Job Title: Grant Program Manager, hybrid
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 doesn’t precisely match the job description for this role.Your experience, skills, and passion will set you apart so 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.
PROGRAM CONTEXT
The Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program combines outdoor education with career and skills development for youth facing barriers to employment. Participants gain employability skills, industry certifications, and access to meaningful and supported work experiences, preparing them for sustainable employment.
This position supports program delivery across Ontario, Vancouver Island, and Alberta, providing leadership and support to the YCC delivery team, overseeing and managing program implementation and logistics, supporting and onboarding of contract staff and ensuring the highest quality experience for youth participants.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Director of Wilderness Programs, the Grant Program Manager is a term role responsible for overseeing multiple grant-funded programs, with a current focus on the Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program, which operates in Ontario, BC (Vancouver Island), and the Rockies. Preference will be given to candidates based in the Rockies (Calgary–Canmore) or near other OBC operational bases.
This role is closely tied to program delivery and requires hands-on oversight of regional staff, facilitators, and program operations (for field and centre-based programming) . You will ensure that programs are delivered safely, effectively, and in alignment with OBC’s mission and implemented in accordance to grant requirements. You will manage scheduling, bookings, staffing, and logistics, and serve as a key contact for participants, families, delivery staff, regional operations and partner organizations.
The Grant Program Manager will also contribute to program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest quality outcomes for students and alignment with funding objectives across multiple programs.
WHAT WE OFFER
Location: This is a hybrid role with flexibility to work from home (outside of program delivery times), complemented by travel to OBC operational bases across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. Preference will be given to candidates based in the Rockies (Cochrane/Calgary–Canmore corridor) or near other OBC operational bases to support regional program delivery and facilitate on-site leadership.
Salary: $60000 – $70000
Benefits: Comprehensive package including three weeks paid time off, additional sick/wellness days, group RRSP, employer-paid extended health and dental, and Employee Assistance Plan
Term: February 2026 – October 2027. This is a full-time, term position (37.5 hours per week). Work schedules are flexible and aligned with program delivery needs. Evening and weekend work will be required as part of supporting programs and teams in the field.
Supervisor: Director of Wilderness
Anticipated Start Date: February 2026
Application Deadline: February 6th, 2026
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Grant Program Manager ensures the safe, effective, and high-quality delivery of OBC’s grant-funded programs across regions. You will:
- Oversee delivery of the Youth Career Catalyst program in Ontario, BC, and the Rockies, including student experiences, facilitator team supervision and support, and operational logistics.
- Manage other grant-funded programs across the organization as needed, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and educational objectives.
- Lead scheduling, staffing, permits, and bookings for regional grant programs, ensuring adequate staff coverage and operational readiness.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise program staff, facilitating a positive team culture and supporting professional development.
- Lead program debriefs.
- Maintain and supervise all logistical elements, including site agreements, transportation, food services, route planning, and curriculum implementation.
- Serve as the point of contact for students, families, delivery staff, and partner organizations.
- Monitor and enforce risk management practices in line with OBC National Safety Policy, acting as regional safety officer where required.
- Work collaboratively with other regional managers and directors to ensure smooth implementation of grant programs within regional contexts.
- Support program delivery as needed to ensure program continuity and quality.
- Support program administration, including reporting, incident documentation, evaluations, and operational planning.
- Lead and mentor delivery staff in project and task management strategies
- Contribute to program development, budget management, improvement initiatives, and grant reporting.
- Ensure implementation of data collection tools and track metrics to ensure grant deliverables are achieved
- Represent grant programs in national OBC meetings, retreats, and planning sessions.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support program delivery, organizational priorities, and emerging needs
Qualifications & Experience
- Post-secondary education in education, recreation, therapy, or related field
- Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role, ideally managing program staff or facilitators
- Experience in adventure-based or experiential education program delivery
- Strong project management skills
- Strong technical knowledge of wilderness program oversight, risk management, and safety standards
- Excellent organizational, scheduling, and logistical planning skills
- Ability to recruit, mentor, and maintain a cohesive and professional team culture
- Deep understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, trauma informed practice and anti-oppressive practices
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and crisis management skills
- Flexible and willing to work hours outside of a Monday to Friday workweek, including weekends, or holidays as required to meet program deliverables
- Eligible to work in Canada and able to travel nationally
Required Certifications
- Experience with risk management and participant information systems.
- Police background check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Class 4 Driver’s Licence & abstract (or willingness to obtain after hire)
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) 80h with CPR-C
- Additional Assets
- Mental Health First Aid
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: Hybrid, working on-site (outside weather conditions); traveling to various locations.
Work Hours: This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week). Work schedules are flexible and aligned with program delivery needs. Some evenings and weekends will be required as part of supporting programs and teams in the field.
Physical Demands: Involves physically demanding tasks
Safety: Complete WHMIS and/or other trainings required.
