POSITION TITLE: Youth Program Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Programs Department

AFFILIATION: Unionized Position

LOCATION: Headquarters, ON

HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm

EXTENDED HOURS: Dependent on needs of the program

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Youth Programs Coordinator is responsible for designing, coordinating, delivering and evaluating a range of youth-centered programs serving pre-teens, teens, emerging leaders and young adults. This role focuses on building positive developmental pathways, improving youth engagement, strengthening leadership skills, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for growth.

The Coordinator cultivates strong relationships with youths, families, community partners and internal stakeholders while ensuring high-quality program execution aligned with organizational values and goals.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Program Development & Delivery (Across all youth segments):

• Design and implement age-appropriate programs for four core groups: pre-teens, teens, emerging leaders and young adults.

• Develop structured curricula for life skills, leadership, health and wellness, cultural identity, community service, arts and recreation.

• Plan weekly program calendars, workshops, special events and seasonal initiatives.

• Facilitate interactive programming using a mix of experiential learning, group activities, digital tools and peer-led approaches.

• Ensure programs are delivered in compliance with organizational policies and safety standards.

Pre-Teens Programs – (ages 8-12):

• Coordinate after-school and weekend programs focused on creativity, literacy, STEM, arts and social development.

• Manage homework clubs, recreational activities and early leadership development initiatives.

• Support transitions from children’s programs to youth programs

• Ensure that the learning environment is structured, supportive and developmentally appropriate.

Teen Programs – (ages 13-17):

• Develop skill-building programs covering mentorship, academic support, personal development, creative arts and recreational activities.

• Support youth exploring identity, peer relationships, and emotional well-being through structured and safe engagement models.

• Implement youth councils or advisory groups to encourage youth voice and program co-creation.

• Organize field trips and excursions, leadership workshops and community impact projects.

Young Adults & Emerging Leaders – (ages 18-29):

• Coordinate career readiness, workforce development, entrepreneurial and leadership training programs.

• Facilitate mentorship opportunities between participants and professionals or community leaders.

• Collaborate with Tropicana Employment Centre (TEC) to support participants with resume development, job placement, internship connections, and life planning.

• Develop workshops on financial literacy, communication and adulting basic skills.

• Plan networking, personal development and community engagement programs tailored to early-career and mid-career professionals.

• Create platforms for knowledge-sharing, industry exposure and social connections.

• Facilitate young adults’ roundtables, career panels, and collaboration-driven projects.

• Build pathways for participants to serve as mentors or facilitators for younger cohorts.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:

• Collaborate with TDSB/TCDSB representatives, Community College representatives, and other agencies to support Black, African, and Caribbean communities.

• Coordinate guest speakers, workshop facilitators and volunteers.

• Collaborate with internal teams (Children Programs, and other Programs teams) on overlapping programs.

• Represent the organization at community events, outreach initiatives and youth engagement networks.

Administration & Program Operations

• Develop outreach strategies to attract youths across all the segments.

• Manage registration, attendance tracking and demographic data collection.

• Build rapport with youths to increase engagement and program consistency.

• Implement retention strategies such as incentives, recognition, youth leadership opportunities and family engagement.

• Implement anti-oppressive and inclusive program practices.

• Ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures, confidentiality and duty of care standards.

• Complete incident reports, safety protocols and youth supervision procedures.

• Track program data, participation, outcomes, and KPIs.

• Prepare program reports for management, funders, and partners.

• Support budgeting, purchasing, and resource planning.

• Use surveys, focus groups, and evaluation tools to improve program quality.

• Maintain program documentation, policies, calendars, and operational manuals.

• Initiates or assists with other projects as required

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Youth Engagement & Facilitation

• Strong ability to engage youth across diverse age groups and backgrounds.
• Expertise in youth development, behavior management, and mentorship.
• Skilled in designing interactive, culturally responsive programming.

Leadership & Communication

• Excellent facilitation, public speaking, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with youth, families, staff, and partners.
• Ability to motivate, lead, and coach youth.

Program Design & Evaluation

• Skilled in creating structured program plans, lesson plans, and curricula.
• Ability to collect and interpret data to assess program effectiveness.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving in program planning.

Cultural Competency

• Experience working with diverse communities, including immigrant, Black, racialized, and vulnerable youth populations.
• Trauma-informed, inclusive, equity-centered approach.

Organizational & Administrative

• Strong planning, time management, and project coordination skills.

• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or related digital tools.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Child & Youth Care, Education, Community Development, Recreation, or a related field.

• 2–4+ years experience in youth programs or recreation, preferably across multiple age segments.

• Experience facilitating workshops, groups, or community-based programs.

• Certifications in First Aid/CPR, or related youth development standards (or willingness to obtain).

• Experience working within a nonprofit, community center, youth organization, or social service environment.

• A valid Vulnerable Sector Check (or ability to obtain).

• Ability to work some evenings or weekends as required for youth programs and events.

Bonus / Preferred Qualifications

• Experience running leadership or employment readiness programs.

• Group facilitation training (restorative practices, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention).

• Experience managing volunteers.

• Knowledge of Ontario-based youth resources, funding programs, and community networks.

• Ability to design program materials, presentations, or digital content.

What We Offer:

• Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits
• Options for company-matched RRSP programs
• Career growth and development opportunities
• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community
• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.