Youth Business Lead - Warden Woods Community Centre

CharityVillage; Golden Horseshoe; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a passionate Youth Business Lead to cultivate entrepreneurship among local youth. This role involves planning and implementing training and business operations, fostering partnerships, and advocating for youth-centered initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the barriers faced by youth in the community and will be committed to creating sustainable opportunities. Join a dedicated team focused on empowering the next generation and making a positive impact in the Southwest Scarborough area.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in business development and leadership roles.
• Experience working with youth aged 15-24 in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Forge partnerships for youth training and business paths.
• Plan and develop business initiatives with local youth.
• Support advocacy efforts and funding applications.

Skills

Business Development

Project Leadership

Partnership Development

Community Engagement

Youth Facilitation

Communication Skills

Administrative Skills

Understanding of Systems of Oppression

Job description

Youth Business Lead (Contract, May 2025 to March 30, 2026)

Part-Time, On-Site in Southwest Scarborough (74 Firvalley Court)

Warden Woods Community Centre is a nonprofit neighbourhood centre working with and for the people of Southwest Scarborough since 1970 to build caring, compassionate, just and interdependent communities. For more: wardenwoods.com

Position Summary

The Youth Business Lead will plan and implement entrepreneurship activities- training, education and business operations- with and for youth of legal working age within the Warden Woods community, as approved in consultation with stakeholders.

The Youth Business Lead will support the research and development of viable, sustainable, youth-centered business initiatives that will support local youth to develop employment and entrepreneurship-related skills as well as interpersonal, communication, advocacy and other functional skills that will contribute to improved career prospects.

The Youth Business Lead will demonstrate deep understanding of the current barriers to employment and career prospects for local youth, and will come ready to implement evidence-based strategies for decreasing barriers and expanding opportunities.

The Youth Business Lead will be an excellent communicator and a passionate advocate, with an organized, goal-oriented approach to youth-focused community and neighbourhood development.

Reporting to the Executive Director or Designated Management.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Forge partnerships that will support youth-centered training, education and business paths within Warden Woods.
• Plan and develop business paths and plans in collaboration with local youth and external partners, to achieve short and longer-term goals for neighbourhood development.
• Communicate risks and concerns about business activities to the appropriate management, and support problem-solving strategies.
• Document, discuss and present collaborative ideas to community members, staff, management and partners.
• Perform purchasing and cash reconciliation tasks for drop-in program activities as approved and directed, within the approved budget.
• Collect and store intake forms and all program materials appropriately and according to applicable legislation, ensuring these stay updated.
• Ensure spaces and equipment used for business programming are set-up, used and closed appropriately.
• Communicate with parents/guardians as required, and form effective, youth-centered relationships with parents and other community adults.
• Contribute to youth-centered advocacy efforts within the organization, neighbourhood, City, etc. related to this work.
• Contribute to applications for new funding, and reports for current funders, to articulate impact and goals, and support program financial stability, as required.
• Inform and collaborate on short term and longer-term youth-focused program planning.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration, contribute with enthusiasm to WWCC initiatives, and embody the values of Warden Woods as part of our unique communities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a business development or entrepreneurial role (including self-employment)
• At least 2 years of experience in a program or project leadership role
• At least 2 years of partnership development experience
• At least 2 years of community engagement experience
• At least 2 years of experience working with youth 15-24 years old (facilitating, supporting, outreach and engagement)
• Demonstrated understanding of barriers facing youth within Warden Woods
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, strong administrative skills
• Experience in a community-based nonprofit organization is a definite asset
• Demonstrated ambition, creativity, resourcefulness, collaborative and flexible approach
• Solid understanding of systems of oppression, anti-racism and harm reduction is a must
• Understanding of the Warden Woods neighbourhood, and/or neighbourhoods with similar profiles in Southwest Scarborough is a definite asset
• Must be committed to 100% on-site work

Compensation and Hours of Work:

• $31.20/hour inclusive of vacation pay, 16-24 hours weekly as scheduled/pre-approved.
• Contract ending March 30, 2026.
• This is a management/exempt (non-union) position