Program Manager, Aboriginal Head Start. – Application deadline: November 13, 2026
- Yellowknife, NT, Canada
Full-time
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Job details
- Job type
- Full-time
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- Posting language
- English
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Original job description
Description
Under the authority of the YKDFN Government Chiefs and Council and under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Program Manager is a member of the Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) professional team. The Manager is responsible for overseeing the programs, staff hiring and supervision; and providing support and assistance to preschoolers and their families.
The Program Manager is responsible for working with the AHS team to administer operations and build strong relationships with parents and AHS staff. The Manager will support the YKDFN’ philosophy, procedures and policies to maintain a standard of care that are in accordance with the GNWT-ECE, Health and Fire Safety Rules and Regulations.
DUTIES And RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages and administer all operations of the Aboriginal Head Start Program to ensure program delivery in an effective and efficient manner:
A detailed job description is available upon request at recruitment@ykdene.com. Please submit your cover letter and resume by November 13, 2026, via:
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Under the authority of the YKDFN Government Chiefs and Council and under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Program Manager is a member of the Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) professional team. The Manager is responsible for overseeing the programs, staff hiring and supervision; and providing support and assistance to preschoolers and their families.
The Program Manager is responsible for working with the AHS team to administer operations and build strong relationships with parents and AHS staff. The Manager will support the YKDFN’ philosophy, procedures and policies to maintain a standard of care that are in accordance with the GNWT-ECE, Health and Fire Safety Rules and Regulations.
DUTIES And RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages and administer all operations of the Aboriginal Head Start Program to ensure program delivery in an effective and efficient manner:
- Prepares annual budgets and work plans, and submit monthly/quarterly reports on program activities;
- Prepares proposals and applications for funding that would enhance the Aboriginal Head Start program;
- Maintain accurate and complete confidential and non-confidential files in accordance with licensing regulations;
- Coordinates registration, enrolment and maintains wait list of potential customers;
- Maintain and keep track of attendance;
- Purchase materials and supplies in a cost-effective manner as directed and per the pre-approved AHS Budget;
- Maintains family files, including contact notes, records and reports and ensure confidentiality of client and program information;
- Engage in on-going professional development for the AHS team;
- Respond to telephone and in-person inquiries in a friendly and professional manner;
- Support family involvement by providing information and volunteer activities;
- Create well working relationships with AHS workers and volunteers;
- Participate in program managers’ meetings;
- Follow YKDFN policies and procedures and use a code of ethics to guide practice;
- Organize Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings and staff meetings;
- Makes referrals and acts as liaison with Child Welfare and Social Services where required;
- Represent AHS in the community in a professional manner;
- Demonstrated childcare center management and/or supervisory experience;
- Comprehensive knowledge of the NWT Early Learning Childcare Act and ECE licensing and inspection procedures/requirements;
- Knowledge of child-development theories and practices; safe and appropriate activities for children; relevant legislation policies and procedures to ensure that children are always supervised and safe;
- A minimum of four years’ experience in early childhood setting;
- Experience working with First Nation organizations/governments is required;
- A thorough knowledge and work experience with various computer hardware and software;
- The ability to speak the Wiiliideh language is a definite asset;
- Good communication skills, oral, written and presentation;
- Good interpersonal skills;
- Must be able to maintain tact and diplomacy;
- Must be reliable, and able to work independently with limited supervision;
- Must be able to work cooperatively with individuals at all organization levels, in a progressive manner that would lead to the successful accomplishment of YKDFN goals and objectives;
- A Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education or post-secondary education in a related field; or
- Equivalent combination of education and training coupled with four (4) years’ experience working in program development and administration with children and families will be considered;
- Current Child First Aid/CPR Certificate;
- Up to date Immunizations;
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector.
A detailed job description is available upon request at recruitment@ykdene.com. Please submit your cover letter and resume by November 13, 2026, via:
- Email: recruitment@ykdene.com
- Online: YKDFN Career Page
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
More about this job
Responsibilities
Oversee the Aboriginal Head Start program, including operations, staff hiring and supervision, budgets, work plans, reporting, enrollment, records, and purchasing. Support children and families, build relationships with staff and parents, coordinate meetings and referrals, and ensure compliance with applicable licensing, safety, and organizational requirements.
Requirements
Requires at least four years of experience in an early childhood setting, childcare management or supervisory experience, and experience working with First Nation organizations or governments. Applicants should have a degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education or a related post-secondary qualification, or equivalent education and experience, along with current Child First Aid/CPR, up-to-date immunizations, and a satisfactory vulnerable-sector criminal record check.
Skills
- Childcare Center Management
- Staff Supervision
- Program Administration
- Budgeting
- Work Planning
- Funding Proposals
- Early Childhood Development
- Child Safety
- Regulatory Compliance
- Family Engagement
- Recordkeeping
- Confidentiality
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Community Liaison
- First Aid and CPR
Visa sponsorship
Not detected in the job text
Categories
- Education
- Management & Leadership
- Social Services
- Government & Public Sector
Keywords
- Aboriginal Head Start
- Early Childhood Education
- Childcare Center Management
- Program Administration
- Staff Hiring
- Staff Supervision
- Program Delivery
- Annual Budgets
- Work Plans
- Monthly and Quarterly Reporting
- Funding Proposals
- Licensing Regulations
- Registration and Enrollment
- Waitlist Management
- Attendance Tracking
- Family Files
- Confidential Records
- Professional Development
- Parent Advisory Committee
- Child Welfare
- Social Services
- NWT Early Learning Childcare Act
- ECE Licensing and Inspections
- Child Development
- Child First Aid/CPR
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
- First Nations Organizations
- Wiiliideh Language