Leadership & Staff

Organization: CTS Youth Society

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Burnaby, BC (Hybrid – remote and on-site work)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (evenings and weekends required during program season)

Compensation: $60,000 per year

Benefits: Healthcare coverage, mileage reimbursement

Vacation Time: 4 weeks annually

The CTS Program Manager plays a key leadership role in planning, delivering, and evaluating CTS programs that inspire youth and strengthen community connections. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position manages year-round program operations, staff and volunteer supervision, and youth mentorship while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all participants. This role requires creativity, independence, strong organizational skills, and the ability to translate vision into action while maintaining alignment with CTS’s mission and values.

About the Organization

CTS Youth Society connects youth across Metro Vancouver with the natural environment and their surrounding communities through immersive, hands-on experiences. Guided by our motto, “For Youth, By Youth,” CTS empowers youth to design, deliver, and lead programs that foster environmental stewardship, leadership, and community engagement.

CTS offers free, accessible camps for youth ages 12-18 and promotes leadership through the Peer Leader program (ages 15–18), which includes mentorship and training opportunities each spring.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design, Coordination, & Delivery

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver CTS programs, including:
  • Peer Leader Training Program (April–June)
  • Summer weekend overnight camps and day programs
  • Year-round youth engagement activities such as the Summer BBQ, Peer Leader Jamboree, and Youth Council events
• Receive guidance from the Director of Philanthropy and Development who will provide the strategic direction, resources, and coaching necessary to achieve programmatic goals.
• Review and revise programs, policies, and procedures to align with member expectations and best practices.
• Engage youth to gather input, integrate feedback into program planning, and empower youth stakeholders to participate in decision-making.
• Uphold CTS’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through the nurturing of respectful, long-term relationships with local First Nations on whose ancestral lands the regional parks are located.
• Uphold principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization, ensuring an awareness of positionality is central to all youth-facing programs and services.

Recruitment, Supervision, & Training

• Lead recruitment and selection of seasonal Camp Counsellors, Peer Leaders, and youth participants.
• Coordinate and/or participate directly in interviews and onboarding processes.
• Supervise program staff, including volunteers, camp counsellors, supervisors, peer leaders, and youth participants.
• Develop, deliver, and coordinate seasonal training for Program Supervisors and Peer Leaders.
• Develop and update training and program resources (manuals, guides, and templates).
• Mentor Youth Peer Leaders, Program Supervisors, and Youth Council members.
• Support and supervise youth sub-committees to encourage leadership and accountability.
• Research and monitor trends in outdoor recreation and youth development; propose and implement program updates accordingly.

Community & Partner Relations

• Coordinate camps and activities with Metro Vancouver Parks, park partners, stewardship groups, families, youth, and corporate partners.
• Act as a CTS representative at community events, meetings, and partner functions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential partner organizations.

Risk Management & Safety

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to develop, implement, and monitor risk management and safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards across CTS programming.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Marketing & Communications role to promote CTS programs and initiatives.
• Provide updates for the website and social media related to program activities and highlights.

Funding & Resource Development

• Assist with the preparation and submission of grant applications (e.g., BC Gaming, CSJ, City of Burnaby).
• Complete and submit grant reports.
• Support sponsorship and funding activities in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Administration & Operations

• Report to the Executive Director and provide regular updates on programs, outcomes, and year-end statistics.
• Process program registrations and maintain administrative accuracy.
• Coordinate event logistics, gear, and supply rentals.
• Track and report on program data, statistics, and outcomes.
• Respond to inquiries from youth, families, and community partners.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with reporting standards.
• Support a positive working relationship with WorkSafeBC related to staff, volunteer, or participant incidents.
• Attend Board meetings as required and participate in:
  • Minute-taking and scheduling
  • Program planning
  • Policy development
  • Strategic discussions

Qualifications & Competencies

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Outdoor Leadership, Recreation, Education, Environmental Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in program development, outdoor recreation management, youth engagement, or nonprofit program coordination.
• Experience in staff supervision, volunteer coordination, and youth mentorship.
• Experience in grant writing and funding reports is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle (frequent travel across the Lower Mainland required).
• Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C (required); Wilderness First Aid preferred.
• FoodSafe Level 1 (or willingness to obtain).
• Creative, reliable, self-motivated, and independent, with a strong sense of initiative.
• Proven ability to design and manage programs focused on youth leadership, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills with youth and young adult teams.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.
• High attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to work effectively with community organizations, schools, families, and corporate partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite; comfort with social media and online communication tools.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusion, and youth empowerment.

Work Environment

• Primary office located in an award-winning heritage home on the east side of Burnaby Lake Regional Park.
• This is a hybrid position combining remote and in-office work.
• Evening and weekend work required during the active program season (April–September).
• Most vacation time to be taken in the off-season (October–April).