Connections & Youth Coordinator

Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: Canada - Newcastle, Ontario Position Type: Full-time Salary Range: Undisclosed Description

Job Description

Connections & Youth Coordinator

Position

Connections & Youth Coordinator

Department

Philanthropy & Marketing (PhilM)

Location

ADRA Canada Headquarters 20 Robert St. W, Newcastle, ON, Canada is preferred. However, remote work within Canada will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Reporting to

PhilM Director

Travel

6-8 International and/or National trips per year

Appointed by

ADCOM

Supervises

N/A

Employment Category

Full-time

Hours of Work

38 hours per week with a 4-day work week option as well as hybrid option (3 days in office and 1 day work from home).

Compensation Range/Category/Level

Commensurate with Experience

Disclosure

The nature of ongoing employment within ADRA Canada is dependent on financial contributions from its support base. It is to be recognized that the level of support is of a fluctuating nature.

Revision Date

Mar 13, 2025

Where to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online at https://adra.ca/careers/. Application closing date is April 24, 2025.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Connections & Youth Coordinator is the key point of contact for ADRA Canada’s youth-centered programs and is a passionate advocate for empowering and engaging youth in ADRA Canada’s mission. Embodying ADRA Canada’s values of being Connected, Courageous and Compassionate, the Connections & Youth Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and leading ADRA’s youth-focused fundraising efforts and youth trips that deepen their understanding of ADRA Canada’s work and purpose to deliver justice, compassion and love.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Church Relations/Ministry (10% of each work week, but permeated throughout role)

• Participate in daily worship and prayers. All employees take turns in leading worship for all employees.
• Be prepared to counsel callers (including church members and others) on role of Seventh-day Adventist mission and pray with them.
• Encourage partners (including Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and congregations in Canada, other Canadian and international Seventh-day Adventist entities and the worldwide ADRA network) in the mission of ADRA Canada and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Educate them, as necessary, about the ministry role of ADRA Canada as part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church movement, consistent with the religious teachings of the Church.
• As requested, contribute to corporate publications and represent ADRA Canada and its mission at presentations/speaker appointment requests, particularly with ADRA Canada’s partners.
• Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with the values and religious beliefs of the ADRA network and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

B. Operations/Technical (90% of each work week)

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising:

Strategic development and implementation of a peer-to-peer fundraising platform that encourages greater youth (individual, church, school, etc.) involvement.

• Provide guidance, resources, and support to peer-to-peer fundraisers, ensuring success in their campaigns.
• Cultivate and grow the youth donor base, utilizing platforms like social media to increase engagement.

Young Fundraisers Initiative:

• Develop and oversee a Change the World Young Fundraisers initiative to engage younger generations as a recognition system for Think Tanks, Hack-a-Thons and individual campaigners.
• Build relationships with young potential fundraisers, offering them tools and motivation to raise funds for ADRA’s initiatives.

Champions/Advocates School Point of Contact:

• Serve as the primary contact for schools and organizations engaged in the Champions/Advocates program.
• Develop partnerships with schools to involve students in ADRA’s mission.
• Facilitate communication and create opportunities for young advocates to get involved in awareness campaigns, projects, and events.

Hope Harvest Fundraising Point of Contact:

• Function as the point of contact for promoting any fundraisers.
• Collaborate with schools, universities, youth groups, and churches to mobilize them for any fundraising campaigns.
• Provide support and guidance to ensure that young people are equipped and motivated to fundraise for ADRA initiatives.

Connections Trips:

• Expand the ADRA Connections brand/program within key constituencies, including Canada-based universities, churches, conferences, corporate groups, and others through activities, speaking engagements, presentations and promotions.
• Develop ADRA Connections volunteer units across Canada.
• Work with international ADRA offices and National program teams to establish relevant ADRA Connections projects to engage various groups including youth, professionals, church members, and corporate groups.
• Liaise between interested groups and ADRA Country offices to organize ADRA Connections trips.
• Coordinate with the Director to set annual budget targets and manage budgets, as well as identify new ADRA Connections sites.
• Monitor & support ADRA Connections fundraising efforts and liaise with finance staff regarding funds.
• Ensure marketing materials are developed to promote ADRA Connections to different target groups including universities, churches, corporate groups and others.
• Coordinate and lead 6-8 youth-focused trips per year, ensuring all logistics, communication, and travel arrangements are handled effectively.
• Lead training and prepare induction resources for volunteer groups and leaders.
• Liaise regularly with group leadership to ensure compliance with Adventist Risk Management (ARM) regarding risk management services and insurance, and that safety measures are in place.
• Review and monitor compliance with risk management plans.
• Mentor and support ADRA Connection trip leaders.
• Foster personal connections between youth participants and the communities ADRA serves, avoiding voluntourism and ensuring compliance with ethical photography and media sharing.
• Lead group activities and facilitate meaningful reflection sessions to deepen participants’ understanding of ADRA’s impact.

*Perform other duties as designated by the Director.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Education, International Development, Youth Ministry, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in youth leadership/youth ministry, managing school partnerships and international/national youth trips.
• Experience with international development, humanitarian aid, or community service projects (volunteer or professional).
• A citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the ability to legally work in Canada, by virtue of holding a current valid work permit (if required).
• Superior planning & organizing skills – Able to set clearly defined objectives; plan activities and multiple projects well in advance and take account of possible changing circumstances.
• Dynamic leadership & supervisory skills – Able to lead, inspire and motivate youth people, providing clear direction and setting appropriate standards of behaviour.
• Excellent presentation & communication skills – Able to speak clearly and fluently in English; express opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; and build relationships with a wide range of individuals.
• Creative and innovative thinker – Able to produce new ideas, approaches or insights; and creates innovative designs.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with local communities and partners in a respectful way.
• Understanding of and commitment to programming and communications that respect the human rights of all persons ADRA serves, especially the rights of women and girls.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• First aid & CPR “C”, HEAT, and psychological and mental health first aid certification, or willing to obtain.
• Experience traveling internationally, especially to low-resource or high-risk areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Task Management software, virtual communication platforms, and awareness of CRM software, webpage logistics and fundraising tools.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in French.

WHY A CAREER WITH ADRA CANADA?

ADRA Canada is one of the leading humanitarian and development organizations in Canada. Our reputation has been built by our amazing and dedicated team of knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff who carry out ADRA's mission each and every day. At ADRA Canada, we offer exciting and challenging careers that play an important role in positively impacting the futures of vulnerable families, and especially the lives of women and girls all over the world. Inspired by our Christian values, ADRA is active in over 130 countries globally, delivering justice, compassion, and love so that all may live as God intended.

ADRA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, including our work environment. We especially welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.

ADRA Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please inform us within your application if you require any accommodations and every effort will be made to meet your needs.

Consistent with our Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screen as a condition of employment.

Due to a high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are chosen to move forward, our interview process typically follows this sequence:

• One hour in-person/virtual “get to know you” interview with a member of the HR team, Hiring Manager, and sometimes another senior staff member. This interview will evaluate values and culture fit.
• One hour in person/virtual technical interview with a member of the HR team and the Hiring Manager and/or the Department Director.
• Depending on the role, in some cases a 30 minute to 2-hour technical skills test will be required.
• Reference checks.
• A decision is communicated, and an offer is extended subject to criminal background check.

At ADRA we aim to complete the entire process above within six (6) weeks. If at any time we decide to end your candidacy, you will be notified of this by a member of our team in writing. We would appreciate it if you extend us that same courtesy.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The terms and conditions shall be read in conjunction with the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual (as amended from time to time), the contents of which form part of the employee’s obligations to ADRA Canada. The obligations of ADRA Canada are as set out in the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual and the applicable employment standards legislation and regulations, whichever obligations are greater. The employer will have no other obligations except as expressly set out in a written employment contract.

Performance Review: A Performance Review will typically be conducted after the first three months in the position. All employees will be required to participate in semi-annual Performance Reviews.

Job Description Continuous Review: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and can be modified at any time to meet the needs of ADRA Canada.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to read, speak, and hear. Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Some standing, walking, bending, kneeling, carrying of light items, etc. required. Standard work hours, as defined by the ADRA Canada Human Resources Manual, are required.

Working Conditions: Essential responsibilities are performed either in the office or in travelling conditions.

• Within the office , the work is primarily in a sedentary and comfortable environment, with tasks usually performed under normal office conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. The work area is well lit and ventilated.
• If travelling (international and/or domestic) there will be difficult conditions and challenging environments, particularly to destinations in the developing world.

Vulnerable Sector Screening: Consistent with our PSEA & Child Protection Policies the successful candidate must receive clearance by providing a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screening where available.