Youth Engagement & Development Lead

About the Role

BGCES is hiring a Youth Engagement & Development Lead to provide day-to-day leadership of our youth programming. You will coach youth staff, coordinate daily coverage, and deliver programs in academic enrichment, STEM, leadership, mentorship, personal development and cultural programming. You will also keep the youth space safe, welcoming and high quality, including leading the space during evening operations when management is unavailable.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the team

• Coordinate staff schedules, assignments and program coverage
• Coach and support youth staff, and lead regular team meetings
• Help onboard staff, volunteers and placement students
• Provide leadership in the youth space during evenings and when management is unavailable

Deliver programs

• Plan, lead and evaluate youth programs that reflect the interests, cultures and strengths of the youth we serve
• Facilitate workshops, mentorship, life skills and experiential learning
• Monitor program quality and recommend improvements
• Support new youth initiatives and partnerships

Build relationships

• Build positive relationships with youth, families, schools and community partners
• Conduct outreach and support youth recruitment, retention and referrals

Keep the space safe

• Respond to incidents, emergencies and conflicts following BGCES policies
• Lead the immediate response, complete documentation and escalate when needed
• Uphold health and safety standards and evening closing procedures

Track and report

• Keep accurate attendance, participant and incident records
• Contribute to program reports, funder reports and grant applications
• Bring youth needs, trends and recommendations to the Senior Manager

Other

• Represent BGCES professionally, support cross-department initiatives, and perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• College diploma or university degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Education, Recreation, Community Development, STEM Education or a related field
• 3+ years of experience working with youth, preferably in a community, educational, recreational or social service setting
• Experience developing, facilitating and evaluating youth programs (academic enrichment, STEM, leadership, mentorship or personal development)
• Experience providing day-to-day direction to staff, volunteers or placement students
• Understanding of positive youth development, strengths-based practice and culturally responsive engagement
• Experience working with youth from diverse and underserved communities
• Strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, crisis response and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, organization and time-management skills
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C/AED certification
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Check
• HIGH FIVE certification, or willingness to obtain it
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, special events and occasional off-site activities
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle, where required for the role

Assets

• Experience in a community-based youth organization or non-profit
• Experience working with Black, Indigenous and racialized youth, or youth facing barriers to participation
• Experience with STEM, mentorship or career exploration programming
• Experience with partnerships, program evaluation or funder reporting
• Knowledge of Scarborough youth services and community networks

Job Details

• Vacancy: This is an existing vacancy
• Employment type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Work location: On-site (100%), Scarborough, Ontario
• Salary: $40,000 – $50,000 per year
• Application deadline: October 28, 2026, or until the position is filled.

How to Apply

Click the Apply Now button and upload your resume. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviewed candidates will be told the outcome within 45 days of their interview.

Accessibility and accommodation: We encourage applicants to tell us about any accommodation needs at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet them.

Employment equity: BGCES is committed to employment equity and welcomes applicants from all Human Rights Code protected groups.

AI: We do not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.