Director, Jobs

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $60,000–$70,000 annually

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

About Best Buddies Canada

Best Buddies Canada is a national nonprofit organization established in 1993 and dedicated to creating one-to-one friendships and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

With more than 492 participating schools across Canada—including elementary and middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities—Best Buddies Canada works to create more inclusive communities through friendship, advocacy, leadership, and meaningful connection.

About the Role

Best Buddies Canada is launching Best Buddies Jobs, a new program pillar focused on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure competitive, integrated employment aligned with their skills, interests, and career goals.

The Director, Jobs will play a key role in launching and developing this program. This position will build relationships with employers and community partners, recruit and support Jobs Buddies and participants, identify and match employment opportunities, provide pre- and post-hire support, and help ensure participants have the tools and ongoing assistance needed to succeed in the workplace.

The Director will also create awareness of the Jobs program by leveraging existing business relationships, developing new partnerships, participating in community initiatives, and representing Best Buddies Canada through presentations, events, and other public-facing opportunities.

This position is ideal for a relationship-focused professional who enjoys program development, employer engagement, volunteer leadership, community outreach, and creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Employer Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, businesses, and community partners.

• Identify opportunities for inclusive recruitment, hiring, and employee retention

Candidate Screening & Job Matching

• Identify employment opportunities that align with participants' skills, interests, strengths, and career goals.

• Assess employer needs and determine appropriate candidate matches.

• Provide individualized pre-employment preparation and support.

Jobs Buddy Volunteer Program

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers serving as Jobs Buddies.

• Help Jobs Buddies understand participants' employment goals, strengths, and support needs.

Career Planning & Navigation

• Support participants and Jobs Buddies in assessing skills, identifying career goals, and developing individualized employment plans.

• Administer and implement Best Buddies' relationship-focused job preparation tools and resources.

Participant & Opportunity Pipeline Management

• Maintain an active pipeline of participants, employers, employment opportunities, applications, interviews, placements, and ongoing engagements.

• Ensure timely and consistent follow-up with participants, employers, and volunteers.

Ongoing Employment Support

• Provide or coordinate on-the-job coaching and support throughout participants' employment journeys.

• Work collaboratively with Jobs Buddies and employers to address workplace challenges and promote successful, sustainable employment.

Program Awareness & Community Engagement

• Build awareness and visibility for Best Buddies Jobs through public speaking, presentations, community involvement, special events, and media opportunities.

Friendship Walk & Corporate Engagement

• Collaborate with the Director, Community Events to engage employers in Best Buddies Friendship Walks.

Assets - Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset:

• Supported employment or employment services

• Disability inclusion

• Employer engagement or corporate partnerships

• Volunteer recruitment and management

• Community development

• Program development and evaluation

• Nonprofit or social-service organizations

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful social change and advance employment inclusion across Canada.

• A collaborative, positive, and supportive work environment.

• Opportunities for professional learning, development, and growth.

• Comprehensive health benefits.

• The opportunity to help build and shape a new national program.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Director, Jobs

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on October 31, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Best Buddies Canada is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure equitable access to the recruitment process.