Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
May 24, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Community Services
Employment Opportunity: Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program
Location: Halifax, NS
Salary Range: $70,000.00 per year
Employment Term: July 2026 to March 31st, 2027, Full time hours (35 hours/ week)
Reports To: Executive Director
General Description:
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of Halifax and is looking for one (1) Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program.
The Transition Coordinator is a temporary leadership role responsible for supporting the development, stabilization, and transition of the MNFC’s integrated Aboriginal Head Start and licensed childcare program into a fully operational Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Director position.
Working with leadership, staff, families, and community partners, the Coordinator will strengthen operational, administrative, cultural, and regulatory systems; support licensing and program readiness; coordinate staffing and processes; and ensure continuity of culturally grounded services throughout the transition.
The role will help align the program with Aboriginal Head Start standards and Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements while supporting the integration of Mi’kmaw culture, language, and community values. This temporary position will remain in place until the permanent Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Director role is established and filled.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the transition and development of the integrated Aboriginal Head Start and licensed childcare program
- Assist in establishing operational systems, procedures, schedules, and program structures that support long-term sustainability
- Assist with achieving and maintaining compliance with Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements
- Support the development and organization of policies, procedures, and documentation required for licensing and Head Start program standards
- Monitor program practices to support a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment
- Assist with maintaining accurate records related to children, staffing, incidents, and program operations
- Support day-to-day coordination of childcare and Head Start operations during the transition period
- Assist in developing administrative systems, workflows, forms, and reporting processes
- Support budget tracking, purchasing coordination, and documentation related to funding requirements
- Provide guidance, coordination, and day-to-day support to program staff
- Assist with staff scheduling and maintaining staffing levels that support licensing compliance
- Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and mentorship of staff where required
- Encourage collaborative teamwork and culturally safe workplace practices
- Build positive and respectful relationships with Indigenous families and community members
- Support parent and family involvement in program activities and planning
- Assist with establishing and supporting a Parent Committee aligned with Aboriginal Head Start principles
- Support the delivery of inclusive and developmentally appropriate programming that promotes school readiness and holistic child development
- Assist with implementation of health protocols, illness procedures, food safety practices, and emergency preparedness
- Help coordinate access to additional supports and services for children and families when needed
- May perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Early childhood education certification is required
- Education in or an equivalency/ University Degree Diploma in the Community Programs & Services (child/ family social services) Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Education, Community Development, or a related field is an asset
- Experience working in early childhood education, childcare, Indigenous programming, or community-based services
- Supervisory, coordination, or project management experience considered an asset
- Knowledge of Aboriginal Head Start principles and Indigenous early learning approaches considered a strong asset
- Experience working with Mi’kmaw and/or urban Indigenous communities considered a strong asset
- Knowledge of Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements considered an asset
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, lived experience, and community knowledge may be considered
- First Aid & CPR (Child)/WHIMIS Certificate
- Non-Violence Crisis Intervention and Prevention Certificate
- Ability to work varied shifts depending on the need of community members.
- Access to a reliable means of transportation.
- Experience using Microsoft Office (word, excel, outlook, access, power point).
- Core Competency Training: Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and NVCI.
- Required Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registrar must be provided prior to start of position.
- This position is designated for people with Indigenous Ancestry, please self-identify
Application Deadline: June 8th, 2026
Submit Cover Letter & Resume to: https://mnfc.applytojobs.ca/
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel working within this job title.
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer; and complies with all fair employment practices laws. We are committed to providing a workplace free form unlawful discrimination and harassment and prohibit the same against employees, applicants or other covered persons by co-workers, supervisors, managers, or third parties based on a person’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veterans status, disability unrelated to job requirements, ethnicity, genetic information, military service, political affiliation, marital status and pregnancy or other protected status.
Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) reserves the right to refuse all applications for employment. The MNFC will not assume any expenses related to this or any job application process included and not limited to travel, relocation, and application development.
*Only those applicants who are screened in for an interview will be contacted.