Location:
Hybrid - Childreach/Strive (265 Maitland St., London)
Position Type:
Leadership
Rate of Pay:
$75,000 - $85,500 annually
Start Date:
January 2027
Hours:
Full-time, 35 hours/week
Closing Date:
Friday, November 27, 2026
Strive SWO Inc. (Strive) is a collaborative, community-driven organization that supports the professional growth and development of early years professionals across London, Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford. Our goal is to build capacity within the sector and enhance service provision for children and families.
Since 2014, Strive has brought the community together to consider how to strengthen a collaborative approach to quality child care and professional learning across all early years and child care programs. As we begin this next chapter as Strive SWO Inc., we remain committed to a process that supports reflection and sustainable evolution rather than a prescribed method of measurement.
Position Summary:
Working with the Strive team, this role will demonstrate leadership and innovation in advancing a visionary approach to mentoring. You will work closely with the City of London & Middlesex County Children's Services and build relationships to support early years’ professionals across London and Middlesex. In this role, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of one-to-one mentorship programs for organizations and professionals that align with the goals of Strive, the City of London, and Middlesex County. You will also serve as a liaison for new, emerging, and existing leaders to strengthen and build in the community. This role will also demonstrate specialized knowledge to support and mentor local professionals in leadership positions within the mentorship programs offered by Strive. Throughout delivery, you will analyze efficiency and participant outcomes to inform sustainability and evolution of the project.
The Community Animator - Leadership is a full-time Strive employee working 35 hours per week, reporting to the Program Director. Continuation of the position is subject to ongoing funding.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Nurture strong working relationships and engagement with professionals in partner organizations across London and Middlesex with additional focus on those in leadership roles;
Engage in London and Middlesex professional networks and Communities of Practice;
Continued research and analysis of mentoring approaches, project work, and community needs;
Oversee the implementation of a system-wide approach to support early years’ professionals with mentoring at various levels (e.g., one-to-one mentorship, communities of practice, professional learning, etc.);
Conduct ongoing analysis of efficacy and learning outcomes to inform sustainability;
Serve as a liaison for new, emerging, and existing leaders to strengthen and build in community;
Facilitate professional learning in multi-modalities (i.e., in-person, online, seminar, workshop, Community of Practice) as necessary;
Act as primary co-facilitator for Leadership Communities of Practice;
Work alongside and collaboratively with other Community Animators, and across teams where needed (i.e., professional learning and marketing);
Provide support to leaders of all programs enrolled in mentorship programs through Strive, as needed;
Based on leadership needs, research and develop professional resources.
Manage the budget for Community Animator mentoring and professional learning, monitoring expenditures and ensuring alignment within approved funding;
Provide updates and records for spending to the Program Director monthly;
Work with Strive Team on projects to support London and Middlesex as needed; and
Administrative duties as required.
Team Responsibilities:
Support Strive’s Strategic Plan approach to build connections and improve coordination between resources in the early childhood education and care sector and governing structures;
Represent Strive at community and committee meetings and network opportunities;
Represent Strive as Host at professional learning events as determined by Strive Team;
Work collaboratively with the Program Director and Executive Director on special projects;
Participate in meaningful professional learning opportunities as related to personal/professional goals, growth, and organizational direction; and
Other duties as assigned to support the work of Strive.
Qualifications:
Bilingual French and English an asset
Education
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership preferred
And/or Early Childhood Education Diploma
Experience:
Minimum 2 years management/Leadership experience required
Licenses and Certificate
Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators and a member in good standing
Current Vulnerable Sector Check
Valid First Aid & CPR Certification
Valid G driver’s license or reliable transportation for travelling
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Demonstrated understanding of the local child care and early years system, Ministry of Education directives, funding guidelines (i.e., CWELCC), and Provincial frameworks.
Understanding of various approaches to support questioning, researching, and reflection;
Experience and knowledge in supervising and developing staff or multidisciplinary teams;
Demonstrated organizational, prioritization, analytical, and research skills;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other digital communication strategies; working knowledge of Zoom an asset;
Excellent facilitation, presentation, and public speaking skills; and
Exceptional interpersonal, engagement, and coordination skills.
Working Conditions:
35 hours a week.
$75,000 - $85,500 annually.
Flexibility is required to meet the needs of scheduling.
Vacation and benefits as per human resource policy.
Accountability:
Impact of the Job
The Community Animator - Leadership is accountable for advancing Strive’s mission through effective program delivery, responsible stewardship of resources, strong partnerships, and measurable results. Success in the role strengthens Strive’s reputation, supports compliance with organizational and funder commitments, and contributes to quality and capacity across the early years and child care sector.
Confidentiality
Strict confidentiality will be observed regarding personnel issues, agency and program planning, and client confidentiality. An oath of confidentiality will be signed, and breach of this oath will result in immediate dismissal for cause.
To Apply:
For full details, please see the following document: Strive Community Animator - Leadership
Strive welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
If interested and qualified, please email Ally Scott, at ally@striveswo.ca with a cover letter and resume by November 27, 2026.
Only those chosen to proceed in the hiring process will be contacted.