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Role briefing

Rise Calgary is strengthening our impact and accountability systems so the organization can scale with confidence. We’re looking for a Director of Impact who will lead program strategy, learning, and measurement—refining theory of change, strengthening internal monitoring/reporting, and building staff capacity for coaching excellence—so delivery and outcomes are consistent across locations and funder commitments. This role reduces executive overload by owning internal sensemaking, reporting quality, and the rhythms that turn data into action and learning.

Why this role is exciting
  • Own the impact engine: strategy → measurement → learning rhythm → program improvement.
  • Strengthen funder confidence through clear, consistent reporting and internal accountability.
  • Build systems staff can actually sustain (simple workflows, templates, and monthly routines).
  • Join a values-driven team committed to growth, safety, innovation, and being data-informed.
Culture and Values (in action)
  • We’ve got each other’s backs.
  • We create brave and safe spaces.
  • We invest in our growth and development.
  • We are data informed and results driven.
  • We are innovative.
  • We know our role in the ecosystem.

Full job description

Role details

  • Title: Director of Impact
  • Status: Full-time (proposed) | Director-level
  • Reports to: Executive Director

Position summary

The Director of Impact provides senior leadership for program strategy, impact measurement, learning, and funder/contract accountability. This role strengthens Rise’s theory of change and ensures program delivery, reporting, and staff coaching systems are consistent across locations and aligned to Rise Calgary’s mission.

Performance goals (first 12 months)

  • Embed a clear, usable theory of change into program planning, staff practice, and reporting.
  • Implement a consistent internal monitoring and reporting system used monthly for reflection and improvement.
  • Increase on-time, high-quality funder reporting with reduced last-minute scramble.
  • Improve program quality through clearer practice standards, supervision supports, and learning routines.

Core responsibilities

Impact & learning system leadership

  • Lead development and ongoing refinement of Rise Calgary’s theory of change and ensure program alignment.
  • Design and maintain an internal monitoring and reporting system (data standards, templates, monthly reporting).
  • Partner with operations to ensure data integrity, privacy, and sustainable workflows.
  • Grant/contract management & funder accountability
  • Own accountability for funder/contract reporting quality, timelines, and internal coordination.
  • Track contract commitments with program leaders and ensure deliverables are implemented.
  • Support funder relationships by providing clear, credible narrative + data on impact and learning.

Program quality & coaching excellence

  • Document and strengthen Rise’s coaching model and practice standards.
  • Provide mentorship and supervision support to program leaders to improve quality and consistency.
  • Lead a continuous improvement rhythm (reflect → learn → implement) with program management.

Leadership & management

  • Serve on the leadership team to support strategic direction, organizational learning, and culture.
  • Supervise program/impact functions as assigned within the organizational structure.

Qualifications

  • Experience in program leadership, evaluation/impact measurement, and/or funder accountability within a nonprofit, public, or social impact setting.
  • Strong writing and synthesis skills (funder reports, frameworks, internal sensemaking).
  • Ability to translate complex work into practical systems and staff-friendly routines.
  • Comfort working with data and leading learning cycles; evidence-informed decision making.
  • Trauma-informed, equity-centered leadership and coaching orientation.

Core competencies

  • Systems thinking and program design.
  • Measurement, learning, and continuous improvement.
  • Strong project management and cross-functional coordination.
  • High-quality writing, analysis, and stakeholder communication.
  • People leadership: coaching, supervision, and culture-building.

Notes

Rise Calgary is committed to equitable, diverse, and inclusive recruitment practices and encourages applications from people historically underrepresented in the sector.

Please contact Salimah.Kassam@risecalgary.ca to explore this opportunity.