Manager, Community Sport Programs

At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is representative of our community and where all employees feel they belong and can reach their full potential. We are Canada’s preeminent leader in delivering top quality sport and entertainment experiences and one of North America’s leading providers of exceptional fan experiences. We are the parent company of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.

MLSE owns and/or operates all the venues our teams play and train in, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. We also provide fans in Toronto with incredible live music and entertainment events, as well as exceptional culinary experiences through our restaurants (e11even and RS) and clubs (Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub and Platinum Club). Through MLSE Foundation, we have invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities since 2009 and with MLSE LaunchPad, we provide a place where youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential.

We achieve all of this through our Common Purpose - to unite and empower our employees to create extraordinary moments for our fans and each other. Come be a part of the team.

MLSE LaunchPad is seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, energetic and dedicated individual to join the team as Manager of Community Sport Programs. The candidate will primarily be responsible for program development, overseeing youth sport programs that focus on life skill development, and managing community partnerships. The Manager of Community Sport Programs reports to the Director of Community Sport to support MLSE LaunchPad’s Sport For Development strategic growth and outcomes.

The Manager of Community Sport Programs will lead day-to-day operations of external sport programming, lead and support sport staff, and build and maintain meaningful community partnerships. An ideal candidate for this role has significant experience in youth sport program delivery, supervision of full-time and part-time program staff, project management, and the ability to work with a wide variety of ages and demographic groups.

Location: MLSE Launchpad 

• Leading the development of MLSE LaunchPad’s external community-based sport programs ​​​​​​: Designing Sport For Development program curriculum that achieves specific youth development outcomes while working closely with all MLSE LaunchPad program partners to best understand their needs, assets, and priority areas for capacity building.
• Understanding specific community needs in a collaborative environment ensuring youth development and research objectives are met : Collaborate cross-functionally, including with community partners and our Research and Evaluation team, to ensure programs are refined to achieve key outcomes and results.
• Manage a high performing team: Lead support, training, hiring, and onboarding of community sports programming staff.
• Manage all administrative aspects of the portfolio: Budget management and forecasting, partnership management, program quality evaluation and logistics, equipment inventory, event planning, and debriefs are all key components that will influence impact.
• Remain up to date on new youth sport research and best practices: Track industry trends and changing community needs to ensure appropriate program content and delivery and enhance the quality and standards of program implementation.

Note: Before reviewing the qualifications listed below, we want you to know that we understand you may not meet all the qualifications described and have other relevant expertise and experience. We invite you to please share this with us in the "Message to the Hiring Manager" section of our online application.

• You have worked in environments where you have led sport, recreation, and community-based programs and events: This role is centered around designing and implementing programs and large-scale events utilizing the principles of the Long-Term Athlete Development model for youth that face barriers to participation. A background in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation Management, or other related fields will be helpful.
• You have been a team leader and decision maker: Leadership experience, managing full-time and part-time staff teams, and training, coaching, and supporting sports coaches are key components to the impactful work we do in communities.
• Overseeing budgets and strategic planning also helps guide our ability to keep our programs going year after year.
• You are a collaborator: We work with a wide-ranging team across Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and decisions, initiatives, and projects can all impact someone else’s business, so proactive planning and communication helps everyone.
• We also work with partners around Ontario and experience building relationships with diverse communities and community organizations is central to success in this role.
• You care about girls in sports, how inequity in sports continues to impact racialized communities and persons of all abilities, and are committed to breaking down the barriers to youth access in sport: You have familiarity with applying anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles to your work and engage in continued learning in these areas.
• You are versatile, flexible, and willing to work within changing priorities with enthusiasm: We work in an ever-changing environment where problem-solving, communication, and a positive attitude can make the difference. The ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends also helps big wins happen on this team.

Apply by: December 13th, 2024

Experience the thrill of the Sports & Entertainment industry in a flexible (hybrid) work environment that supports employee wellbeing.

As a part of our recruitment process AI may be utilized to: screen applications, assess qualifications, and enhance candidate selection. We remain committed to ensuring a fair and equitable hiring experience for all candidates.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.