Strategic Initiatives - Manager Innovation and Changemaking Initiatives

at  YMCA of SimcoeMuskoka

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Located within the Association Services department, the Manager, Innovation and Changemaking Initiatives reports directly to the Director, Strategy and Innovation. In collaboration with the department, the person in this role will lead efforts to design, build and implement a comprehensive innovation training program, focused on enhancing participant capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the YMCA as well as the community. This role will spearhead a training adaptation for youth, facilitating innovative and transformative programming that creates a pipeline for future leaders and changemakers.
This is a 1 year contract.
The Manager, Innovation and Changemaking Initiatives will play a key role in promoting and nurturing innovative practices, providing strategic oversight. They will ensure that all training programs within this portfolio are evaluated and refined for future use, driving long-term impact across the YMCA’s offerings and the communities we serve.

PERKS:

• Compensation $70,000 per annum
• Extended health benefits after 90 days
• Paid sick time
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Wellness Day
• YMCA Health and Fitness membership
  In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally and personally. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, working with a diverse team where your own ideas will be heard, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you.

ABOUT US:

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility.
Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate.
Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging, we contribute to the creation of stronger communities.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka successfully raises over $1 million each year through strategic campaigns.
Applications will remain open until filled.
We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the People and Culture department at hr@sm.ymca.ca.
In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years

• Lead the design, creation and implementation of an innovation training program for YMCA staff and volunteers, engaging at least 40 YMCA staff or volunteer participants, equipping them with the tools to generate and pilot new ideas within their work.
• Conduct regular evaluations of the innovation training program, gathering data to refine content and improve outcomes for future iterations.
• Adapt the innovation training for youth, developing and facilitating five one-week YMCA Changemaker programs targeting youth.
• Recruit youth participants for the pilot programs and oversee delivery for at least 100 youth.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Initiatives team and external partners, including Georgian College, to ensure the success of innovation efforts and community engagement.
• Assist in the recruitment and hiring of 1-2 part-time facilitators/assistants to support the pilot sessions and ongoing program development.
• Build partnerships with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for external collaboration and support.
• Monitor and report on the progress of pilot programs, evaluating their impact on participant capabilities and youth development.
• Utilize data from the YMCA people-leader staff survey and other metrics to continuously assess and improve program outcomes, ensuring alignment with YMCA’s innovation priorities.
• Prepare and present reports for internal and external audiences, highlighting key successes and opportunities for future growth.
• Provide coaching and leadership to direct reports and/or program assistants, ensuring that they have the guidance necessary to deliver high quality training sessions and are supported in their professional development, aligned with the YMCA’s mission and values.
• Work closely with internal teams to align the innovation training with broader strategic innovation goals, the youth strategy, and objectives of the YMCA.