HR Toolkit


Getting the Right People

Job descriptions

Job Profile - Program Director

Tools and Templates

Sample Job Descriptions

Other Titles:

  • Program Manager

Job Purpose

The Program Director oversees the coordination and administration of all aspects of an ongoing program including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Manager performs a wide range of duties including some or all of the following:

Plan the program

  • Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization
  • Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization
  • Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program
  • Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the program
  • Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement
  • Develop funding proposals for the program to ensure the continuous delivery of services

Organize the program

  • Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization
  • Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
  • Develop forms and records to document program activities
  • Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the clients of the program for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization

Staff the program

  • In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit, interview and select well-qualified program staff
  • Implement the human resources policies, procedures and practices of the organization
  • Ensure that personnel files for the program are properly maintained and kept confidential
  • Establish and implement a performance management process for all program staff
  • Engage volunteers for appropriate program activities using established volunteer management practices
Note Some Program Directors also have responsibilities for program volunteers. See the job profile for the Manager of Volunteers for a description of the related duties and responsibilities.
  • Ensure that all program staff receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programs

Lead the program

  • Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards
  • Supervise program staff by providing direction, input and feedback
  • Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program
  • Liaise with other managers to ensure the effective and efficient program delivery
  • Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency

Control the program

  • Write reports on the program for management and for funders
  • Communicate with funders as outlined in funding agreements
  • Ensure that the program operate within the approved budget
  • Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures
  • Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to the Executive Director on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly)
  • Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures
  • Ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date
  • Ensure financial reports and supporting documentation for funders are prepared as outlined in funding agreements
  • Provide required information to have invoices generated and submitted to funders according to the established timelines
  • Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks
  • Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework
  • Report evaluation findings to the Executive Director and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate

Qualifications

Education

  • University degree in a related subject

Professional designation

  • None

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of program management
  • Knowledge of client groups and/or issues related to the program area

Proficiency in the use of computers for:

  • Word processing
  • Simple accounting
  • Databases
  • Spreadsheets
  • E-mail
  • Internet

Personal characteristics

The Program Manager should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

  • Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
  • Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
  • Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
  • Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
  • Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
  • Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
  • Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
  • Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Experience

  • 3 to 5 years experience in a related field

Working Conditions

  • Program Managers usually work in an office environment but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non standard workplaces.
  • Program Managers work a standard work week but may be required to work some evenings and weekends to monitor program activities.

Benchmark

NOC: 0314 for Social, Community and Correctional Services
NOC: 0513 for Art, Culture, Recreation and Sports Organization