MANAGER, PROGRAMS & RECOGNITION SERVICES
Applaud – People in Public Service
Full-Time, Hybrid
About Applaud
Applaud – People in Public Service is a membership association dedicated to recognizing, celebrating and promoting public service. We support, educate, connect and reward people working and retired from public service across Ontario through high-quality programming, services, recognition initiatives and opportunities to build community.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager, Programs & Recognition Services, to lead the development and delivery of programming, events and recognition services that create meaningful value for our members and participating organizations.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Programs & Recognition Services provides leadership and oversight for Applaud's in-person and online member programming and recognition services.
This is a hands-on management role for someone who can combine strategy, program development, event management, people leadership and data-informed decisionmaking.
The Manager will translate Applaud's strategic priorities into an effective annual programming and recognition plan and ensure that initiatives are relevant, inclusive, professionally delivered, financially responsible and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of people working and retired from public service across Ontario.
The portfolio includes webinars, workshops, conferences, educational and member clubs and community activities, special events, awards and recognition initiatives, and employer recognition services.
What You Will Do
As Manager, Programs & Recognition Services, you will:
- Lead program strategy and development by identifying emerging member needs and developing an annual programming plan aligned with Applaud's strategic priorities.
- Manage programs and events from concept through execution and evaluation, including webinars, workshops, conferences, member events and community activities.
- Lead recognition services, including employer recognition programs, awards, campaigns, ceremonies and other initiatives that celebrate the contributions of people in public service.
- Strengthen member engagement and community through initiatives such as Applaud's Book Club, Travel Club and other activities developed in response to member interests.
- Measure results and improve performance by establishing objectives and KPIs and evaluating registration, attendance, participation, satisfaction, demographics, costs and return on investment.
- Manage budgets and resources, ensuring programs and events provide strong member value while making responsible use of organizational resources.
- Lead and develop staff, providing supervision, coaching, delegation and performance management to the Coordinator, Programming and Recognition.
- Build strong external relationships with speakers, facilitators, employers, associations, public-sector organizations, community organizations and other collaborators.
- Create opportunities for member input and involvement, including Member Advisory Committees and volunteer committees supporting events across Ontario.
- Work collaboratively across Applaud, particularly with Marketing & Communications, Member Recruitment, Finance, Data and Administration, to ensure coordinated planning and clear accountability.
What You Bring
You are an experienced program or association professional who enjoys turning ideas into well-executed initiatives and understands that successful programming must deliver measurable value to members.
You bring:
- Post-secondary education in business administration, association or non-profit management, event management, adult education, public administration, communications, community development or a related field.
- A minimum of three to four years of leadership experience in program management, association management, event management, member services, community programming or a related area.
- Demonstrated experience developing, managing and evaluating programs and events.
- Previous supervisory or people-management experience.
- Strong program and project management capabilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience using data, member feedback and performance measures to evaluate programs and inform decisions.
- Financial awareness and experience managing program or event budgets.
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Sound judgment, initiative and practical problem-solving abilities.
- The ability to collaborate across departments while maintaining clear ownership and accountability for your portfolio.
- A commitment to accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working with virtual event platforms, CRM/database systems and other digital tools.
Experience working within a membership association, non-profit organization, publicsector environment or other member/service-oriented organization is strongly preferred.
Experience with recognition or awards programs, budgets, vendors and external service providers is an asset.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means delivering programs and recognition services that members value and want to participate in. You will help Applaud strengthen:
Member Experience — high-quality, relevant programming and recognition services that respond to member needs.
Participation & Engagement — strong registration, attendance and participation across a diverse membership.
Evidence-Informed Programming — clear performance measures, member feedback and data that inform decisions about what to continue, improve, expand or discontinue.
Operational Excellence — programs and events delivered professionally on time and within approved budgets.
Value & Impact — demonstrated cost-effectiveness and return on investment from programs, events and recognition initiatives.
Community — meaningful opportunities for members to connect with one another and participate in the Applaud community.
Working at Applaud
The Manager, Programs & Recognition Services is a key component of Applaud's management team and will have the opportunity to contribute to organizational planning, continuous improvement and the future direction of member programming and recognition.
The position requires flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as well as the ability to travel to locations across Ontario for programs, events, meetings and recognition activities.
We are looking for someone who brings initiative, accountability, curiosity and a strong member-service mindset — someone who can see the big picture while ensuring the details required for excellent execution are in place.
If you are passionate about creating meaningful experiences, building community and recognizing the contributions of people in public service, we would welcome your application.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to hr@applaudpublicservice.ca
Deadline: October 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applaud – People in Public Service is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request.
