Head of Programs

Key information

Contract type: Up to 12-month term

Location: Victoria, BC & hybrid

Deadline: October 30, 2026 (interviews on a rolling basis)

Salary range (1FTE): $90,000 – $100,000 CAD

Purpose of the role

The Head of Programs provides integrated strategic and operational leadership for CanAssist's programs across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing. This role is responsible for both the design and quality of programs (what we deliver and why) and how participants, families, and partners experience them (how we deliver and with what effect).

A defining feature of this role is a commitment to data-informed decision-making and measurable outcomes. The Head of Programs leads the development and use of program performance frameworks, participant outcome indicators, and continuous learning systems that ensure CanAssist can demonstrate impact, adapt based on evidence, and make the case for sustained and expanded investment.

Using a systems-thinking lens, this role connects strategy, data, service quality, and lived experience to strengthen program coherence, reduce access barriers, and advance meaningful, measurable change for people with disabilities.

What does the Head of Programs do?

Outcomes, measurement, and learning

This is a core focus of the role. The Head of Programs is responsible for building and sustaining a program performance culture grounded in data, reflection, and accountability.

• Develop and implement a program-wide outcomes and measurement framework, including logic models, indicators, data collection methods, and reporting processes across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing.
• Define meaningful participant outcome indicators, including access, engagement, progression, and impact, and ensure consistent tracking across all programs and service environments.
• Lead regular review cycles using data to assess program effectiveness, identify gaps, and make evidence-based adjustments.
• Translate program data into clear narratives for internal decision-making, funder reporting, and public accountability.Foster a culture of learning and inquiry where evaluation is embedded into program design, not added on after delivery.
• Synthesize insights across programs to identify patterns, surface systemic barriers, and inform strategic planning.
• Use participant feedback, service experience data, and access indicators to ensure programs are improving over time.

Revenue generation and funding strategy

• Use program data, evaluation findings, and outcome evidence to build compelling funding narratives that demonstrate impact and scalability.
• Lead and contribute to grant applications, including budgets, logic models, and outcome frameworks, across Employment, Education, Health & Wellbeing, and assistive technology initiatives.
• Collaborate with ED or other Heads to develop new service pathways and revenue opportunities grounded in program performance evidence.
• Ensure high-quality, measurable participant experience and outcomes directly informs funder reporting and sustainability strategies.
• Partner with funders, research institutions, and policy bodies to co-develop initiatives that generate revenue while advancing systemic change.

Strategic vision and program development

• Lead the development of integrated program strategies across Employment, Education, and Health & Wellbeing.
• Translate strategy into accessible, person-centred service models with clear outcome targets.
• Ensure assistive technology considerations are embedded in program design, in collaboration with the Head of Inclusive Technology & Systems.
• Identify and address access barriers across physical, digital, and socio-cultural environments.
• Guide program evolution based on evidence, sector trends, and the lived experience of participants.

Service quality and participant experience

• Ensure services are delivered in ways that are accessible, coordinated, equitable, and grounded in dignity and belonging.
• Review service experience indicators and act on gaps in continuity, clarity, or quality of care.
• Support referral pathways across employment, education, and health systems to strengthen participant access and navigation.
• Balance operational efficiency with empathy, ensuring service design reflects participant needs and feedback.

Leading staff and programs

• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to staff contributing to program design, delivery, evaluation, and service coordination.
• Support clarity of roles, shared accountability for outcomes, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Foster a culture of reflection, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support consistency in practice, accessibility standards, and quality across teams.

Building partnerships

• Build and strengthen relationships with research, policy, and community partners to share learning and advance systems-level change.
• Strengthen partnerships that support access, service coordination, and referral across Employment, Education, and Health systems.
• Ensure partnerships are evaluated for their contribution to participant outcomes and organizational goals.

Decision-making and judgment

• Apply systems thinking and outcome data to assess trade-offs, risks, and opportunities.
• Balance innovation with feasibility, accountability, and the dignity of participants.
• Navigate tensions between access, operational constraints, and participant experience with thoughtfulness and transparency.
• Ensure strategic decisions align with CanAssist's mission, values, and evidence base.

What makes a great Head of Programs?

Data fluency and outcome orientation

• Comfortable designing, using, and communicating program performance frameworks.
• Able to connect data to decisions, and to make data meaningful for diverse audiences, from frontline staff to funders.
• Approaches measurement as a tool for learning and equity, not just compliance.

Team leadership and positive workplace culture  

• Models inclusive, reflective, and collaborative leadership.
• Creates psychological safety for learning, experimentation, and honest reflection on results.
• Supports staff growth and shared ownership of outcomes.

Driving innovation and managing change

• Leads learning-driven program evolution and access improvements.
• Supports change processes with clarity, care, and genuine stakeholder engagement.
• Encourages responsible experimentation and adapts services based on evidence and participant feedback.

Acting with integrity and respect

• Upholds ethical, inclusive, and transparent practices in data collection, service delivery, and program design.
• Ensures learning and evaluation processes respect participant dignity, autonomy, and voice.
• Promotes responsible use of data and evidence, including understanding its limits.

Building organizational impact

• Strengthens CanAssist's role as a learning organization and evidence-based systems leader.
• Translates program learning and outcome data into strategic insights, funding narratives, and sector influence.
• Contributes to policy-relevant knowledge and CanAssist's reputation for accessible, person-centred services.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; Master's degree or PhD preferred.
• Extensive experience leading integrated programs across employment, education, and health and wellbeing, with a strong focus on disability inclusion and accessibility.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing outcomes frameworks, program evaluation processes, or performance measurement systems.
• Proven senior leadership in complex, multi-disciplinary program delivery, including strategic planning, adaptive design, and performance management.
• Strong ability to translate data and evaluation findings into compelling narratives for funders, senior leadership, and community partners.
• Commitment to continuous learning and evidence-informed practice, embedding evaluation into program delivery rather than treating it as a separate function.

About CanAssist

CanAssist’s mission is to address unmet needs of people, particularly those with disabilities, by advancing inclusion and accessibility provincially, nationally, and internationally.

CanAssist is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Additional information

Background check

A criminal and vulnerable sector background check is required from all employees.

Eligibility

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada.

Equity and diversity statement  

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning, and work environments. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement at www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement  

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, contact carolinacortes@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.