Director of Programs

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: The Director of Programs is a key member of the management team at the Victoria ARC, providing strategic oversight and leadership for the facility’s accommodations-based programming. This includes the emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency weather response program, halfway house, and substance abuse recovery program. The Director ensures the effective operation, development, and continuous improvement of these programs in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.

Accountabilities

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.

Social Services Programming Management

Program Oversight & Strategic Leadership

• Provides vision and strategic direction for all accommodation-based programs, ensuring alignment with the ARC’s mission, values, and community needs.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of program services to ensure quality, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Supervises program managers and support them in achieving program goals, meeting contractual obligations and the organization’s standards.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and funding requirements related to program operations.
• Leads efforts in data collection and program evaluation to measure impact and inform decision-making.
  
  

Systems Transformation

• Conducts regular reviews of program operations to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Leads initiatives to streamline processes, enhance service delivery models, and integrate best practices to improve client outcomes.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to implement innovative solutions that address systemic challenges and optimize program impact.
• Utilizes data-driven decision-making to assess program performance, identify trends, and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensures programs remain adaptable to changing community needs, funding requirements, and organizational goals.
• Champions a culture of continuous learning to foster a high-performing, client-centered service environment.
  
  

Executive & Management Team Support

• Collaborates with the management team in setting and fulfilling strategic program priorities and developing long-term goals for the ARC.
• Assists in policy development and implementation related to program operations and client services.
• Provides regular reports to the Executive Director as required and monthly reports to the management team.
  
  

Staff Supervision & Development

• Directly supervises program managers and provides leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Fosters a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement among program staff.
• Supports managers in crisis management, problem-solving, and operational challenges.
  
  

Funding & Proposal Development

• Identifies funding opportunities and collaborate on grant proposals, contractual negotiations, and other funding initiatives.
• Works with the Executive Director and Business Manager to develop and manage program budgets.
• Ensures that all programs operate within budgetary constraints while maximizing mission impact.
  
  

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serves as a representative of the ARC in the community, working with external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
• Engages with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and stakeholders to enhance program service delivery and client resources.
• Advocates for policies and initiatives that support the needs of the populations served by the ARC.
  
  

Other Duties

• Ensure all contact with donors, staff, volunteers, and the general public are courteous and professional.
• Network and refer to The Salvation Army, government, and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of guests and programs when necessary.
• Adhere to standards consistent with the values and philosophy of The Salvation Army.
• Practice The Salvation Army professional code of ethics and communicates and cooperates with all co-workers, partners, and clients in a respectful, open, and honest manner, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Critical Relationship Management

Internal: ARC leadership and team members, DHQ/THQ, staff members, volunteers.

External: Community partners and agencies (BC Housing, Correctional Service Canada, Assisted Living Registry), Victoria Police, Ministry of Social Services, and clients and their families.

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Executive Director.

Direct reports: Housing and Support Services Manager, Community Residential Facility Manager, Treatment Program Manager, delegating and overseeing through program staff who are accountable for hiring, training, and performance management.

Financial And Material Management

• Minor material responsibilities (access to confidential and private information).
• Assists ARC Managers, including the Business Manager and Executive Director, with budget preparation, allocation and forecasting.
• Seeks funding sources via. grant writing proposals.
• Monitors departmental expenditures.
• May liaise with auditors or funding officials when required.
• Provides input into new policies and procedures pertaining to the management of financial resources.
  
  

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Working Conditions

• Work is generally in an office setting with generally comfortable conditions.
• This position may involve standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, stooping, bending, and prolonged sitting in the performance of daily activities and requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and picking up supplies.
• Work may need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents to an average of 20 pounds from time to time.
• Work may require some outdoors time during site visits and will have exposure to dust and allergens, unpleasant odors, insects, working on uneven surfaces, use of protective gloves, and interfacing with all facets of the community including those with behavioral health diagnosis including mental illness and substance abuse.
• May involve stressful situations, including dealing with erratic and sometimes antagonistic behavior.
• Dress in a manner that is professional and presentable with respect to the employment position.
• If you are aware of confidential information as part of your work, you are not permitted to discuss this information with anyone other than those to whom you are responsible to for your position. Divulging any information is grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal.
  
  

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education And Expereince Requirements

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required (including Reliability Clearance and Criminal Record Check).
• Alternative combination of education and experience may be considered.
  
  

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in social services, housing, addiction recovery, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, staff supervision, and strategic planning.
• Strong grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in shelter, housing, and recovery programs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the ARC.
• Interaction with individuals experiencing crisis, homelessness, and recovery.
• Emergency First Aid & CPR, Non-Violence Certificate, and Mental Health First Aid Certificate or willingness to complete once hired.
• Other certification required by The Salvation Army and federal/provincial legislation or willingness to complete once hired.
• A different combination of education and experience might be considered.
  
  

Experience And Knowledge

• five years of recent progressive related experience including managerial experience in an applicable social service field.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 computer programs.
  
  

Skills And Capabilities

• Maintain and promote a positive image of The Salvation Army by providing a high caliber of services and dealing with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries when working with a vulnerable population
• Patience and ability to deescalate situations.
• Ability to coach and provide constructive feedback.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Sound management skills including setting direction, managing performance, assessing capability; proven ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with community-based organizations.
• Ability to network with other community partners, building strong relationships.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, motivational, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of coaching and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent ability to develop and maintain a team environment; work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, be reliable and operate in an environment of accountability.
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of and empathy toward cultural differences. Must be sensitive to and respectful of cultural and lifestyle diversity.
• Ability to multi-task within a high-pressure environment.
• Sense of integrity as well as political acumen.
• Creative mindset and belief in ongoing learning and development.
  
  

Will be required to have criminal records check, vulnerable sector screening and enhanced screening.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $74,896.16 to $93,620.20 with a maximum of $112,344.24.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.