Coordinator, Industry Connections

This position is a two-year contract responsible for coordinating aspects of a Workforce Strategies project entitled Community Compass.

This project aims to make careers in the recreation and parks sector welcoming and accessible to all. To do this Community Compass provides direction for individuals from equity deserving groups seeking careers, while supporting employers in attracting, and retaining diverse staff through building inclusive and equitable workplaces.

The project will showcase career opportunities and then support individuals in understanding and navigating the pathway to different types of employment in the recreation and parks sector. Job and career showcase opportunities include increasing awareness of, and exposure to, recreation and parks as a career path, job shadowing, tours of workplaces and information related to employment
opportunities in the sector.

The Coordinator, Industry Connections position will focus on working with job-seekers and equity-deserving groups both at a group level and an individual level. This will include organizing opportunities for job shadowing and career education and promotion, as well as guiding individuals and groups through existing barriers to employment. This process will include developing relationships with equity-deserving groups and individuals, and also with existing organizations that support them, and gaining knowledge about resources available to support the job-seeking process.

Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Compass, the Coordinator will provide:

Individual Coaching and Support
● Provide personalized coaching and support for individuals from equity-deserving groups participating in the program
● Develop and implement strategies to enhance the individual experience and promote personal growth
● Research grants, subsidies and programs that can assist with reducing barriers to training and professional development for individuals interested in career opportunities in the recreation and parks sector.

Project Promotion and Engagement
● Implement targeted marketing strategies to attract diverse participants to the project
● Actively engage with individuals from equity-deserving groups through one-on-one interactions, ensuring their inclusion and participation in project activities

Community Connections and Relationship Building
● Cultivate strong connections between individuals from equity-deserving populations and community parks and recreation organizations through personalized outreach and relationship-building efforts
● Facilitate meaningful connections by organizing events and activities that foster collaboration and understanding

Event Coordination
● Plan, promote, and execute events to support equity-deserving groups and individuals to learn and find opportunities in the recreation and parks sector, including facility tours, job shadowing, employment promotion events, etc.

Collaborations and Partnerships
● Collaborate with external partners to enhance support structures for individuals from equity-deserving groups
● Foster partnerships that align with the program's goals, emphasizing multi-sectoral collaborations that promote inclusivity and diversity
● Connect with recreation and parks sector organizations and employment agencies to establish relationships that lead to job and career showcase opportunities

Evaluation and Reporting
● Contribute to project evaluation by providing insights into the impact of individual coaching on participants
● Generate reports highlighting the success stories and achievements of individuals from equity-deserving groups within the program

Allyship and Representation
● Actively engage in allyship-related activities, promoting reconciliation and supporting equity-deserving communities
● Represent the organization at meetings, events, and ceremonies, with a specific focus on for and supporting individuals from equity-deserving groups

Learning Opportunities and Development
● Facilitate and participate in learning opportunities focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion for ARPA staff, members, and volunteers
● Support and contribute to educational initiatives that promote a deeper understanding of equity-related issues

Promotion at Events
● Represent and promote the project at tradeshows, conferences, and events, emphasizing the positive impact on individuals from equity-deserving groups
● Actively contribute to ARPA's annual conference and other organizational activities to further the goals of the project

Collaborative Team Support
● Work collaboratively with key ARPA staff and contractors to ensure alignment with project outcomes
● Provide support for organizational activities beyond the project scope, contributing to the overall success of ARPA’s mission

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
● Post-secondary degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as recreation, kinesiology, business
● Education or experience with social work or counseling is an asset
● Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience related to the duties of the position is required
● Understanding of HR and employment support would be an asset
● Experience working with equity-deserving communities is preferred
● Working knowledge of Alberta parks and recreation organizations and municipalities is an asset
● Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
● Ability to accommodate occasional work outside of typical business hours and travel within Alberta
● Ability to facilitate learning events in-person as well as on a virtual platform
● Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently, with little supervision
● Strong project and time management skills, and the ability to work on multiple concurrent projects
● Strong computer skills including word processing, internet research, Gmail, videoconferencing technology such as Zoom, and social media
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
● Familiarity with program evaluation
● Graphic design skills and experience with design software are an asset

Why work for us?
● As part of a small and vibrant team, there are ample opportunities for learning, collaboration and mentorship.
● Comprehensive benefits package including extended health, dental, RRSP matching program, 3 weeks paid vacation in your first year, a December break (usually a week) to recharge, wellness days, and access to an Employee Assistance Program
● Flexible work environment with options for remote work (within Alberta), ability to adjust hours and access opportunities for every third Friday off
● a culture of mutual support where staff are committed to creating positive change in communities all across Alberta
● an opportunity to be part of a project that supports marginalized communities in Alberta

ARPA is an inclusive employer and values a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome, respect and value the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences of our employees as well as all prospective applicants.

To apply, email your resume and a cover letter to Patrick MacQuarrie, Program Manager, Community Compass at pmacquarrie@arpaonline.ca by 11:59 PM MDT on February 16, 2024 using the email subject line “LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME Coordinator, Community Impact”.

Download the full job posting: https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.arpaonline.ca/2024-PC-CommunityImpact_JobPosting.pdf