Community Programmer (Balmoral Space)

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government organization in Vancouver is seeking a Community Programmer to develop and manage arts, cultural, educational, and recreational programs for the Downtown Eastside community. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, supervising staff and volunteers while fostering partnerships with local agencies. A strong emphasis on community engagement, budget management, and experience working with Indigenous populations is essential. This is a temporary full-time position offering competitive pay with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years related experience in community programming.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is preferred.
• Ability to manage budgets and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community programs and partnerships.
• Oversee daily operations and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Establish a safe environment for community engagement.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Community engagement

Budget management

Education

University graduation in social sciences

Job description

Overview

Requisition ID: 44922

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada\'s Top 100 Employers, BC\'s Top Employers, and Canada\'s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace. Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Community Programmer for the Balmoral Community space develops, implements, and coordinates programs and partnerships to serve community members of the Downtown Eastside including people who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and/or addictions. The Community Programmer oversees the day-to-day operations of all programming at the Balmoral site including: arts, cultural, educational and recreational programs and special events, including but not limited to: recruiting, supervising, training, and scheduling staff, program instructors, and volunteers; managing conflicts and enforcing Social Operations code of conduct using exceptional communication and conflict resolution skills; fundraising, and maintaining program budget and supplies; monitoring and evaluating programs through data collection and analysis; leading programs and activities including out trips and special events; and developing and sustaining community partnerships to achieve program objectives.

The position reports to the Manager of Reconciliation and Relationships. The Community Programmer supervises and directs the work of one or more subordinate staff. Work is reviewed by the Director, Manager of Reconciliation and Relationship, the Carnegie Community Centre Association, and the public in terms of attainment of desired results and services rendered.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishes a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff, instructors, volunteers, and community members to engage in the delivery of arts and education programs.
• Develops, plans, implements and evaluates Indigenous, arts, cultural, educational and recreational programs and activities that meet community needs.
• Upholds the Social Operations mandate by developing programs and opportunities that foster an environment that values the social, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of patrons.
• Plans, develops and implements an ongoing recruitment strategy for Program staff, instructors, and volunteers.
• Personally leads or instructs patrons in various activities and programs, including special events and out trips.
• Carries out Indigenous focused programming at the Balmoral space.
• Consults and collaborates with other Community programmers, partners (Capilano University and Vancouver Public Library), Carnegie Community Centre board, and community members and agencies to develop programs and services to meet the current and emerging needs of the Centre and its patrons.
• Works with community members and agencies in identifying community recreational, cultural and social needs and to discuss ways in which these can be met.
• Supervises, provides work direction, and supports staff, instructors &/or volunteers, including planning, coordinating and/or delivering related training and orientation.
• Assists patrons experiencing crisis; provides support or referrals as required.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, records, correspondence and promotional material.
• Provides information to patrons, community members, groups and agencies to promote and encourage participation in programming
• Assists in developing policies, regulations and procedures; deals consistently and tactfully with groups or individuals who fail to observe them.
• Writes grants and maintains operating and administrative records; ensures programs operate on budget allocation.
• Plans, assigns, supervises and evaluates the work of one or more subordinates.
• Performs well in a stressful and demanding work environment and responds to emergencies responsibly.
• Supports and participates fully in the Carnegie Centre senior leadership team through demonstrated leadership and action on strategic priorities, initiatives and collaborations.
• Leads activities where lifting, walking and assisting others may be required.
• Acts as a resource to staff.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualification
Education and Experience:

• University graduation in social sciences, social work, adult education, or a related discipline and a minimum of two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Relevant lived experience combined with a broad perspective lens on reconciliation and decolonization, is preferred.
• Strong relationships and experience working with Indigenous communities, including local First xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples and urban Indigenous peoples considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the philosophy, methods and objectives of asset-based community development.
• Considerable knowledge of multi-cultural, low-income, inner-city environments and of the interests, issues, and needs of systemically oppressed populations.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, equipment and practices involved in conducting community-based, low-barrier programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the practices, protocols, and principles of Indigenous programming and cultural practices.
• Working knowledge of program administration, fundraising and record keeping
• Working knowledge of non-profit associations and committee development methods
• Ability to instruct and participate in a variety of recreational, social, educational and cultural activities, and/or arts and crafts.
• Ability to recruit, train, assign and review the work of instructors, professional contractors, and volunteers.
• Strong skills convening and facilitating groups, synthesizing ideas, and providing effective and accessible feedback.
• Ability to manage budgets and grants; maintain statistical and clerical records to track outputs and evaluate outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all levels of literacy, with demonstrated ability to write reports and produce promotional material.
• Ability to work cross culturally with Indigenous, Chinese and other cultures and community groups utilizing services at Carnegie Centre and Oppenheimer Park.
• Ability to perform in a stressful and demanding work environment and to respond to emergencies responsibly.

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A Police Information Check is a job requirement and must not have any criminal charges or convictions that would relate to your selection for this position.
• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher with a safe driving record are required. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.

Business Unit/Department: Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: February 2026

Position End Date: February 2028

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $38.08to $44.82 per hour

Application Close: February 8, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.