Manager, Recreational Programs

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Spark curiosity through science programming
Join the Ontario Science Centre where you will oversee a portfolio of engaging science programs, support and lead a team, and identify opportunities for revenue growth.

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About the job

Leading the Recreational Programs team, you will:
• plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate science programs, including camps, birthday parties and Kids Night Out, for children, families, and recreational groups
• find opportunities to increase revenue through new programs and maximizing existing programs and resources
• oversee administrative operations, financial tracking, budget monitoring, and program performance
• promote excellent customer service in all areas of the organization
• foster a team environment that reflects the organization's values and supports a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace

To learn more about the role, team and ask any questions you may have, send an email to the hiring manager at Tim.Walker@osc.on.ca.

Join our online open house
Learn more about the role, team and ask any questions you have during our online open house! Email Angela.Cornacchia@osc.on.ca to register and join us at 4:00pm on August 20, 2026. If you can't make it, don't worry — we'll send everyone who registered a link to the recording after the event.

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

You must:
• be willing to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (required for top candidates)
• be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C before your start date and maintain it during employment

Management and leadership skills

You can:
• lead, coach, mentor, and supervise staff, including performance management and acting as duty manager
• build working relationships and foster an inclusive work environment for employees and other groups
• demonstrate knowledge of human resources practices, including labour relations in a unionized environment
• manage department budget and monitor financial performance

Program knowledge and delivery

You can:
• apply knowledge of science and technology to create engaging programs that are scientifically accurate and meet participant needs
• encourage innovation and creative thinking to develop and promote new revenue-generating programs, and make adjustments to programs as needed
• manage all aspects of programming, including format consideration, staffing, budgeting, resourcing, and evaluation
• demonstrate knowledge of child development and the requirements for supporting children and youth participants safely

Communication and stakeholder relations skills

You can:
• communicate with staff, volunteers, children, and parents/caregivers, while resolving concerns and using judgement to escalate issues when needed
• demonstrate experience in relationship management, consultation, negotiation and issues management
• present ideas and recommendations clearly and professionally to support program goals and organizational priorities

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Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer  accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please  contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

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What we offer

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment

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Additional information:

Note:

• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
• T-SC-248079/26

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How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.