POSITION DESCRIPTION: Circles® Muskoka Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Director of Women's Programs

HOURS: 20 hours per week (including 4 hrs Weds evenings, Sep - June)

CONTRACT TERM: July 7, 2025 – March 31, 2026

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Part time project employee

WAGE: $25.44

Circles® Muskoka creates relationships across economic lines, matching Leaders, people who have self-identified as living on low income with Allies, community volunteers, who are prepared through the Bridges out of Poverty framework, to form a supportive, reciprocal community of practice called a "Circle". Together they further personal goals, build social capital and work towards developing human potential, employability and sustainability. Circles® meets weekly from September to June. Monthly Big View meetings advance systemic change on key community issues, raising visibility or awareness for the Circles® mission of ending poverty. (www.circlesmuskoka.com)

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Circles Coordinator primary role is to work outwardly with the community, building relationships with prospective funders, volunteer groups, marketing, sharing the Circles® program and success stories. They work in tandem and support the group facilitation provided by the Coach, and connect and refer to the YWCA’s REACH System Navigator. They are the liaison to Circles® Canada and may arrange Bridges out of Poverty community trainings. Responsibilities include attending Circles meetings and providing logistical coordination of the Circles program. The South Muskoka Circles site has been running continuously since September 2019. There is a 3 month probation period for any YWCA staff person in a new role. This position is subject to a Reaching Home project grant until 2028.

The YWCA will provide peer mentoring and training opportunities throughout the year. YWCA provides flexibility to work from home or YWCA office, reimbursable mileage and program expenses; the Common Good Pension program; employee life insurance; paid personal leave days & sick days, paid bereavement days, & a T2010 for employees to claim cellphone, use of vehicle and home for work. This position is eligible for the Greenshields Health Spending Account (up to $1000/yr).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicate project activities and outcomes through YWCA e-news, Circles Muskoka newsletter, social media posts
• Arrange facility rental agreements for program gatherings
• Build community relationships for volunteer recruitment, program sustainability and the development of a possible Bracebridge location
• Recruit and oversee volunteer food teams and/or arrange food from local sources for weekly meetings
• Arrange for child program staff or volunteers as needed, assist in curriculum development Communicate and work collaboratively with the Circles Coach
• Represent YWCA Muskoka as an ambassador of the Circles program
• Monitor project budget, tracking additional grant requests and in-kind donations.
• Contribute to and assist in the completion of funder reports as required
• Convene a Community Team (3 times a year) to raise awareness in the community, develop sustainability and initiate fundraising initiatives
• Support Big View meetings with guest presenters
• Participates in quarterly YWCA Circles team meetings, YWCA Coordinators’ meetings at least monthly Other duties as assigned

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings
• Commitment to utilize the principles of trauma informed care
• Embraces a person-centered model of care from a position of cultural humility
• Understanding of structural racism and recognition of its impact
• Creative and resourceful approach to problem solving; a willingness to ‘think outside the box’ to help create solutions to address complex issues

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A post-secondary degree in education, social sciences or equivalent experience
• Excellent digital literacy, communication skills and interpersonal skillsStrong administrative and consistent organizational skills
• Proven ability to work effectively in a teamExperience working in the charitable sector would be an asset
• Experience working with low-income families would be an asset
• Experience working with diverse community partners of all economical status
• AODA, Violence and Harassment in the Workplace training Equity, Diversity, Inclusion training within the first 6 months
• ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ training (intent or proof of completion)
• Has or will complete Circles® Training Vulnerable sector check
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license
• Standard First Aid training is an asset

HOW to apply: Please send your resume with a brief cover letter outlining your interest to careers@ywcamuskoka.com.

Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025 at 4:00 pm.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

YWCA Muskoka promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from people of any gender and of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities and sexual orientations.

www.ywcamuskoka.com

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: $25.44 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Commuter benefits
• Company pension
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S3

Application deadline: 2025-07-18
Expected start date: 2025-08-11