Program Assistant – Admissions – 2 roles
Remote within Ontario
Outward Bound Canada is passionate about building and sustaining representation and diversity within the outdoor industry. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPoC, 2SLGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply, even if your experience does not precisely match the job description for this role. Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart — tell us about your achievements and journey to date, and the things you learned along the way.
Who We Are
Outward Bound Canada (OBC) is a national charity that equips youth with the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive through powerful, life-changing experiences in nature. Our programs combine outdoor adventure with intentional learning to build leadership, social and emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of responsibility to community and the environment.
We are committed to breaking down barriers to access and creating meaningful opportunities for youth who have been historically underrepresented in outdoor and leadership spaces. Equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to our work, and we actively strive to ensure the outdoor sector reflects the full diversity of Canada.
The Role
The Admissions Program Assistant is a key point of contact for youth applicants and their families preparing for an Outward Bound Canada program. Working closely with the admissions team, you will support applicants from first inquiry through to course departure: managing correspondence, coordinating intake paperwork, preparing course documents, and helping ensure every young person feels informed and ready before they arrive.
This role goes beyond administration. OBC works with students from a wide range of life experiences, and the Admissions Program Assistant contributes meaningfully to how included and supported participants feel from day one — bringing a cross-cultural lens to both individual interactions and the systems behind them.
What We Offer
Location: Remote (Ontario). Proximity to our operating bases in Minden or Toronto is an asset.
Compensation: $17.60 hourly
Benefits: Employee Assistance Plan
Term: Summer contract, 8 weeks at 35 hours per week. Start date flexible, anticipated May or June 2025
Supervisor: Admissions Manager
Application Deadline: Open until filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Key Responsibilities
Admissions & Participant Support
• Respond to participant inquiries by phone and email, providing program information and guiding applicants through the application process
• Conduct applicant interviews by telephone and support intake paperwork, medical screening, and pre-course follow-up
• Hold detailed, compassionate conversations with youth and their parents/guardians about physical and mental health history, using a trauma-informed approach
• Build genuine, positive rapport with applicants and families while maintaining confidentiality throughout the process
Coordination & Administration
• Prepare and manage course documents for programming regions across the country
• Track inquiries and enrolment trends, liaising with the Admissions, Program, and Marketing teams to share relevant insights
• Create, review, and edit key admissions materials on an ongoing basis
• Maintain accurate records and complete reporting in a timely manner
Inclusion & Systems Development
• Assess the admissions screening process with a lens of inclusion for students from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities, and make recommendations for improvement
• Contribute to the development of a cultural competency tool to support the Admissions team in serving students from different backgrounds
• Promote equity and inclusion principles across all participant interactions and internal processes
Team Participation
• Participate in weekly check-ins and represent the Admissions Department as an active and engaged team member
• Collaborate with internal partners and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
Eligibility
This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of their employment. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job. Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations, including having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment.
Qualifications and Experience
OBC recognizes that relevant skills and knowledge can be gained through volunteer work and lived experience, as well as professional and educational backgrounds. Please outline in a brief cover letter how you have developed the following, and how you would bring them to this role.
• Experience engaging with communities representing diverse cultural, racial, gender, socioeconomic, and intersecting identities
• Professional experience building meaningful connections with youth and young adults, and their parents/guardians
• Strong people skills, organization, and administrative experience
• Superb communication by phone, email, and video — with the ability to build rapport remotely
• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics directly and compassionately, with a non-judgemental approach
• Demonstrates cultural humility and values a strengths-based perspective in all interactions
• Experience or knowledge of medical topics pertaining to overall health, as the role involves detailed health conversations
• Highly organized and task-oriented with strong time management across both independent and team-based work
• Experience with office administration and complex administrative tasks
• Proficiency with multiple databases and technology tools
• Keen attention to detail and ability to produce accurate reports in a timely manner
• Genuine interest in the outdoors and a commitment to getting young people outside for transformative experiences
• Clear Vulnerable Sector check required
Additional Assets
• Experience building training programs and tools, and onboarding new team members
• Experience working with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth and community members
• Familiarity with Google Suite and Camp Brain
• Previous experience with Outward Bound Canada
Working Conditions
Environment
This is a remote position. You will work from your own home or workspace, with occasional travel to OBC operating bases as needed. A reliable internet connection and a suitable remote work setup are required.
Work Hours
35 hours per week over 8weeks. Hours are generally flexible and aligned with project needs, with regular check-ins with the Admissions Manager.
Safety
Completion of any required safety training prior to or at start of employment. A clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check will be required by the position start date.
