We’re hiring: Program Manager, Co-operative and Planning Services, National

Published March 30, 2025

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is recruiting for a full time (35 hours per week), permanent position of Program Manager, Co-operative and Planning Services, National starting June 1, 2025. The preferred locations for this bilingual position are Ottawa (hybrid) or Montreal (remote). Other locations may be considered.

The mission of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is to inspire, represent and serve our members in a united co-operative housing movement. There is significant unmet demand for affordable and co-operative housing, and we want more people to experience the security, vibrancy and resiliency of co-operative living. We work with federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments to support existing co-ops, and to develop more co-op housing, so we can continue to lead the way in creating inclusive, accessible, diverse and sustainable communities. Our movement is resourceful, passionate, and dedicated to a future with more co-operative housing.

Under the leadership of the Director, Member Services, the Program Manager delivers a program of support to member housing co-operatives designed to enhance their governance and effective management and operation and to strengthen the management and governance capacity of the co-operative housing movement generally. The Program Manager is responsible for the co-operative housing staff and manager program of service including education and networking such as the Co-op Management Conference (CMC). The Program Manager plays a key strategic role with the co-operative housing sector in Quebec including stakeholder relations, membership growth and support. The Program Manager supports the sector vision of growth through unification and new development, particularly as it relates to Quebec, Eastern Ontario and northern Canada.

The Program Manager answers enquiries from members about government housing programs, legislation and regulations affecting housing co-operatives, and the governance, management and operation of housing co-operatives. The Program Manager provides assistance to member co-operatives experiencing management, organizational or financial problems, analysing their difficulties and proposing solutions. Where necessary, the Program Manager facilitates and assists co-ops with resolutions related to financial assistance and securing appropriate agreements.

The Program Manager liaises with government such as service managers, housing agencies and ministries to obtain guidelines and regulations that facilitate the successful operation of housing co-operatives, to assist individual co-operatives, and to promote the fair and equitable implementation of housing programs across the country.

The Program Manager plays a key strategic role with the co-operative housing sector in Quebec including stakeholder relations, membership growth and support. In support of enhanced service delivery, sector capacity and resource leveraging, the program manager liaises with various provincial sector organizations including participation on committees, networks and related bodies. The Program Manager fosters relations and member retention among francophone federations and members.

Employee benefits include employer paid premiums for Group Benefits (health, dental, life insurance, AD&D), pension, an annual wellness benefit and a one-time hybrid allowance payment.

What we’re looking for:

• A university degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, particularly in business administration or finance.
• Specialized skills in one or more of the following areas: long term planning, business and governance models financial management, or adult education.
• Thorough working knowledge of the governance, operations and management of housing co-operatives.
• Strong working knowledge of the applicable housing regulations and housing programs (e.g. Housing Services Act).
• Demonstrated commitment to the growth and development of the non-profit co-operative housing movement in Canada.
• Advanced word‐processing, electronic collaboration and database programs skills (MS Office, MS SharePoint, MS Teams, Salesforce), and excellent spreadsheet skills (MS Excel).
• Excellent and effective oral and written communication skills, including listening skills and plain‐language writing skills in French and English.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent financial analysis skills.
• Time management skills and the ability to set priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Bilingualism (French/ English) is required.

CHF Canada is committed to building and retaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment. In selecting candidates for this position, additional weight may be given to recognize diverse backgrounds and experiences, especially from underrepresented groups among CHF Canada’s current staff. CHF invites candidates to self-identify relevant experiences or background information that supports this organizational objective.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF file format to talent@chfcanada.coop with the subject line: CHF Canada – Program Manager, Co-operative and Planning Services, National. Please ensure that your French language skills are clearly identified in the resume and cover letter.

Starting salary: $84,163/year
(Salary Range for Years 2-8+: $86,688-$103,512)

Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. EST, April 14, 2025

Co-operative Housing Federation (CHF) of Canada thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. CHF is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. CHF Canada is an equal opportunity employer and committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, persons with disabilities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.

CHF Canada is proud to have been recognized for the fourth year in a row as one of the National Capital Region Top Employers