Program Director Jobs in Halifax, NS (NOW HIRING)

Location: YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
Position Status: Full Time
Compensation: $70,000-$85,000

There is potential inside all of us - we all have it inus to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem - our charityexists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation,mental health issues, access to wellness, and more.

Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locationsin HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities inmental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasingimmigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping tonavigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all,and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space todiscover their inner strength. When they know someone's in their corner, withunconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thoughtpossible. It's your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignitetheir full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthycommunities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part of Your Total Compensation

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Three (3) weeks' vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role

The Director of Strategic Communications leads theday-to-day direction of the YMCA's communications and brand work, helpingstrengthen the YMCA's reputation, tell its story, and advance organizationalpriorities.

Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, theDirector leads the development and implementation of the YMCA's communicationsand brand strategy and is accountable for the leadership and performance of theCommunications team.

The Director works across departments, programs, andlocations to bring different priorities and perspectives together under astrong and consistent YMCA Shine On brand.

Acting as a trusted communications partner, the Directorbuilds relationships across the organization, provides strategic advice, andhelps leaders and teams connect their work to the broader YMCA story. This is ahands-on leadership role for someone who thinks strategically, takesinitiative, and brings strong communications instincts, creativity, soundjudgment, and a willingness to keep learning.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead the development and implementation of the YMCA's communications and brand strategy, working closely with the Chief Development Officer and leaders across the organization.
• Serve as a key steward of the YMCA Shine On brand, bringing together diverse programs, priorities, and stories under a strong and consistent YMCA voice.
• Translate organizational and departmental priorities into effective communications strategies, while recommending and managing communications priorities across the organization.
• Lead storytelling across social media, digital platforms, web, email, and other channels, identifying and elevating authentic stories that demonstrate the YMCA's purpose, people, and impact in community.
• Lead day-to-day media relations and support YMCA leaders and subject matter experts in preparing for media opportunities.
• Lead communications responses to emerging issues and sensitive situations in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and senior leadership.
• Provide creative and strategic direction for content, design, and storytelling, bringing forward ideas that strengthen awareness, engagement, and understanding of the YMCA.
• Build strong relationships and provide lateral leadership across departments, programs, and locations, offering trusted communications advice and creating shared ownership of the YMCA Shine On brand.
• Support government relations through the development of key messages, briefing materials, and communications that advance the YMCA's priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Communications team, fostering a creative, collaborative, and accountable culture while establishing effective priorities, workflows, and processes.

Education and Skills Qualifications

• Progressive experience in communications, marketing, public relations, brand management, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to think strategically, take initiative, and lead others.
• Strong understanding of brand management and experience translating organizational priorities into clear, creative, and compelling communications.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence, and lead across an organization, including working with leaders and teams with different objectives and perspectives.
• Experience leading, coaching, or developing others and creating an environment where people can take ownership, contribute ideas, and grow.
• Strong communications skills and experience across areas such as storytelling, digital and social media, media relations, and content development, with experience in issues or crisis communications considered an asset.
• A proactive, curious, and creative approach, with sound judgment, resourcefulness, and the ability to turn ideas into action.
• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The YMCA recognizes that great leaders bring differentcombinations of experience, education, and perspective. Candidates areencouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification. We arelooking for someone with strong communications instincts, sound judgment,curiosity, and the drive to learn, lead, and grow.

Please note that the salary range is the span between theminimum and maximum base salary for this position. The midpoint of the rangerepresents a salary for an employee that has complete job knowledge,qualifications, and experience for the position. Typically, employees will behired between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

The salary offered to the successful candidate will considerseveral factors, including but not limited to, the individual's skillset, levelof experience applicable to the role they are being offered, and internalequity considerations.

To Apply

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/by August 17, 2026.

Please note that all successful candidates are required toprovide:

• A Criminal Record Check
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Child Abuse Register Check (less than six months old), if 18 years of age or older

Please note that background checks are reviewed on anindividual basis. Offenses, if any, are assessed based on the role and ChildSafeguarding requirements and may not eliminate candidates from employment atour YMCA.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse,inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued,respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, andexperiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our communityand achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcomeapplications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous,People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diversepeople, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faithgroups, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process,please inform us in advance so we can arrange reasonable and appropriateaccommodation.