spoken).
• Strong public-speaking and presentation skills, with experience addressing groups of various sizes (e.g., 10 to 200 people).
• Excellent written communication skills for reports, proposals, and promotional materials.
• Social media and web skills for outreach and promotion.

Other Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong organizational, leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team and with external partners.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn quickly and efficiently other related tools (e.g., Office 365, project management software, CRM databases, Canva, Zoom, Teams).
• Strong delegation and supervision skills.
• Knowledge of the Eastern Townships region, its English-speaking community, and its economic landscape.
• Understanding of employment trends, challenges, and resources, particularly for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs).
• Familiarity with Emploi-Québec services and frameworks (e.g., D-4 Service Matrix) would be a significant asset.
• Proficiency with sound and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Davinci Resolve, Audacity) an asset.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Townshippers’ Association.