Recreational & Family Program Leader

The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 49 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for science centres around the world. It is a venue for public dialogue about science and society, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet.”
The Ontario Science Centre Recreational Programs Department offers science-based programs for youth 4-14 years and at times, their accompanying adult chaperones. On an annual basis, the Ontario Science Centre Recreation Program department delivers a broad slate of programs including weekend birthday parties, single-day and week-long camps, and workshop series, as well as providing program and customer service support for internal departments.

The intended start date for this position is early summer 2023; however this posting may also be used to fill future vacancies within the department.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Recreational Program Leaders create, develop, and coordinate the delivery of fun, marketable and profitable science-based programs such as Day Camps, Birthday Parties, Workshop Series and more for virtual and in-person audiences of children, youth, families, and recreational groups.

This role meaningfully contributes to creating positive visitor experiences and achievement of department revenue / attendance goals.
As a Recreational Programs Leader, you will:
• Lead, coordinate and supervise the execution of current program offerings and new projects, for the Recreational Programs department
• Provide positive front-line interaction with program participants, visitors and parents, ensuring satisfaction of expectations
• Coordinate and communicate inter-departmental service requests within the Centre in support of program delivery
• Support, supervise and schedule a large and diverse roster of program delivery staff, students and youth volunteers
• Design and deliver training programs for staff and volunteers assigned to work various program offerings
• Maintain relationships with internal departments to ensure all components of new and existing program delivery are supported
• Research, prepare, and compose a full range of written materials for the Centre including program plans, parent handouts, blurbs and summaries, training documents and inter-departmental notices for reference purposes or publication
• Participate in the development of short and long range program and business plans for Recreational Programs
• Conduct research and brainstorm ideas for new markets, audiences, products and program content
• Provide expertise and advice on emerging needs, formulate recommendations and strategies for the Manager in response to these issues
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer service excellence, and positive outcomes
• Source, purchase and maintain inventory of program materials, supplies and equipment required to support recreational programs including traveling within the GTA region to purchase and pick-up program supplies as needed, including boxes, supplies and other large items (up to 20 lbs) related to recreational programs

Due the timing of the Science Centre's Recreational Program Activities, regular weekend work is required, in addition to occasional evening and holiday shifts.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Ability to regularly work weekends in addition to occasional evening and holiday shifts.
• Certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C prior to the start of employment and maintain certification throughout employment
• Top candidates will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check for this position

Program Planning and Development Skills

• Specialized knowledge and practice in leading the planning, development, delivery and coordination of creative science and technology and/or other relevant recreational and educational program content for a variety of ages
• Proven skills and experience in operating complex recreational and/or educational programs for 20-600+ participants, and demonstrated experience in managing or supervising large quantities of program delivery staff and volunteers
• Previous experience creating program materials for participants and for staff delivering the programs
• Experience managing external and internal service providers and complex logistical plans.
• Knowledge of recreational and/or educational program specific adaptive and integration strategies to ensure accessibility and inclusivity of programs
• Supply management skills to identify suppliers and specifications, collect quotes, etc. to maintain accurate stock inventory of program supplies and equipment

Leadership Skills

• Extensive knowledge of and experience in teaching recreational or scientific programs, other curriculum content presentation principles and/or other educational or recreational program demonstrations techniques and activities in a group or classroom setting
• Ability to coach, mentor and provide direction to staff to ensure deliverables, policies, practices and guidelines are understood and adhered to, under the guidance of the Manager, in a way that fosters a team atmosphere
• Demonstrated initiative, problem solving and critical thinking skills to react quickly and appropriately to recreational programs-related issues

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Strong communication skills to speak, write, listen and secure information in a variety of settings
• Initiative and relationship management skills to cooperate with others to achieve results and to create and build strong connections throughout the Centre
• Ability to adapt activity language level, style, pace and/or use illustrative examples to cater to a wide range of learning abilities, age groups, and program structures.

Organizational Skills

• Proven organizational and planning skills to coordinate a number of issues concurrently and participate in inter-departmental projects while prioritizing work to meet deadlines
• Experience with business and operational planning, forecasting and goal achievement tools and processes
• Ability to plan and begin long-range projects while managing daily tasks required to execute current programs
• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, data management, and internet to plan, research and prepare materials

Customer & Front-line Service Skills

• Demonstrated customer service skills to engage effectively with campers, parents, staff, volunteers and external/internal stakeholders
• Ability to interact with caregivers and visitors in a professional, responsible and respectful manner as a representative of the Ontario Science Centre
• Ability to assess situations, make sound decisions and exercise diplomatic customer service tactics in a busy environment
• Ability to identify the needs and wants of members and guests as a priority and
respond in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person's experience

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 13, 2023 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.