Development Project Coordinator

What if you could help shelter organizations create more safe and affordable places for survivors of gender-based violence to call home?

Women’s Shelters Canada is looking for a motivated self-starter with an interest in affordable housing development and a passion for creating safe, stable, and supportive homes for survivors of gender-based violence. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting in the development and creation of new emergency shelters/transition houses, second stage transitional housing, and permanent housing for survivors alongside gender-based violence shelter organizations.

About Women’s Shelters Canada

Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) brings together 16 provincial and territorial shelter organizations and supports more than 620 shelters across the country for women, children, and gender-diverse people fleeing violence. WSC was created by the provincial and territorial shelter associations, who identified a need for a unified voice on the issue of violence against women at the national/federal level. We are a national backbone organization, uniting and amplifying the voices of shelter associations, shelters, transition houses, and second stage housing providers across the country. We work from a deeply feminist, intersectional, and justice-driven lens, connecting organizations, co-creating knowledge, and advocating for systemic change to end gender-based violence (GBV). Shelters support women and children fleeing violence. We support the shelters.

The Second Stage Transitional Housing (SSTH) New Build program is a national program of Women’s Shelters Canada. The SSTH New Build program supports gender-based violence shelter organizations across the country to create new safe and affordable housing for survivors. Our services include:

Development services, where we act as a project manager/development consultant for gender-based violence shelter organizations’ new build projects
Knowledge and Coaching services, where we offer high-level support and advice to gender-based violence shelter organizations as they embark on new development projects

Overview of the Role

Reporting to the Development Project Manager, the Development Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting and assisting with project management services for gender-based violence shelter organizations through three phases of the development process: feasibility, design development, and construction. The team works on multiple projects simultaneously in varying stages of development. The Coordinator will also support with administrative tasks and assist with “knowledge and coaching” services.

The Coordinator will work closely within the small, collaborative SSTH New Build program team, which includes the Development Project Manager and Senior Development Project Manager. This position will provide additional support to the team during a period when another team member is on parental leave.

The ideal candidate will be able to learn quickly, adapt to changing environments, and work independently. Taking on challenging tasks that require independent problem solving and creative thinking is essential to success in this role.

WSC practises employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In particular, applications are encouraged from racialized people, Indigenous people, disabled people, queer and trans people, and women. If you wish to volunteer this information as part of your application, we encourage you to do so in your cover letter. If you require any form of accessibility throughout this application, please let us know. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the participation of all employees.

Development Project Coordinator Responsibilities

Administration and Communication

Undertake regular communication by email, video calls, in-person meetings, and phone calls.
Manage the team’s electronic files to ensure all project information is organized, appropriately documented, and secure.
Take transparent and accurate meeting notes and prepare a final overview and record of meetings.
Assist with project invoicing.
Coordinate and schedule meetings.
Create presentation slides and talking points as required.
Communicate progress on tasks and responsibilities regularly to reduce follow up required.

Project Management

Support and assist with project management services through three phases of the development process: feasibility, design development, and construction
Assist in communication with the project team.
Contribute ideas and suggest solutions to improve projects.
Identify ways or systems to improve efficiency and output for projects.
Prioritize tasks appropriately.

Feasibility

Prepare documents to track projects, including work plans, schedules, authority matrices, cost trackers, and project progress reports.
Work with shelter organizations to understand the desired design and site criteria for the project.
Assist the team with site comparisons for a project and develop site matrices.
Draft and finalize project outputs such as feasibility reports, business cases, needs assessments etc.

Design Development

Assist the team with reviewing and providing feedback to architects on basic concept design through to construction documents.
Assist in the procurement, including facilitating Request for Proposals, and monitoring of project team (architect, construction manager, planners, etc.).
Assist the team and shelter organizations with community engagement activities related to the project.
Assist in the procurement of necessary site studies (geotechnical, environmental site assessment, etc.).
Develop draft proformas and monitor and update them continuously throughout the project lifecycle, including updating the cash flow projections.
Monitor and update the cost tracker continuously throughout the project lifecycle.
Draft project funding applications.

Construction

Gather required invoices and other documentation for quantity surveyors to create project reports.
Lead funding draw processes with funders.
Assist the team in tracking construction progress.
Assist the team in closing out a project through substantial completion and occupancy.

Other Responsibilities

Support the Development Project Manager and Senior Development Project Manager with knowledge and coaching services.
Provide input to and participate in the implementation of WSC’s broader, organization-wide collaborative work.
Performs other duties as may be required.

Knowledge and Experience

We recognize that no candidate will meet every qualification. If this opportunity excites you and you believe your skills and experience would make you successful in the role, we encourage you to apply.

Post-secondary degree (college or university) in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience
Minimum 6 months of relevant experience, such as experience in affordable housing, architecture, construction, real estate development, urban planning, project management, financial administration, grant writing, social work, or community engagement
Ability to think strategically and problem solve
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent organizational skills in leading projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines
Goal-oriented self-starter who uses times efficiently
Intermediate ability to use Microsoft Office
Advanced written and verbal communication
Operates from an intersectional feminist approach, anti-racist framework, and anti-oppression framework

Desirable:

Written and verbal fluency in French is a strong asset
Knowledge of the gender-based violence and/or shelter sector is an asset
Knowledge of Adobe Suite is considered an asset
Knowledge of Canva is considered an asset

Location

Preference is for candidates to be based in Ottawa, where work is completed through a hybrid work model, coming into the office 2-3 days per week. For the right candidate, WSC will consider a fully remote working arrangement within Canada.

Working Conditions

This position involves working at a computer for extended periods of time as well as virtual, phone, and in-person meetings (dependent on public health restrictions). Some travel within Canada is also required.

Compensation & Duration

Annual salary is between $62,377 and $64,579, based on relevant experience. A health and dental benefits package is included with this position. WSC employees also receive four weeks’ vacation, five wellness days, and 15 sick days annually. This is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter explaining why this position is of interest and how your experience and skills will enable you to excel in this role. The deadline to apply is August 9, 2026. Please apply through CharityVillage. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Women’s Shelters Canada

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Development Project Coordinator