About DEWC

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized supports to over 1000 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them.  See website (www.dewc.ca) for details on our mission and mandate as well as programs and services.

The Opportunity

The Director, Direct Services is responsible for the strategic planning and overall management and supervision of the shelter, drop-in and food security (kitchen) programs including supervision of the program managers, developing and managing the program budgets, developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing relationships with funders and donors and ensuring all services provided align with DEWC mission and philosophy. This position requires a true strategic partner who is collaborative and capable of building consensus and commitment toward shared outcomes. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, DEWC, the Director will work closely with the DEWC leadership team to ensure the success of DEWC and her strategic objectives.  She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework. 

About You

• Experience in non-profit management preferable in a unionized environment with at least 3 years' experience in a leadership role
• Must have a strong working knowledge and analysis of the issues impacting women in the DTES, including gender-based violence, MMIWG, mental health, homelessness, and addictions
• Significant experience in policy development and advocacy within a non-profit environment 
• Knowledge of non-profit financial and account operations 
• Efficient organizational skills including record keeping, scheduling, and problem-solving 
• Excellent communication skills required 
• Ability to work within a chaotic environment and with a diverse community of women 
• Ability to provide thoughtful, progressive and strategic guidance 
• Expertise in analysis, critical decision making, project management, and process improvement  
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills, including proficiency in developing and delivering presentations 
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems  
• Ability to identify, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders to achieved desired organizational outcomes 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

Healthcare:  Extended health & dental coverage including vision, prescription medications, alternative therapies, EAP, life insurance and long-term disability.

Paid time off:  3 weeks paid vacation in the 1st year, 4 weeks after 1 year; 12 paid statutory holidays; 12 paid sick days annually.  Access to time off to handle family or personal situations.

For your Retirement:  Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.

Other perks:  Compressed work schedule, employee loan program; Regular staff development days; DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions. 

POSITION DETAILS:  

• Permanent, full-time, 9-day fortnight schedule
• Excluded position: Salary Range: $97,000 to $113,000/per annum based on experience.
• Application Closing Date:  May 16th 2026 / Start Date: ASAP

 Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply

Additional languages spoken an asset.

**While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=708ca31b-6934-4b5f-b1fb-de7f3c56fa36&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=583179&source=CC2&lang=en_CA