Manager, Programs & Partnerships

Overview

Introduction
Visions of Science is committed to advancing STEM equity by intentionally supporting youth and communities who experience significant barriers to participation. We facilitate community-based youth engagement programs, provide support for families and educators, and advocate for equitable STEM education, and opportunity throughout the system. We believe that when youth understand the possibilities within STEM, they are empowered with the relevant skills and knowledge to be leaders in their community, agents of change for society, and good stewards of the planet. To learn more about Visions of Science please visit: www.vosnl.org.

Authentic Representation

Visions of Science prioritizes facilitating power, platform, and agency to individuals who represent the ethnicities, cultures, and lived experiences of the children and youth in the communities that we partner with in all areas of the organization and our work. We strongly encourage individuals from equity-deserving groups who are historically underrepresented in STEM to apply. To learn more about the perks of working at Visions of Science team, click here.

The Opportunity

Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic and relationship-oriented Manager, Programs & Partnerships to lead our partnership engagement and community outreach efforts. This role plays a key part in shaping and managing collaborative relationships with schools, community agencies, post-secondary institutions, and sector partners that advance our mission of STEM equity.

In this role, you will lead initiatives that strengthen our presence in communities and broaden access to impactful STEM learning experiences. This includes cultivating external partnerships, planning and implementing outreach and recruitment strategies, and overseeing community events and school-based programming. You will support the delivery of STEM workshops, STEM kits, and curriculum-aligned experiences that bring STEM to life for youth in classrooms and community spaces.

You will also lead community co-development activities, steward local advisory groups, and manage community-facing communications to ensure programs are responsive, inclusive, and effective. Internally, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and receive strategic oversight from our Senior Manager of Programs to ensure alignment and integration across all initiatives.

Position Details:

• Contract Type/Term: Full-time, Indefinite
• Start Date: September 2025 (Flexible)
• Hours of Work/Schedule: 35 hours/week
• Available Positions: 1
• Job Location(s): Toronto, 71 Regent Park Boulevard, program site and partner locations. Remote Work
• Salary: The starting salary for this position is set at $70,000 per year, with opportunities for growth based on performance and organizational advancement.
  Reports to: Senior Manager, Programs
  Deadline: July 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Leadership

• Lead planning and coordination across key program areas, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community priorities
• Collaborate with internal teams and partners to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality programming for youth in schools and community spaces
• Support the development of new program models, tools, and resources based on feedback, emerging needs, and best practices
• Contribute to strategic planning, impact measurement, and continuous improvement efforts across programs

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Develop and lead outreach and engagement strategies to connect with youth, families, schools, and community stakeholders
• Plan and coordinate meaningful community events, showcases, and initiatives that foster visibility and connection
• Facilitate community co-development processes and advisory councils to ensure programs remain responsive and rooted in lived experiences
• Represent Visions of Science at community tables, forums, and working groups to build presence and advocate for equity in STEM

Partnership Development & Stewardship

• Cultivate and manage collaborative relationships with schools, post-secondary institutions, community agencies, and sector partners
• Coordinate partner engagement in programming, including mentorship opportunities, guest speaking, site visits, and co-facilitation
• Work closely with the Senior Manager of Programs to ensure partnerships are strategically aligned and contribute to long-term impact
• Identify and develop new partnership opportunities that strengthen programming, expand access, and build organizational capacity

Curriculum & Program Delivery

• Lead the coordination and rollout of STEM kits, school workshops, and other curriculum-aligned initiatives
• Work closely with educators and program staff to ensure programming is engaging, relevant, and aligned with Ontario curriculum and equity principles
• Support program delivery in both classroom and community settings, ensuring accessibility and consistency
• Gather and apply feedback from youth, educators, and facilitators to continuously improve the quality and impact of STEM learning experiences

Stakeholder Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• Plan and support stakeholder engagement events, site visits, and knowledge-sharing forums
• Collaborate with internal communications and development teams to amplify community stories and showcase program impact
• Contribute to grant writing, reporting, and stewardship activities to maintain strong relationships with funders and supporters

What We’re Looking For

Education & Training

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., community development, education, youth work, STEM, nonprofit management), or a strong combination of training and lived/professional experience
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Required Experience & Expertise

• 3–5 years of experience leading or coordinating youth programs, partnerships, or community-based initiatives
• Proven ability to manage projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and delivery components
• Experience cultivating relationships with schools, educators, post-secondary institutions, or community partners
• Familiarity with outreach strategies and community engagement practices that are responsive to the needs of equity-deserving communities
• Experience supporting or delivering educational content, workshops, or learning kits in either school or informal learning environments
• Availability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support key community events, workshops, or stakeholder engagements

Key Competencies & Skills

Strong leadership, planning, and coordination skills, with the ability to manage priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across diverse groups
Ability to support and guide team members, lead initiatives, and contribute to a positive, accountable, and inclusive team culture
Strategic thinking and adaptability, with a focus on aligning daily work with long-term organizational goals
Comfort using digital tools such as Google Workspace, project management platforms (e.g., Asana or Notion), and basic data tracking/reporting systems
A deep commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and community-rooted approaches to STEM engagement

Preferred

• Experience working in nonprofit, education, youth development, or community-based settings
• Familiarity with Ontario’s education system and/or curriculum
• Background in STEM education, outreach, or experiential learning
• Experience contributing to funder communications, reporting, or impact storytelling
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff, volunteers, or facilitators, with an interest in growing people leadership skills.

Compensation

What We Offer: Supporting You to Thrive

At Visions of Science, we believe that when our team members are supported, they can do transformative work alongside communities. Our full-time team members receive:

• Flexible work options: remote, hybrid, and in-office
• Extended health & dental coverage
• Generous vacation package: 2–4 weeks paid vacation + 2-week paid winter closure
• 10 paid sick days
• Employer-matched RRSP/TFSA/FHSA contributions
• Support for professional development
• Flexible Fridays year-round
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tech package to set you up for success

How to Apply

Application Process
Please submit your application by July 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET via this link. Application must include:

Resume
Statement of Interest (max. 1 page)

Please note that only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.

Commitment to Equity

Visions of Science is committed to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We strive for an inclusive and representative work environment. If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact hr@vosnl.org. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

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