Job Posting: Social Enterprise Operations Coordinator
Location: 139 Prince Edward Street, Suite 115, Saint John, NB
Type: Full-time
Reports to: Social Enterprise Director & Saint John Learning Exchange CEO
Salary: Starting at $55,000, with consideration for experience and educational background.
The Saint John Learning Exchange (SJLE) is a community-focused non-profit that supports youth and adults in achieving their education and employment goals through individualized learning, wraparound support, and skill development. Our innovative social enterprises—Stone Soup Café & Catering, Voilà! Cleaning Services, and Creative Squirrel Marketing & Design—provide real work experience and training opportunities for program participants, while generating income that is reinvested into their personal and professional growth.
We are seeking a Social Enterprise Operations Coordinator to lead and support the daily operations of our social enterprise division. This role is key to creating a supportive, efficient, and mission-aligned work environment for staff and learners while contributing to SJLE’s overall impact and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily operations of SJLE’s social enterprises, ensuring smooth workflows, quality service delivery, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Provide operational support to social enterprise (SE) managers and employees, assisting with the resolution of day-to-day challenges as they arise.
- Serve as a liaison between the social enterprise teams and the SE Director to help achieve strategic and operational goals for both the enterprises and the broader Learning Exchange organization.
- Support and supervise staff by providing coaching, mentorship, and training opportunities to build skills aligned with individual learning and employment goals.
- Guide team leads in leadership development, helping them build the skills and confidence to make informed, values-based decisions within their teams.
- Coordinate and support the hiring process for co-op students and social enterprise employees including writing job posts, screening applications, conducting interviews, onboarding new employees, and developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Organize cooperative education and project-based learning opportunities for youth within the social enterprise setting, ensuring experiences are engaging, supportive, and aligned with career exploration and skill-building goals.
- Assist in writing and developing grant applications and funding proposals to support innovation and long-term sustainability of the social enterprises.
- Develop and implement new business opportunities that support growth and sustainability, in collaboration with the SE Director.
- Monitor and assess the effectiveness of learning experiences and business development initiatives, making adjustments as needed to meet outcomes.
- Oversee administrative functions including accounting, invoicing, scheduling, documentation, and client communications to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
- Collaborate across departments to align enterprise operations with participant programming and wraparound supports.
- Track and report on business performance and social impact metrics, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Manage health, safety, and compliance requirements across all social enterprises, including food safety, WHMIS, and workplace regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, clients, suppliers, and funders to enhance visibility and sustainability.
- Support marketing and storytelling efforts by working with Creative Squirrel and the SJLE team to highlight enterprise success and community impact.
Qualifications:
- University or college degree in a related field preferred (e.g., social sciences, nonprofit management, adult education, social work, business); equivalent education and experience may be considered.
- Proven experience in a management or coordination role, including staff supervision, training, and/or coaching.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with experience in conflict resolution and cross-team collaboration.
- Experience with hiring, onboarding, and supporting staff development in a people-first, inclusive environment.
- Comfortable managing administrative tasks such as scheduling, invoicing, documentation, and client communications.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic setting.
- Knowledge of or experience in small business, social enterprise operations, or non-profit sector is an asset.
- Proficient with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and project/accounting software such as Sage or QuickBooks is an asset.
- Ability to adapt to change and solve problems aligned with organizational values.
- Passion for youth development and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community impact.
To Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume addressed to Christina Fowler at sjlecareers@gmail.com. Only applications sent via email as directed above will be considered. Application deadline is Friday, May 9th at 4:00pm.