Project Manager, Community Mental Health

Posting closes:  February 23, 2026 at 5:00pm

About Us:

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. We serve everyone from children to adults to seniors, all under one roof. Our programs help individuals and families to lead lives filled with meaning and promise. We have 400 staff at offices in Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, and Mount Forest. 

We are fully accredited by Accreditation Canada and our proud of our Exemplary Status (the highest standing) received at our most recent accreditation exercise.

Why Join our Team:

Competitive Compensation and Benefits:  Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and generous benefits supporting the wellness of our staff.  We are proud to be members of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) offering one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit plans.

Career Development Opportunities:  Our wide range of services and supports allows for varied opportunities for career growth.  Our multi-disciplinary approach to care offers cross collaboration and enhanced opportunities for learning.  A formal succession planning process is key to our internal leadership recruitment.

Values that include:  Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and Innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive. 

Commitment to Health and Safety:  We have a strong health and safety culture at CMHA WW and work tirelessly to address the health and safety needs of staff and the people we serve. 

The Opportunity:

We are recruiting for a PROJECT MANAGER

- This is a regular full-time position to fill an existing vacancy (35 hours per week Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) based at 737 Woolwich St. Guelph.

The Project Manager provides leadership for the planning, execution, and implementation of complex organizational, clinical, and operational initiatives that strengthen community-based mental health services. This role leads cross-functional and cross-sector projects that support service transformation, system integration, and continuous improvement across programs serving individuals and families with diverse and complex needs.

The Project Manager applies formal project and change management methodologies to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational priorities. Working collaboratively with internal teams, community partners, and funders, the Project Manager supports sustainable change by integrating trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, equitable, and culturally responsive approaches into project design and implementation. This position currently reports to the Director, Services though reporting lines subject to change based on project requirements.

The Project Manager is responsible for leading and supporting the planning, delivery, and implementation of complex organizational, clinical, and operational initiatives across CMHA WW. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Project Management and Delivery

• Lead end-to-end project planning, execution, implementation, and evaluation for initiatives focused on community mental health service improvement, system integration, and organizational transformation.


• Develop detailed project charters, workplans, timelines, deliverables, and tracking tools; monitor risks, interdependencies, and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.


• Facilitate effective project governance, including meeting coordination, agenda development, documentation, decision tracking, and follow-up.


• Prepare clear and concise reports, briefing notes, presentations, and updates for senior leadership, funders, and other key partners.


• Ensure project planning and implementation align with Broader Public Sector (BPS) procurement standards, including supporting procurement processes, contract monitoring, and compliance requirements in collaboration with finance and leadership teams.


• Support budgeting, resource planning, contract monitoring, and alignment with organizational strategy and funder requirements including financial oversight and accountability for projects funded through Ontario Ministry transfer payments, ensuring alignment with the Transfer Payment Accountability Directive and other applicable financial, reporting, and compliance requirements for Mental Health and Addictions services.

Change Management & Implementation

• Design and implement structured change management approaches aligned with organizational and sector-recognized methodologies.


• Assess change readiness and impact across programs and teams, identifying supports needed to promote adoption and sustainability.


• Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies to support understanding, participation, and alignment throughout the change process.


• Support leaders and teams through transformational initiatives, addressing barriers, managing resistance, and reinforcing desired outcomes.


• Establish tools, indicators, and evaluation mechanisms to monitor progress, outcomes, and sustainability of change initiatives.

Community Mental Health & Service Improvement

• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and funders to align project objectives with community mental health priorities and system directions.


• Ensure projects incorporate trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, equity-driven, and culturally responsive practices.


• Support initiatives that enhance access, coordination, quality, and effectiveness of community mental health services.


• Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and system-level enhancements informed by data, best practices, and key partner feedback.

Key Partner Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with leadership teams, program staff, community partners, and individuals with lived and living experience.


• Coordinate cross-sector initiatives involving health, social services, housing, justice, and community partners, where applicable.


• Facilitate collaboration and information-sharing across departments to support integrated planning and implementation.

Research, Policy, Evaluation & Reporting

• Manage funding-related reporting, documentation, and compliance activities associated with Ontario Ministry transfer payment agreements, including performance reporting and accountability requirements.


• Support research, grant development, quality improvement, and policy-related initiatives connected to community mental health services.


• Contribute to the development and monitoring of performance indicators, outcomes, and accountability frameworks.


• Perform data-informed evaluation of projects to assess impact, inform decision-making, and guide continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a Bachelors’ degree in Health Administration, Health Planning, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field; with a Masters degree in related discipline is preferred.


• Two to three (2-3) years of professional project-management experience, in addition to three to five (3-5) years healthcare, community mental health, social services, or a related public or non-profit sector, including demonstrated support of organizational and system-level change initiatives.


• Project management certification (PMP) is preferred, combined with demonstrated experience supporting organizational change through the implementation of new processes, service models, or tools across complex environments.


• Demonstrated ability to lead or support change initiatives, including the implementation of new processes, service models, or tools within complex, multi-stakeholder environments


• Working knowledge of Broader Public Sector (BPS) procurement standards and requirements, including experience or training related to public sector procurement, contracting, and compliance.


• Extensive understanding of Ontario Ministry transfer payment accountability requirements, including the Transfer Payment Accountability Directive and other applicable financial, reporting, and compliance directives related to Mental Health and Addictions support services.


• Strong planning, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time, prioritize competing deadlines, and manage shifting priorities effectively.


• Proven ability to use data and information to support decision-making, including tracking progress, identifying risks, and contributing to performance monitoring and continuous improvement efforts.


• Knowledge of community mental health systems, recovery-oriented models of care, trauma-informed practice, and service navigation within Ontario’s health and social service system.


• Experience working collaboratively across teams and organizations, including engaging internal partners, community organizations, and external service providers.


• Ability to manage risks and issues by identifying potential challenges, developing mitigation strategies, and escalating concerns as appropriate.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfort using digital collaboration tools and project tracking systems.


• Valid G Class driver’s license, access to a reliable personal vehicle, and appropriate insurance (travel to on-site meetings and events are required).


• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism principles, with the ability to apply these values to project planning, implementation, and engagement activities.


• Embodies and promotes CMHA WW’s core values of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, and Innovation in all professional interactions and decision-making.

If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume and cover letter in one document outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience meet the position requirements.

 Compensation:  Level 8 (Non-Union) $46.37 to $56.33 per hour

CMHA WW, as an equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.  Our goal is to attract, develop and retain talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

*We do not use AI in our screening process.