Join a transformative partnership dedicated to shifting the landscape of the settlement sector. In collaboration with the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies and the Centre for Race and Culture, Gateway Association is seeking a systems-level change agent for the Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP). We are a small, committed team working to build the capacity of grassroots organizations led by and serving equity-deserving populations. We invite folks who bring curiosity and humility to help us architect innovative ways for grassroots organizations to lead, participate in, and transform the settlement and integration of diverse newcomers.
We are looking for an individual who is motivated to explore what is possible in the realm of capacity building. Who will, alongside the GAP team, navigate the complexity of building organizational capacity of grassroots organizations, while building infrastructure in the ecosystem, and create conditions for collective action. If you are comfortable not always having the answers but are driven to ask the right questions, we want to hear from you.
Project Background
The Grassroots Accelerator Program (GAP) is delivered in partnership with the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA), Gateway Association, and the Centre for Race and Culture (CFRAC). In its second year, GAP will continue to advance two core pathways: community-directed capacity enhancement in the areas of equity and sustainability, and the co-building of a stronger collective ecosystem for grassroots organizations. More information can be found on the GAP website: https://aaisa.ca/initiative/gap/
Project Team Structure
The team is comprised of four other members: the Senior Manager, Manager of Sustainable Ecosystems, Team Lead of Engagement, and Grassroots Accelerator Program Officer. The Senior Manager operates out of AAISA and provides high-level oversight to the program with a specific focus on financial responsibility and spending; they are there to support the team. The Manager of Sustainable Ecosystems is your counterpart; their main focus is the Grassroots Collective and bringing in the long-term lens of developing a grassroots ecosystem. The Team Lead of Engagement oversees the fifteen funded organizations, providing support and coordinating between the managers. The program officer provides administrative support to the whole team, from logistics to paperwork and reports directly to the Team Lead.
While the project is supporting grassroots to meet their needs within the current system, there is a focus on creating conditions for an aspirational future state; one of which is the creation of a functioning ecosystem. While the Sustainable Ecosystem Manager is working with grassroots to co-build the conditions necessary for an ecosystem, the Manager of Capacity Building is curating individual and group capacities for equitable participation, operation and growth within the ecosystem.
Position Overview
This position is responsible for leading and implementing GAP’s capacity enhancement pathway as it continues to evolve in response to community needs, priorities, and goals. The Manager of Capacity Building will support the operational success of this work by ensuring strong team coordination, thoughtful project delivery, quality control, evaluation, and alignment with funder and partner expectations.
Please note this is a 12-18 month parental leave contract. This is a contract to cover an employee on an approved leave of absence. There is no guarantee of permanent employment at the conclusion of this contract; however, we value internal growth and welcome applications for other Gateway vacancies.
Direct Duties
Project Management
- Lead the ongoing project management of GAP’s capacity-building pathway in close collaboration with the Manager of Sustainable Ecosystems.
- Maintain a strong understanding of grassroots organizations’ needs, priorities, hopes, and goals, ensuring this insight informs project planning and delivery.
- Plan, assess, and evaluate capacity-building initiatives in alignment with project goals, sector needs, organizational priorities, and funder reporting requirements.
- Ensure effective coordination among management, project partners, stakeholders, and grassroots organizations to support cohesive implementation.
Relationships
- Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with grassroots organizations, ensuring their needs, priorities, and community knowledge inform project planning and delivery.
- Work closely with the Manager of Sustainable Ecosystems to align capacity-building activities with the broader development of a sustainable grassroots ecosystem.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Team Lead, and Program Officer to support coordinated project delivery, shared accountability, and effective communication across the team.
Performance Management and Quality Assurance
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs through leading the development of outcomes measurement, impact practice strategies, and models for programs.
- Work with the Project Team to ensure evaluation and program information is consistent with funder reporting requirements.
Capacity Building and Training
- Support ongoing training for grassroots organizations, ensuring understanding and application of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) principles and decolonial practices.
- Coordinate capacity-building efforts for grassroots leaders.
- Organize and facilitate training sessions and workshops to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.
Administrative Support
- Ensure accurate preparation and submission of reports.
- Oversee budget management and ensure timely processing of financial requests.
- Maintain program records and ensure compliance with organizational and funder policies.
The Commitment
- A 12-18 month parental leave coverage contract
- Full-time position, working 37.5 hours/week. We believe in work-life balance and are committed to keeping the workload aligned with the true hours worked
- Reports To: Executive Director at Gateway Association and Senior Project Manager at AAISA
- Supervises: Project Lead, project officer, and subject matter experts
What You Can Bring to Gateway
Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Sciences, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field
- A Master’s Degree is considered an asset
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in a supervisory role
- Experience in organizational capacity building, with a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens
- Non-profit and grassroots experience is considered an asset
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the settlement and integration sector and experience in the sector are assets
- Understand Capacity Building from the lens of: theoretical and practical knowledge of Three Horizon Framework, System Transformation, Holistic Change Management, and Collective Systems
- French language proficiency is considered an asset
- Understanding of gender equality; equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus; and community development principles
Competencies and Skills
- Facilitation and training design skills
- Self-starter with a strong sense of initiative and ownership
- Comfortable with experimentation, innovation, and continuous learning
- Adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of grassroots organizations while supporting broader collective-building efforts being done by the Project Manager
- Open to moving beyond traditional approaches and exploring new ways of working to improve outcomes
Role Requirements
- Must have access to a vehicle for work-related purposes and provide a valid driver's licence, current vehicle registration, and proof of third-party liability insurance (reasonable accommodations will be explored where possible).
- Applicant must primarily reside in either Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta or their greater surrounding areas
- Offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Police Information Background Check
- New hires are subject to a 3-month probationary period
Work Conditions
- Travel across the Prairie and Northwest Territories region on occasion, and frequent travel within Alberta
- Occasional evenings and weekends work.
- Hybrid work (work from the office, home, and community settings)
- Workplace Culture: A culture that focuses on reflective practice and building relationality with colleagues, a commitment from leadership on learning anti-oppressive practices, and frequent questioning and exploring of how Gateway does its work (internally and externally)
Gateway Value Proposition (Compensation & Benefits)
- Salary Range of $78,000 to $80,000. Starting salary will be based on experience, and there will be inflationary rates each year of employment
- Benefits – 50/50 Employee/Employer Paid Premiums
- 15 vacation days, 9 Personal days, 20+ paid holidays and a flexible family-friendly schedule annually
Our Application and Hiring Process and Timeline
- To apply, send a PDF Resume & Cover Letter to: Sahana Parameswara at sahana@gatewayassociation.caand Laura Fryer at lfryer@aaisa.ca
- Preferred Start Date: August 3, 2026 (can be negotiated to accommodate notice)
- Competition Closing Date: July 15, 2026, at noon (12:00 PM)
- Posting Type: Internal & External Candidates Considered
- We will review applications and schedule interviews on a rolling basis until the position is filled
- Candidates scheduled for interviews can be provided with questions in advance, if requested
- All interviewed candidates will be notified of their status in the application process as it proceeds
While we’d like to connect with everyone, we simply don’t have the capacity to reply to all applications. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Inclusion and Accommodation
Gateway is committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work and be supported and valued for their contributions. We are an equal opportunity employer, which means all qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. Accommodations within our recruitment process and on the job are practiced and applied as needed. Please contact HR at humanresources@gatewayassociation.caor call 587-435-6553 for more information regarding accommodations and to request any accommodations.
