RECREATION PROGRAM MANAGER

Employment Type: Full-time, 

Contract length: 12 months (possibility of extension)

Pay Rate: $30.00 per hour.

Employment Hours:  40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Weekends as needed.

Work Location: In person.

ABOUT US

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to serving the Urban Indigenous community. Our mission is to provide culturally responsive programs and services that support the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Indigenous Peoples. With twenty-three programs operating across three locations in Vancouver, VAFCS is a community-driven organization creating meaningful change.

We are currently seeking a highly organized, self-motivated individual with strong connections to Indigenous communities to join our team as a Recreation Program Manager.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Recreation Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing, developing, and managing recreation, health, and social program activities in alignment with VAFCS’s mission. This role requires leadership, program coordination, and relationship-building skills to enhance community engagement and service delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, organize, and oversee educational, health, and social recreational programs, ensuring they align with VAFCS’s strategic goals.
• Provide access to food, housing, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social/recreational activities. Support residents in building life skills such as personal care, nutrition, budgeting, and communication.
• Assist in preparing funding applications and grant proposals to sustain and expand programming. Monitor program performance, identify risks, and provide timely reports.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with agencies and service sectors that support individuals facing mental illness and/or substance misuse.
• Hire, train, and oversee staff and volunteers, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality recreational services and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies, including social media campaigns, advertising, and local events, to increase awareness and participation.
• Conduct safety inspections, ensure compliance with health regulations, and maintain a safe environment for participants.
• Assess program effectiveness through participant feedback, attendance records, and financial analysis, making necessary adjustments to meet community needs.
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations and a solid understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, and lived history.
• Actively participate in VAFCS events and perform other related responsibilities as required.
• Participate in “on-call” and emergency support schedules for residents and families.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in education, administration or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience managing recreation, education, or social programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, service agencies, and the public.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience working with Indigenous individuals and familiarity with Indigenous culture.
• Experience coordinating training and educational programs.
• Effective time management and decision-making skills.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to transportation.

• Current First Aid Certification
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditional medicines
• Familiar with non-violent communications techniques

The ideal candidate has Aboriginal life experience or has worked in the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal community with firsthand knowledge of the common life experience of Aboriginal Peoples.

The Vancouver aboriginal Friendship Centre encourages members of equity-seeking groups to apply. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. 

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.