ABOUT MISSION POSSIBLE

Mission Possible is a non-profit organization and social enterprise located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. We support individuals challenged by homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental illness, and other barriers to employment to achieve a renewed sense of dignity and purpose through meaningful work. Through our Employment Readiness Program and our social enterprises, we equip our program participants with the skills, confidence, and support they need to rejoin the workforce and rebuild a self-sustaining livelihood for themselves.

Tenacious. Empowering. Supportive. Humble. Compassionate. These are Mission Possible’s core values, and we’re looking for someone who also holds these values to join our incredible team as our Director of Programs.

ABOUT THE JOB

Position type: Permanent, full-time (40 hours/week)

Reports to: Deputy Director

Direct Reports: 3-4

Conditions: Team role. Primarily office-based at Mission Possible, with some remote flexibility and off-site work as needed.

Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate upon experience.

Key Benefits:

• 6% vacation accrual
• 100% organization-paid life and extended health and dental benefits
• 3% RRSP matching
• Professional development opportunities

Requirements:

• Willing to complete a Vulnerable Sector Background Check
• Legally allowed to work in BC

Job Summary:

The Director of Programs is a Leadership Team role accountable for the strategy, quality, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Mission Possible’s program activities and social impact projects. This role oversees the Employment Readiness Program, Provincial projects, wraparound support, coaching programs, and other program initiatives that support associates in building capacity, gaining work experience, and transitioning toward long-term employment and stability.

The Director of Programs provides leadership to program staff, ensures programs are delivered through trauma-informed, person-centred, and strengths-based practices, and works across departments to align program delivery with Mission Possible’s mission, values, strategic goals, and social impact metrics. The Director of Programs also plays a key role in developing partnerships with employers, service providers, funders, and community organizations to expand opportunities for associates and strengthen Mission Possible’s impact in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Program Leadership and Oversight

  • Lead and continuously improve Mission Possible’s employment, coaching, and social impact programs while ensuring alignment with organizational values and the Join, Train, Experience, Transition model.
  • Develop effective systems, processes, and feedback mechanisms to ensure programs are responsive, accessible, trauma-informed, and impactful.

• Team Leadership and Supervision

  • Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and accountability for program staff through regular supervision, reviews, and development planning.
  • Foster a collaborative, healthy, and values-aligned team culture while supporting staff growth, succession planning, and role clarity.

• Coaching Program Leadership

  • Oversee the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of coaching practices across programs and staff teams.
  • Support coaching staff with goal tracking, associate progress, and ongoing development while maintaining limited direct coaching involvement as needed.

• Associate Support and Transition Pathways

  • Ensure associates receive comprehensive support through training, coaching, work experience, wraparound services, and transition planning.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and employers to create sustainable employment pathways and successful long-term transitions.

• Partnerships and Community Engagement

  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with employers, funders, community organizations, and training providers to expand opportunities for associates.
  • Represent Mission Possible externally and strengthen the organization’s role in supportive employment and community economic development.

• Strategy, Planning, and Organizational Alignment

  • Contribute to organizational leadership, strategic planning, annual goals, quarterly priorities, and cross-departmental collaboration as part of the Leadership Team.
  • Align program operations and initiatives with organizational objectives, social profit targets, and long-term growth strategies.

• Budget, Grants, and Resource Stewardship

  • Oversee program budgeting, financial planning, and responsible resource management in collaboration with leadership and finance teams.
  • Support grant applications, reporting, funder communication, and impact storytelling by providing accurate program and outcome data.

• Impact Measurement, Data, and Reporting

  • Monitor program performance metrics, outcomes, and reporting processes to ensure accountability and achievement of social impact goals.
  • Use data, reporting, and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, improve programs, and support organizational decision-making.

• Risk, Safety, Compliance, and Policy Alignment

  • Ensure program operations comply with organizational policies, safety standards, funder requirements, and professional practice expectations.
  • Support incident response, risk management, staff training, and the creation of safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all participants.

• Other tasks needed to fulfil the summary of the role as described above

ABOUT YOU:

Our ideal candidate has:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental health, systemic barriers, and barriers to employment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with employers, service providers, funders, community partners, and internal teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use data, feedback, and frontline experience to guide decisions.
• Ability to lead through change, ambiguity, and growth.
• Strong conflict-resolution, coaching, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with EOS tools, quarterly rocks, KPIs, and accountability rhythms is an asset.
• Familiarity with supportive employment, social enterprise, coaching, or workforce development is an asset.
• A proven ability to demonstrate professionalism, respectful workplace conduct, and alignment with Mission Possible’s core values: Compassion, Humility, Empowerment, Support, and Tenacity

Education and Experience

• Diploma or post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g. psychology, social work, sociology, community economic development, etc.) is an asset.

• Experience leading programs, teams, or complex projects in a nonprofit, social enterprise, employment services, community development, or related setting.

• Experience supervising staff and supporting team performance, development, and accountability.

• Experience with program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Experience managing budgets, resources, outcomes, partnerships, and reporting requirements.

How To Apply:

If you feel you're a good fit for this role, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@mission-possible.ca with "Application for DOP" as the subject line. While we appreciate all interested candidates, only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. We will be interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until we find the right fit, so we encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible.

We value, support, and thrive in a diverse and inclusive workplace. Those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Thank you for your interest!