Program Support

Why Literacy? Work with purpose at United for Literacy.

Do you want to change lives while working for an organization that cares about people?

Canada’s literacy divide widens daily because so many people lack adequate support. Solving systemic literacy gaps and challenges is something we can do and is key to advancing social equity and prosperity across our country. Literacy changes everything.

1 in 5 people in Canada struggles to read, write, and do math. This can have an adverse effect on health, job safety and earning ability, housing, and more. When you work at United for Literacy, you’ll make an impact on the well-being of children, youth, and adults across the country. You’ll work with a supportive team who is also dedicated to working toward a better future.

We encourage applications that reflect the diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds we serve at United for Literacy. In keeping with our ongoing efforts to promote equity and reflect the diversity of our organization, we encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

The opportunity

United for Literacy is seeking a dynamic, adaptable and organized Program Support team member to support the planning, coordination and delivery of children and youth literacy programming across Toronto. The successful candidate will provide support for a variety of programs, workshops, and initiatives. Responsibilities will include planning and coordinating outreach activities, completing volunteer intake and onboarding, facilitating volunteer training and program activities, preparing and organizing program materials, providing ongoing support to community partners and volunteers, completing administrative and reporting tasks, co-facilitating workshops, and assisting with general office and program operations.

This position involves a combination of community-based programming, office-based work and administrative support. Work schedules may vary depending on program needs and may occasionally include evening and weekend hours.

Overall Accountability

The successful candidate will be part of the Toronto Community Team (TCT) which coordinates literacy programming for children and youth in underserved communities in various parts of Toronto region. This person will report to the Toronto Community Coordinator who will oversee the program and provide support and direction.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Intake, Onboarding and Training

• Manage volunteer intake and onboarding processes, including reviewing applications, conducting interviews, coordinating background checks, and completing reference checks.
• Communicate with prospective volunteers regarding application requirements, program expectations, availability and next steps.
• Match and coordinate volunteer placements based on program needs, learner requirements, volunteer availability and site capacity.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date volunteer records, contact information, placement details and participation status.
• Schedule, organize and facilitate volunteer training sessions, orientations and information meetings.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers throughout their participation in United for Literacy programs.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives to promote volunteer engagement, motivation, and retention.

Volunteer Recruitment and Community Outreach

• Promote United for Literacy programs and volunteer opportunities through universities, colleges, community organizations, social media and other outreach channels.
• Participate in community outreach activities, information sessions, volunteer fairs and promotional events and identify opportunities to expand the volunteer network.
• Respond to volunteer inquiries and communicate program opportunities, expectations and requirements.

Program Coordination and Administrative Support

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of in-person and online literacy programs.
• Organize and carry out programming at designated program sites in partnership with community agencies as needed.
• Support volunteer scheduling, attendance tracking and program participation records.
• Assist with monitoring program activities and identifying operational challenges or areas for improvement.
• Support the coordination of program meetings, special events, parent and training workshops and other activities.
• Provide administrative support to the Community Coordinator and other program staff as needed.
• Assist with collecting and aggregating feedback from program participants, parents, volunteers, and community partners through surveys, interviews, informal conversations and other methods to evaluate the program.
• Provide ongoing support to UFL student-led clubs at the University of Toronto’s St. George and Scarborough campuses, including coordinating activities, supporting student volunteers, and promoting literacy initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities, prepare materials and manage changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of volunteer management practices and community-based educational programs.
• Ability to facilitate engaging workshops and adapt to diverse participants and program settings.
• Experience working with children, youth, families or diverse community populations.
• Knowledge of and willingness to learn and follow, health and safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrate initiative and respond effectively to changing program needs.
• Experience with tracking sheets and/or program databases.
• Experience working with university students.
• Volunteer experience in a community organization.

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary education.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a related area of work.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and standard office tools.
• Ability to lift, carry, load and unload boxes of books and literacy materials (up to 20 pounds), including transportation to program sites.
• Knowledge of volunteer-based community-based literacy programming.

Additional Assets (Preferred)

• Experience facilitating educational and literacy-based activities.
• Experience with program reporting, data collection or administrative coordination.
• Access to a vehicle

Working with United for Literacy

We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about United for Literacy visit www.unitedforliteracy.ca

United for Literacy is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to integration and maintaining the independence of individuals and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We invite applicants to request accommodation, as required, throughout the application and hiring process.