Program Leader Centre for Healthy Communities

SIRC; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-campus university in Ontario is seeking a Program Leader for the Centre for Healthy Communities. This role involves developing and delivering physical activity programs across communities, ensuring safety and collaboration with volunteers. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Kinesiology or a related field. Flexibility in hours and recent experience with youth programming is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of recent relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.
• Experience working with youth populations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical activity and healthy living programs.
• Collaborate with volunteers to deliver programming.
• Ensure safety of all participants.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Leadership

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor in Kinesiology or health-related discipline

Job description

Program Leader Centre for Healthy Communities

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier’s Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier’s Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

We currently have an opportunity for a highly qualified person to join the Laurier community as a Program Leader for the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC). Sun Life CHC is a community sponsored Centre within Wilfrid Laurier University and is affiliated with the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. The objective of the Centre is to provide physical activity and healthy living programming through outreach programs. For the past five years, the Centre has focused on the greater Waterloo region and is now in a position to expand to the Brantford and Milton Community.

The Sun Life CHC Program Lead is responsible for the development and delivery of comprehensive physical activity and healthy living programs. The successful applicant will design and lead physical activity and healthy living programs and will work collaboratively with volunteers to deliver programming. This is a multifaceted position that requires a wide range of skills, and self-initiation. The successful candidate will also work closely with diverse populations such as youths at risk, marginalized and low-income community members, and culturally rich populations. Therefore, a cultural sensitivity and ability to represent Wilfrid Laurier in a respectable manner is expected.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus.

Hours of Work: This is a full-time continuing appointment from September 2025 to September 2027. The hours of work are irregular Monday to Friday involving both daytime and evening hours to deliver programming and accommodate administrative work. Flexibility in hours will be required, as weekend work due to scheduled community activity programming/Sun Life CHC events will be needed.

When possible, the Sun Life CHC Manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

Accountabilities

• Effectively communicate Sun Life CHC mission, vision, pillars, and objectives to various stakeholders.
• Assists the Program Manager with planning, design, promotion, evaluation, and refinement of Sun Life CHC programs that align with the Centre’s mission, vision, and objectives.
• Collaborate with the Sun Life CHC team and affiliated researchers to assist in data collection and program evaluation .
• Must be able to educate others and articulate the benefits of healthy living and wellness to the community at large and subgroups.
• Responsible for leading physical activity-based programming for groups of individuals (e.g. Approximately 20-30 participants per program).
• Supervise and ensure the safety of all individuals participating in the program.
• Coordinate the setup and tear down of equipment for Sun Life CHC programs.
• Value relationships and community through cultural sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of Sun Life CHC instructor and volunteer training.
• Be responsible for the oversight volunteers as they will interact with participants in the program.
• Provide feedback to volunteers for growth and development.
• Complete administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Regularly attend and actively participate in Sun Life CHC planning, meetings, presentations, and events.

Reporting Relationships

This Position Reports to: The Sun Life CHC Executive Director and Manager of Sun Life CHC Programs and Northdale Facilities.

This position has responsibility for other positions: Provides oversight and direction to approximately 4 – 6 volunteers at each program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Kinesiology or another health-related discipline. This position is open to educational equivalencies.
• Minimum of one year of recent relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, nutrition guidelines, LTAD guidelines, and the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommendations.
• The incumbent must be physically able to transport, set up, and take down equipment and demonstrate the activities associated with the program.
• Must be self-initiated and able to work independently as well as part of a cohesive team.
• Relevant experience coordinating physical activity/healthy living programming.
• Must be aware of Canadian health and safety guidelines.
• Recent experience working with a youth population is an asset.
• Must be punctual and dependable.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Before an offer of employment is extended, a valid Vulnerable Sector police check and current Standard first Aid and CPR Level “C” will be required.
• Enjoy working in an ever-changing environment in which problem solving and flexibility are critical to success.
• EDI & I training is an asset.
• Training and experience working in inclusion support is an asset.