Manager, Education

Harbourfront Centre is a leading cultural institution in Toronto, celebrated for its vibrant arts, culture, community and recreational programs. As a not-for-profit organization, we are committed to enriching the lives of diverse communities through creativity, innovation, connection and excellence. A multi-faceted campus, Harbourfront Centre includes programming across arts, culture, recreation and learning, as well as commercial businesses that generate essential revenue to support operations.

We are currently seeking a dynamic, collaborative, inspiring and experienced Manager, Education to be responsible for the planning, execution and oversight of various learning and recreational initiatives at Harbourfront Centre, specifically Camps and School Visit programs.

 

Position Title: Manager, Education

Reporting To: Head, Corporate Planning, Reporting & Education

Direct Reports: Assistant Manager – School Visits, Assistant Manager – Camps, Registrar – Camps

Type of Employment: Full-time

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Compensation: Annual salary of $80,000 – $85,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Location: On site, at our lakeside campus in downtown Toronto

 

Summary of Function

In collaboration with the Camps and School Visits teams, as well as various internal and external stakeholders and partners, this role will shape and direct learning and recreational initiatives aligned with our strategic objectives to provide hands-on, inquiry-based, skill-building and experiential learning programs for children and youth to explore, connect, and grow through dialogue, social interaction and creativity, in a safe and supported environment.

 

Duties

* Camps Programs

• Oversee the development and implementation of Camps recreational and learning programs within Harbourfront Centre’s programming frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with OCA standards (Ontario Camps Association).
• Modify events as necessary, coordinating with the Assistant Manager, Camps, and in consultation with the Head of Corporate Planning, Reporting & Education.
• Oversee and support the Assistant Manager, Camps in the recruitment, training and management of seasonal Camps staff.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of training manuals and modules, engage external and online training services as required, and facilitate training sessions to support staff development and operational excellence.
• Negotiate, prepare, and monitor contracts with program partners and service providers.
• Support the Assistant Manager and Camps Coordinator in the day-to-day operations of Camps.
• Support the Assistant Manager as required in working with other departments to coordinate programs and provide necessary information and logistical support.
• Liaise with Marketing for program publicity, marketing, signage and stakeholder communications.
• Evaluate program success and develop improvement plans, preparing evaluation reports and recommendations.
• Research and develop new program ideas and offerings, assessing their feasibility.
• Work with other departments in developing and implementing additional recreational and community programs and support the delivery of these programs as required.
• Maintain contacts in the recreation and learning fields, particularly the camps sector, through conferences and networking.
• Oversee and maintain program document files.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature and level.

 

* School Visits Programs

• Oversee the development and implementation of School Visits learning programs within Harbourfront Centre’s programming frameworks and Ontario Curriculum.
• Ensure School Visits programs are compliant in both design and delivery with the Ontario Ministry of Education policies, learning expectations and standards.
• Review and modify programs as necessary, in coordination with Assistant Manager, School Visits and educators, and in consultation with the Head of Corporate Planning, Reporting & Education.
• Oversee contracts with various boards of education, learning institutions, program partners and service providers including contract negotiations, renewals, and monitoring.
• Oversee and support the Assistant Manager, School Visits in the recruitment, training and management of educators for School Visits programming. Participate in orientation sessions at the start of each school semester.
• In the absence of Assistant Manager, support the Education Coordinator in the day-to-day operations of classes, ensuring school satisfaction and gathering feedback from educators.
• Support the Assistant Manager as required in working with other departments to coordinate programs and provide necessary information and logistical support.
• Liaise with Marketing & Creative for program publicity, marketing, signage, and stakeholder communications.
• Support the Assistant Manager and School Visits staff with outreach and promotion.
• Evaluate program success and develop improvement plans, preparing evaluation reports and recommendations.
• Research and develop new program ideas, assessing their feasibility, and liaise with potential program partners to deliver unique programming.
• Work with other departments in developing and implementing additional education and community programs and support the delivery of these programs as required.
• Maintain contacts in the education field, participating in education sector webinars, conferences and networks.
• Oversee and maintain program document files.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature and level.

 

* Budget Forecast

• With the Head of Corporate Planning, Reporting & Education, prepare annual budgets and revenue projections for Camps and School Visits programs.
• Monitor budgets against actuals, making necessary adjustments to revenue targets and expenditures in consultation with the Head of Corporate Planning, Reporting & Education.
• Recommend innovative strategies for revenue generation including new directions in programming and partnership opportunities.
• Become familiar and proficient with Camp Brain, Dayforce HR platform, Artifax events management, and Business Central financial systems.

Requirements 

• A university or college degree in recreation, education, and/or fine arts or related field. A Master of Education with specialization in curriculum design, is considered an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in camp, educational, and recreational programs.
• Commitment to and passion for youth education and lifelong learning.
• Experience in program development for various age groups and inclusive learning environments.
• Strong leadership, staff management and team-building skills to supervise, motivate, foster collaboration and inspire diverse staff.
• Energetic, self-motivated, results-oriented and a strong work ethic.
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills to manage multiple programs and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-management skills to liaise and interact with other departments and stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Proven experience in budget preparation and financial processes.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe applications, and database management systems; experience with CampBrain software considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of risk management and emergency planning. Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
• Familiarity with OCA (Ontario Camps Association) and accreditation process and standards will be considered an asset.
• Experience with relevant legislations and clear background checks.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable, as is knowledge of Canada’s arts community, and experience fostering inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible learning environments.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada on a full-time, ongoing basis.
• This role is site-based at our lakeside campus in downtown Toronto.

Apply

Our Values

At Harbourfront Centre, our values—Open, Brave, Rigorous, and Kind—reflect our commitment to inclusivity, imaginative risk-taking, excellence, and respect, ensuring enriching experiences for all.

How To Apply

Harbourfront Centre is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Acceptable applications must include a current resume and a cover letter indicating why you wish to join the team and how you would meet the criteria for this position.

We invite qualified applicants to submit their candidacy to jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than June 2, 2026. Please quote Manager, Education in the subject line of your application. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Suitable accommodations will be available upon request during the hiring process. Please know that our recruitment process does not involve the use of Artificial Intelligence tools; the review of received applications and hiring decisions are made by a team of people.