The Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness (SCSC) is a charitable organization working globally to build belonging around the world. Since its founding in 2017, SCSC has convened 4 global symposia, sponsored 87 fellows serving 29 partner organizations and launched innovative service programs – all with the aim of identifying, employing, and scaling best practices for addressing the modern crisis of isolation and its many dimensions, including inequality, loneliness, polarization, and environmental degradation.

SCSC is embarking on a new strategic plan and this newly created role ofDirector, Impact – Programs & Partnershipswill play a key role in driving the development and implementation of programs and partnerships in support of SCSC’s strategic priorities, which are: 1. advance and share knowledge about the importance and drivers of belonging; 2. promote belonging in practice across diverse sectors; and 3. mobilize a global community of belonging change-makers.

Purpose-driven, versatile, and entrepreneurial, theDirector, Impact – Programs & Partnershipswill be well-versed in non-profit program management with a demonstrated track record in building and nurturing reciprocal partnerships. The ideal candidate will also have experience in mobilizing knowledge generated through research (academic and/or community-based), convening networks and stakeholders; and an understanding of public policy dialogue and advocacy strategies. As an essential aspect of being a valued member of a dynamic, collaborative team, the incumbent will exhibit strong interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, and consistently high responsiveness.

Main Responsibilities

· As a member of SCSC’s leadership team, work with the Founder & Chief Belonging Officer and the CEO to identify, plan, and implement SCSC’s research and knowledge mobilization strategies through programs and strategic partnerships.

· Lead, with the support of program management staff, the evolution of SCSC’s research training initiatives, including the Social Connectedness Fellowship Program.

· Manage a network of Fellowship program partner organizations, including identifying and building relationships with potential partner organizations as well as managing ongoing relationships with existing and past partner organizations to support high quality research training opportunities for Fellows.

· Lead the program management staff in the design and implementation of convening, networking, collaboration and community-building opportunities for belonging changemakers through the Fellowship program as well as other that are inclusive of the diverse range of Fellow’s work and life experiences as well as cultures and communities.

· Lead the development and implementation of knowledge mobilization strategies in partnership with SCSC’s communications team to help ensure knowledge generated through SCSC research fellowships and partnerships is used to bring belonging into practice.

· Lead the planning of SCSC’s convening initiatives (i.e. the Global Symposium), including the development of event agenda, content and speakers in collaboration with SCSC’s Founder & Chief Belonging Officer; supporting participation by a diverse global community of changemakers; and management of event logistics and production team.

· Through readings, desk research and ongoing conversations with partners and network members, ensure the ongoing monitoring of trends and developments in the area of belonging and social connectedness, and bringing emerging opportunities forward for SCSC to explore.

· Support preparation of content for presentations, reports, speaking remarks, articles, op-eds and briefings.

· Mentor and develop the program management team members to ensure both the quality of SCSC’s programs and initiatives and the professional advancement of team members

· Minimum 7 -10 years of progressive experience in roles that include non-profit program management, research (academic or community-based), knowledge mobilization, people management, and budget management responsibilities.

· A graduate degree or equivalent research experience in the non-profit, academic, and/or public policy sectors.

· Experience (lived as well as learned) with and/or deep interest in the sectoral issues and thematic areas of belonging and social connectedness, including but not limited to inequality, loneliness, polarization and in any of the diverse fields these dimensions are impacted by (i.e. public policy, urban planning, healthcare, environmental studies).

· Strong analytical skills to understand and communicate complex issues and frame for broader engagement.

· Strong project manager who delivers high-quality work, and enjoys juggling dynamic priorities.

· Previous people management experience with the ability to support high-performing colleagues.

· Experience collaborating closely with and delivering results through external partners, such as researchers and/or other non-profit organizations

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills to share complex information, strategic opportunities, and recommendations in compelling formats.

· Entrepreneurial problem-solver with a willingness to do hands-on work

· Demonstrated understanding of equity-deserving communities in Canada, including their histories and contemporary issues

· Collaborative team player with ability to be inclusive and demonstrate empathy and diplomacy

· Highly adaptable with the ability to be flexible to unplanned and urgent requests, changes or feedback

Experience in using:
• MS Office (Word, Excel), Canva, Teams/Zoom, CRM and project management software a plus

Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness remote jobs

Director, Impact - Programs & Partnerships