Program Manager

Ontario Trillium Foundation; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A major granting foundation in Ontario seeks a Program Manager to support its Community Investments Team. The role focuses on providing outreach and support to applicants, conducting application assessments, and facilitating collaboration among Grant Review Teams. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree and possess strong analytical, project management, and communication skills. Bilingualism is an asset. The position emphasizes customer service and stakeholder engagement, aligning with the foundation's community-focused mission.

Benefits

Flexible working conditions

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3-5 years progressive experience in a relevant role.
• Ability to develop outreach and support strategies.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer support and outreach to applicants.
• Conduct application analyses and assessments according to OTF policies.
• Support Grant Review Teams in scoring and decision-making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Customer service

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline

Job description

Recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, the Ontario Trillium Foundation is also one of Canada’s largest granting foundation and an agency of the Government of Ontario. With a budget of over $100 million, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) awards grants to some 700 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities.

This is a public facing role supporting the Community Investments Team. As a member of a regional team, the role of the Program Manager (PM) comprises three main functions: Applicant support & outreach, assessment & volunteer support, and monitoring & grantee support. The Program Manager reports to a Director, Community Investments.

What Can I Expect to do in this Role?

Ensure applicants and grantees have a clear and accurate understanding of expectations, responsibilities and requirements.

Provide outstanding customer service and positive end user experience in all aspects of the role

Understand and accurately apply OTF policies, guidelines and processes

Support OTF clients by proactively delivering clear and accurate information through outreach sessions and workshops

Provide coaching support (one-on-one and group) to potential and declined applicants and respond to questions in a timely manner

Conduct application analysis and assessments that: are impartial and fair; support OTF’s investment strategy and follow OTF policies and procedures

Support Grant Review Teams to have a clear and accurate understanding of their role and the investment strategy

Support Grant Review Teams to deliver fair, clear, evidence-based scoring and decision-making that is consistent with the investment strategy and policies

Monitor and support active grants through timely, regular and high engagement approaches

Contribute to planning and developing tools and resources to support the core functions of the job

Skills and Attributes

Conceptual, analytical, research and problem-solving skills, including good judgement and conflict resolution

Ability to develop outreach and applicant support strategies, assess applications, and monitor outcomes

Ability to work in teams of peers

• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and take initiatives

Ability to coordinate meetings and liaise with volunteers on a Grant Review Team

Organizational and financial assessment/management skills

Knowledge of non-profit sector and the diversity of Ontario

High degree of interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills

Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and take initiative and be accountable for quality work and decision-making

A “digital first” mindset with the ability to work effectively at a high level and on an ongoing basis with different technologies and platforms

Ability to work with highly sensitive information and maintain confidentiality

Ability to effectively communicate internally and externally including to:

manage difficult conversations, and

professionally represent organizational strategies and, policies, as well as granting requirements and decisions

Ability to manage projects, coordinate complex activities, organize multiple tasks and prioritize work

Ability to work to deadlines and time management skills

Core Competencies

Pursuit of Excellence/Accountability: Take ownership and delivers

Agility: Embrace change and ambiguity

Collaboration: Working together with others to leverage skills, talents, and knowledge

Critical Thinking: Interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information

Inclusion: Embrace all people irrespective of race, gender identity, disability

How Do I Qualify?

Post‑secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline and three to five years progressive experience or an acceptable equivalent in education and experience

Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the diversity of the OTF’s clientele and stakeholder groups

Applicants should live in / have deep knowledge of the community where the position is located

Demonstrated effectiveness as a staff and/or board member of a charitable or non‑profit community organization is an asset

Bilingualism English/French is an asset

We invite applications from people who reflect the diverse communities we serve, including Indigenous (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) and Black peoples.

Acknowledgements

• We welcome applications from people who are reflective of the diverse communities we serve, including those who might need accommodation.
• OTF is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This job posting falls under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006
• OTF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization for all individuals in our workplaces, which includes supporting people living with disabilities, people from the Black, Indigenous, People of colour and from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
• OTF is a certified Positive Space employer, which means we create and promote safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The use of AI is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants

• While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline: January 2, 2026

Directions for Application:

To apply for this position, submit your cover letter and resume online.