Community Connections Coordinator

Job Information:

Job title: Community Connections Coordinator

Department: Community Initiatives 

Reports to: Program Development Manager

Job type: Permanent

Hours per week:  28 hours/week, less a daily unpaid ½ hour break. Schedule to be determined by manager. Flexibility required to attend events and meetings outside of standard hours

Location: on-site

Minimum Experience:

• Mid-Level

Compensation: $30.91/hour

Number of vacancies: 1

This vacancy is for a new role.

About Reception House

Reception House is a non-profit, community-based organization that delivers quality settlement, integration and support services to refugees and newcomers in Waterloo Region. Since 1987, Reception House has helped thousands of refugees rebuild their lives in Canada through specialized programs and services designed to help them become established in their new communities. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full-time permanent Community Connections Coordinator on our Community Initiatives team .The Community Connections Coordinator will be responsible for various community focused programs. They are responsible for implementing the program workplan, coordinating and facilitating activities as specified in the funding agreement. They will work closely with the Program Development Manager to develop evaluation criteria specific to the project and collect the evaluation data. Using a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, the specialist will foster meaningful connections between newcomers, local communities, public service organizations, and partners to promote social inclusion and empowerment.

What you’ll do: 

• In collaboration with the Program Development Manager, implement the day-to-day workplan for assigned community-related programs.


• Organize and facilitate meetings, gatherings, workshops, etc. in accordance with the funding agreements.


• Ensure program activities are delivered in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive manner.


• Collaborate with key partners, including school boards, the City of Kitchener, cultural centers, police services, and other community organizations, to secure venues, logistics, and program support.


• Foster relationships with community leaders, youth, and families to maximize program participation and impact.


• Track program participation, engagement, and outcomes using RHWR data management systems.


• Collect qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate program impact, including surveys, focus groups, and feedback from participants and partners.


• Contribute to annual and final program reports, including recommendations for program improvement and sustainability.


• Assist with program budgeting and financial tracking, ensuring resources are used efficiently and in alignment with funder guidelines.


• Represent RHWR at community tables, networks, and meetings related to refugee and newcomer integration.


• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant engagement, and expenditures.


• Other applicable duties as assigned.

What you’ll need:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in settlement work, social work, social sciences, counselling, or a related field; or equivalent work experience. 


• Minimum 3 years’ experience coordinating multi-partner initiatives and community programs.


• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.


• Knowledge of newcomer, refugee, and youth issues in Waterloo Region is an asset.


• Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse populations.


• Experience preferred with community engagement, newcomer support, youth programs, or anti-racism initiatives.


• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of program outcomes is an asset.


• Possess strong knowledge of the local community and resources available.


• Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite including Word, Outlook and SharePoint.


• Able to set and manage appropriate boundaries with clients.


• Ability to take abstract ideas and organize them into a logical, realistic program with deliverables.


• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.


• Ability to create presentations and resources and speak in front of a group.


• Cultural humility and commitment to equity and inclusion


• Strong organizational and project management skills


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders. 


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.


• Excels in time management with multiple priorities, scheduling and prioritizing tasks effectively. 


• Advocacy and networking skills to engage community partners and stakeholders


• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, evolving program environment


• Passion for building community connections and promoting social cohesion


• Ability to take initiative, work independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate effectively with partners.

Working conditions:

• A valid driver’s license and access to a car is preferred.


• Heightened risk of exposure to communicable diseases, vicarious trauma and high-stress environment.


• Able to attend off-site events and meetings outside regular working hours when needed.


• Must be physically able to move freely throughout buildings and travel within community with reasonable accommodations as required.

Benefits: 

At Reception House, we truly value our employees and the incredible work that they do. Some benefits we provide include;

• Generous vacation policy


• RRSP match program


• Flexible benefits program


• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)


• Staff appreciation events


• Wellness initiatives


• Professional development opportunities

Reception House Waterloo Region welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups. We will accommodate candidates partaking in the recruitment process upon request. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please contact us at [email protected].

We are committed to providing clear and equitable compensation information. The compensation posted reflects the expected pay for this role at the time of posting and may be adjusted based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.