Job Opportunity –

Program Manager –
Chatham-Kent/Sarnia-Lambton/Windsor-Essex
Full-time, Permanent

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their money, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey, Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

JA South Western Ontario is seeking an organized, collaborative Program Manager with the skills to coordinate quality JA learning experiences, engaging students, educators, and community volunteers in a variety of settings including classrooms and in-person/ virtual live events

Role Summary

The JA Program Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of specific JA programs regionally. The Program Manager’s job portfolio includes organizing and supporting JA programs for elementary and high school students taking place in schools, after school, or via in-person and virtual events. They will be responsible for all elements of programs, building relationships and partnerships within the community to achieve a variety of goals and creating a foundation for JA program success primarily in Chatham, Sarnia, Windsor, and surrounding areas.

This role reports to the Director, Programs & Operations. Internally the Program Manager collaborates closely with other Program Managers, the Company Program & Camps Manager and the Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Manager. Across the JA network, the Program Manager builds relationships with other Charter and JA Canada staff for the benefit of JA South Western Ontario as well as JA in Canada.

Primary Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Coordinate all activities in support of specific program(s), including the recruitment, registration and scheduling process for participants, teachers/ schools, and volunteers.
• Provide orientation and support for participating teachers, volunteers, and other program partners.
• Manage program and program event resource needs.
• Assist in establishing and monitoring program delivery goals, evaluating program success, and completing required reports.
• Collaborate with other JA Program Managers and the Director, Programs and Operations, to support the local delivery of other in-school programs, after-school programs, and events.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION

• Assist in recruiting volunteers through a variety of methods including cooperation with key contacts in JA’s community and corporate supporters.
• Facilitate volunteer screening and onboarding processes and provide training and support to program volunteers.
• Develop and implement activities to ensure retention and recognition of volunteers.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Develop new and nurture existing relationships with other service providers, businesses, schools, educators and volunteers.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate program records in line with organizational standards and objectives.
• Represent JA in the community in a positive and professional manner.
• Support community relations and brand awareness activities in Chatham, Sarnia, Windsor and surrounding communities as assigned. 
• Assist in identifying prospective new funding sources to ensure future program sustainability.
• Support fund development by participating in donor meetings and stewardship activities as required.
• Assist in organizing and executing other JA-organized events and activities as required.

Education/Experience:

• Relevant post-secondary education (ex. Business, Education, Communications, Arts) and/or experience is required.
• Experience in educational program, project or event management is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Comfort with digital conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams) and experience with hosting live in-person and/or virtual events is an asset.
• Experience with learning management systems such as Moodle and/ or customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce is considered an asset.
• Current driver’s license and access to a vehicle as some local travel is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent group facilitation and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of the Chatham, Sarnia, and/or Windsor communities and surrounding areas is required, including business, education, and/or service providers.
• Flexibility to work outside regular hours
• The ideal candidate will be innovative and forward-thinking with a passion for providing exceptional learning experiences for youth, self-motivated and flexible to work within a team and independent work environment.

This hybrid position will work during regular business hours with some evening and weekend commitments. Remote work from a home office anywhere in the JA South Western Ontario region is possible; however, regular attendance at our London head office locations in London is required, with travel as required to other parts of the region. The successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk and reliable and secure internet access. A laptop will be provided.

The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience $40,000 – $50,000.

The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

JA South Western Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. JA South Western Ontario will not discriminate based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Are you ready to contribute to JA’s mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy? Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to kchafe@jaswo.org. The position will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

July 17, 2026