Description

Why Literacy?
Work with purpose at United for Literacy. Canada’s literacy divide widens daily because so many people lack adequate support. Solving systemic literacy challenges is key to advancing social equity and prosperity across our country. Literacy changes everything.

United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) is a national charity that was founded in 1899. We believe literacy is a right, and that every place can be a learning place. Our vision is a Canada in which everyone has the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals at school, at work, and in life. Our mission is to provide local learning support programs that change lives.

Our BC office is located on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples including the Tsleil-Waututh (səlilw̓ətaʔɬ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛəm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəyə̓ m) Nations.

The opportunity:
In BC, we partner with a multitude of stakeholders to support children, youth, and adults through holistic, individualized literacy programming and tutoring. Demand for our support is high and we are seeking a part-time Program Support person to work collaboratively with partners, volunteers, interns and summer staff to manage our year-round program portfolio across the province.

The successful candidate will be part of a team that is responsible for the coordination, implementation and evaluation community literacy programs for adults, youth and children; development and management of existing and new community partnerships; coordination of training and management of seasonal staff and volunteers.

Our in-person programs range from urban volunteer-led initiatives to rural seasonal camps in partnership with Indigenous communities. This position will be a blend of home-based/flexible and office working arrangements. However, a physical presence and regular travel to program sites across province will be expected. Valid proof of COVID -19 vaccination or proof of medical exemption is required for all in-person work.

The Program Support will ideally be located in the Lower Mainland, but exceptional candidates from elsewhere in the province will be considered. We encourage applications that reflect the diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds we serve at United for Literacy. In keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote equity and reflect the diversity of our organization, we encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

Your main responsibilities and major duties:
This position forms part of the Western Canada team and operates directly under the stewardship of the BC Community Coordinator. The Program Support person will work both independently and collaboratively to carry out and promote the work of United for Literacy in the province and has direct management responsibility for a number of interns and volunteers.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
• Primary role in all administrative tasks relating to volunteer management
• Support provincial community partnerships and relationships
• Recruit and manage volunteers and interns
• Support coordination of provincial Summer Literacy camps in Indigenous communities
• Conduct promotion, outreach and logistics to support local activities & networks
• Support community-based conferences and special events
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Attributes
• Minimum of 1-year experience supporting community-based programming and/or working with volunteers, ideally in a non-profit environment
• Strong organizational skills
• Confident presentation and training skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Experience working with and for marginalized populations, and a good understanding of barriers to education in BC
• Competent computer skills (Office365, Teams, Salesforce, Canva)

Additional Assets
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Lived experience & informed perspective of life as an Indigenous person in Canada
• Completion of post-secondary education

Working with United for Literacy
In addition to your salary, you will benefit from:

• Paid time off:
  • 15 vacation days per calendar year, pro-rated
  • Plus: paid time off during our seasonal closure between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
  • Plus: half-days off before some long weekends (start your long weekend early!) 
  • Plus: generous and compassionate wellness time allowance, and a “floating day” for personal/cultural events
  • Flexible work hours, remote work options (in consultation with your supervisor
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits package after probationary period
  • Employer-matched contribution to defined contribution pension plan. Eligible to enroll after one year of employment.
  • A work environment that seeks to be open, inclusive, and fun
  • Staff-led groups and committees include, among others: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI); Green Team; Internal Skills Development; and more.
  • Connect with your colleagues from coast to coast to coast for team-wide trainings and learning.

Ready to join our team?
Please email your cover letter and resume to:
Annie Montague – Regional Manager: [email protected]
Subject Line: BC Program Support – [Name]
No phone calls, please. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.

For more information about United for Literacy visit www.unitedforliteracy.ca

We welcome applications from individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to integration and maintaining the independence of individuals and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We invite applicants to request accommodation, as required, throughout the application and hiring process.

We require our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to do in-person work. Exemptions for valid medical reasons will be considered.