Location: Offices are in downtown Toronto. The successful candidate must be available to work in-office at least 1-2 times per week. Occasional domestic travel is also required.

Salary Range: Annual salary of $45,000 – $50,000, commensurate with experience. (1-year contract, with possibility of extension)

About the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation

The Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation / La Fondation pour l’alphabétisation des enfants canadiens (“CCLF”) s the only national charity dedicated exclusively to promoting children’s literacy from birth. Our mission is to ensure that all children in Canada develop the literacy skills they need to thrive, both in school and in life. We believe literacy is not only a cornerstone of education, but also a critical social determinant of health, with lifelong impacts on well-being, employment, and the economy. Research shows that even small improvements in literacy across the population can add billions of dollars to Canada’s economy.

Since our founding in 2017, CCLF has grown into a trusted national leader in early literacy. We are recognized for developing best-in-class, evidence-based programs and for serving as a credible source of expertise to governments, healthcare systems, and community organizations.

Did you know?

• 27% of children start Grade 1 without the early developmental skills needed to learn to read
• 30% of six-year-olds are below grade-level reading in Canada, increasing to 40% in low-income households
• A 1% increase in adult literacy could create an annual economic benefit of $67 billion for Canada

Our Strategic Focus: 2026–2030

CCLF’s work is guided by three interconnected priorities:

• INFORM – Empowering families with tools and confidence to build early literacy at home
• TRAIN – Embedding literacy training in healthcare and early childhood education systems
• ADVANCE – Strengthening literacy through research and policy advocacy

About Early Words for Healthcare

The Early Words for Healthcare Professionals program is at the heart of our TRAIN pillar. With an established presence in 121+ clinics across Canada, this program trains healthcare providers to integrate literacy into preventive care. Healthcare professionals start conversations about reading, talking, and singing with families, share practical tips, and provide free, high-quality books that spark learning from birth.

By leveraging the universal reach and trust of the healthcare system, CCLF reaches families who might otherwise be missed—ensuring that even the most vulnerable children grow up surrounded by words and stories. Families supported through Early Words are 2.5 times more likely to practice early literacy at home.

The Role 

Reporting to the Program Manager and working alongside the Programs team, the Program Coordinator – Early Words for Healthcare serves as a vital clinic liaison, ensuring the smooth delivery and sustained impact of our healthcare program. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, relationship-building abilities, and a passion for reducing literacy disparities among children.

As the primary point of contact for healthcare partners, you will support clinic onboarding, coordinate training logistics, maintain program fidelity, and build strong relationships with healthcare providers across Canada. Your work will directly contribute to ensuring that thousands of families receive trusted literacy guidance during critical early years.

Key Roles and Responsibilities: 

Clinic Liaison and Partnership Management

• Serve as the primary contact for healthcare clinics participating in the Early Words program
• Coordinate clinic onboarding, ensuring timely setup, training, and resource distribution
• Present program information to healthcare teams and support their ongoing engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, clinic administrators, and community partners
• Respond promptly to clinic inquiries and requests to ensure program fidelity and partner satisfaction
• Monitor clinic implementation and provide proactive support to address challenges

Program Coordination and Implementation Support

• Coordinate logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, preparing materials, and managing participant communication
• Support the delivery of training events (in-person and virtual) to healthcare professionals
• Track program implementation against key milestones and timelines
• Maintain accurate records of clinic participation, resource allocation, and training completion
• Assist in collecting and inputting data into tracking systems to monitor program metrics

Resource and Inventory Management

• Manage inventory of program materials, including books and literacy resources
• Coordinate procurement, ordering, and distribution of materials to healthcare partners
• Track shipments and maintain organized records of resource allocation
• Ensure clinics have the materials they need to effectively deliver the program

Communication and Reporting

• Manage the program’s shared inbox, ensuring timely and professional responses
• Prepare meeting materials, agendas, and presentation slides for internal and external stakeholders
• Take notes during meetings and ensure follow-up actions are documented and communicated
• Support internal and external reporting, including progress updates and funder reports
• Assist with content creation for newsletters, social media, and stakeholder communications

Administrative and Operational Support

• Coordinate travel arrangements and book venues for training sessions and partner meetings
• Schedule meetings and manage calendars for program activities
• Maintain organized documentation and communication templates
• Support the onboarding of new team members and coordinate with IT vendors as needed
• Provide general administrative support to the Programs and leadership teams

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in health sciences, public health, healthcare administration, early childhood education, or a related field (or equivalent lived experience)
• 1–2 years of experience in program coordination, administrative support, or healthcare settings
• Commitment and passion for reducing literacy disparities among children
• Superior organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong administrative capabilities, including scheduling, document management, and logistics coordination
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong relationship-building skills with partners from diverse backgrounds
• Graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva)
• Strong facilitation skills. Comfortable with running large group interactive discussions virtually and in-person, as well as a proven ability to create culturally safe and comfortable spaces for difficult conversations with diverse audiences
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Assets:

• French language skills or another language relevant to program stakeholders
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM platforms
• Knowledge of Canadian healthcare systems and primary care environments
• Experience in early childhood education, children’s literacy, or health promotion
• Experience with community engagement and partnership development
• Knowledge of Indigenous values, cultural protocols, and experience working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities
• Graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva)
• Experience working in a Canadian charitable non-profit organization

What We Offer 

• Competitive salary of $45,000–$50,000 based on experience
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility (in-office requirement at our downtown Toronto location at King & Portland)
• Professional development opportunities and potential for growth
• The chance to make a meaningful, measurable impact on children’s literacy and health outcomes across Canada
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• The opportunity to work with a respected national organization at the forefront of early literacy innovation

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in downtown Toronto (King & Portland). The successful candidate must be available to work in-office regularly as part of our hybrid work model. Occasional domestic travel is required for clinic visits, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings. Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for program events may be needed.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

CCLF strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate the required skills and abilities. We are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise us if you require any accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable selection process.