POSITION TITLE: Program Manager, AI Workforce Innovation
COMPANY:
Skills for Change
LOCATION:
791 St. Clair West, Toronto, Ontario M6C 1B7 (Temporary location: 1655 Dupont, 3rd Floor)
REPORTS TO:
Director, Program and Services
CONTRACT TYPE:
Indefinite (non-unionized)
HOURS:
35 hours per week (Monday to Friday with occasional evening/weekend hours Hybrid)
START DATE:
Immediate
SALARY RANGE: $70,000.00 To $80,000.00
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
With over 43 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, settlement, language training, and specialized programs for trades, women, Black communities, seniors, and youth.
Skills for Change recognizes the urgent need to provide AI skill development programs to address the challenges faced by racialized and newcomer youth, women, and other marginalized communities who experience high unemployment and underemployment despite constituting a significant portion of Canada's growing population.
This role will focus on building and scaling AI training programs that use cutting-edge AI tools and platforms to empower underserved communities, with a focus on partnership development and program delivery for leaders in the non-profit and related sector. If you are motivated to lead transformative AI upskilling projects and help individuals build their technical skills and career potential, this role is for you.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:
Skills for Change is looking for a Program Manager, AI Workforce Innovation to lead our mission in democratizing AI technology. This isn't just an administrative role; it’s a mandate to build, scale, and lead AI upskilling programs that empower racialized youth, newcomers, and underserved communities across Ontario. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for tech-driven social impact, we want to meet you.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Strong foundations in project and change management within dynamic environments.
• AI Fluent: Well-versed in the artificial intelligence landscape and easily accessible AI tools.
• Mission-Driven: Possesses the "grit" to navigate the long-term path to success and a passion for technology as a tool for social good.
• Data-Informed: A strong affinity for using data to inform operational decisions and strategic business cases.
• Leadership: Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams in tech-ed, social impact, or non-profit sectors
• Relationship Management: Can partner with senior leaders in organizations and demonstrate strong communication skills
DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:
Program Management
• Lead the design and delivery of community-based AI training programs tailored to workforce development needs, leveraging generative and machine learning tools.
• Oversee the program life cycle from planning and design through implementation and evaluation.
• In partnership with the AI Program Manager and team, co-lead the development of the ongoing AI Upskilling Symposium and associated wrap-around events.
• Collaborate with AI Upskilling staff to advance goals and continually update curriculum to respond to market needs.
• Work with program design and fund development teams to create new AI-focused initiatives.
• Implement strategies to optimize performance, address risks, and adapt to changing needs.
Financial Management and Reporting
• In collaboration with the Director, develop program budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial integrity.
• Ensure compliance with funder guidelines and manage program contracts.
• Prepare presentations, program and board reports to funders and internal stakeholders.
Data, Tools, and Technology
• Utilize data-driven insights and client tracking systems to monitor outcomes and measure impact.
• Oversee the implementation of operational efficiencies and KPIs.
• Maximize collaboration and synergies across program areas and external partners.
People Leadership
• Hire, supervise, coach, discipline and mentor a multidisciplinary team (unionized and non-unionized), including performance and KPI management.
• Foster an inclusive, performance-based culture accountable to clients and stakeholders.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop partnership strategies to engage non-profit sector leaders and industry associations to delivery on program outcomes
• Engage with local employers and training providers to create employment and workforce development opportunities
• Develop a community advisory board for program feedback and insights
Additional Responsibilities:
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director, Senior Director or Vice President to support the goals and objectives of the organization.
SKILLS, EDUCATION AND ATRIBUTES:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education, Computer Science, or Non-Profit Management (MBA preferred).
• AI Literacy: Must demonstrate continuous learning in the AI space (e.g., certifications in Prompt Engineering, AI Strategy, or Machine Learning foundations).
• Technical Knowledge & AI Expertise:
• Power User Status: Advanced proficiency in Generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Midjourney) and an understanding of how to apply them to professional workflows.
• Implementation: Ability to identify and deploy AI-driven "low-code" or "no-code" solutions to improve organizational efficiency.
• Future-Proofing: Familiarity with the ethical implications of AI, including bias, data privacy, and the "digital divide" affecting marginalized communities.
• Workforce Development & Leadership:
• Proven Track Record: Minimum 5 years in program management with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.
• Adult Learning: Deep understanding of Andragogy (adult learning theory) and how to design curriculum that sticks for diverse learners.
• Labor Relations: Experience navigating the nuances of coaching and managing in a unionized environment is a significant asset.
• Partnership Development and Relationship Management: ability to work and development partnerships with senior leaders and executives in an adult learning environment.
ADDITIONAL INFO: How to apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, detailing your two most significant professional achievements related to workforce development or AI upskilling. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged
Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants, refugees and equity seeking groups to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community to persons with disabilities to newcomers to Canada (including refugees) to Indigenous peoples to members of a visible minority to children or youth to women of all ages including seniors to the LGBTQ2 community.
As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion racial justice and reconciliation, Skills for Change encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, Racialized and other under-represented communities. Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in an alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
