SUMMER STUDENT - OPERATION BACKPACK COORDINATOR - IGNITE DURHAM LEARNING FOUNDATION
- Durham District School Board
- Oshawa, ON, Canada
- Apr 16, 2026
Job Description
Job Details
The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.
This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
The Operation BackPack Coordinator will play a key role in supporting this region-wide initiative across Durham Region, which ensures that every student begins the school year equipped with a high-quality backpack and the full set of grade-appropriate school supplies. The Coordinator will work with partner organizations to plan, source, and distribute these essential tools to students, gaining valuable hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, logistics, community outreach, and fundraising.
Key Responsibilities:
• Coordinate all logistics for the Operation BackPack initiative: sourcing backpacks and school-supply kits, organizing distribution events, and ensuring timely delivery across Durham Region.
• Oversee inventory tracking of backpacks and supplies, manage delivery schedules, and maintain accurate records of distributions.
• Collaborate with partner organizations, including:
o Simcoe Hall Settlement House
o United Way Durham
o Durham Community Health Centre
o Durham Children's Aid Foundation
o St. Andrew's Community Food Bank
...and others, to align resources, outreach, and distribution efforts.
• Solicit donations - both in-kind (backpacks, school supplies) and financial - from individuals, businesses, community groups and potential sponsors to support the initiative.
• Support volunteer coordination: recruitment, scheduling, training communications for weekly and special events.
• Assist with data collection, program reporting, and evaluation of reach and impact; provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to creative outreach and marketing strategies aimed at raising community awareness of the program-especially targeting schools, families, and local partners.
• Provide regular status updates to the Program Manage and attend team meetings, offering insight and observations from the field.
Skills and Experience:
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable engaging with stakeholders including donors, volunteers, partner agencies, families, and school representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a diverse team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace or similar digital tools for communication and tracking.
• A passion for student success, youth well-being, and addressing educational access and equity.
• Access to reliable transportation within Durham Region is an asset (for site visits, errands, deliveries, or donation pickups).
Additional Information:
Work Schedule:
This position is funded under the Canada Summer Jobs Service granting program, candidate must adhere to all requirements, for further information visit: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth
Equity and Inclusion
The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.
The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Ignite Your Career
At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.
Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.
We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.
While we appreciate all applications received, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.
This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
The Operation BackPack Coordinator will play a key role in supporting this region-wide initiative across Durham Region, which ensures that every student begins the school year equipped with a high-quality backpack and the full set of grade-appropriate school supplies. The Coordinator will work with partner organizations to plan, source, and distribute these essential tools to students, gaining valuable hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, logistics, community outreach, and fundraising.
Key Responsibilities:
• Coordinate all logistics for the Operation BackPack initiative: sourcing backpacks and school-supply kits, organizing distribution events, and ensuring timely delivery across Durham Region.
• Oversee inventory tracking of backpacks and supplies, manage delivery schedules, and maintain accurate records of distributions.
• Collaborate with partner organizations, including:
o Simcoe Hall Settlement House
o United Way Durham
o Durham Community Health Centre
o Durham Children's Aid Foundation
o St. Andrew's Community Food Bank
...and others, to align resources, outreach, and distribution efforts.
• Solicit donations - both in-kind (backpacks, school supplies) and financial - from individuals, businesses, community groups and potential sponsors to support the initiative.
• Support volunteer coordination: recruitment, scheduling, training communications for weekly and special events.
• Assist with data collection, program reporting, and evaluation of reach and impact; provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to creative outreach and marketing strategies aimed at raising community awareness of the program-especially targeting schools, families, and local partners.
• Provide regular status updates to the Program Manage and attend team meetings, offering insight and observations from the field.
Skills and Experience:
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable engaging with stakeholders including donors, volunteers, partner agencies, families, and school representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a diverse team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace or similar digital tools for communication and tracking.
• A passion for student success, youth well-being, and addressing educational access and equity.
• Access to reliable transportation within Durham Region is an asset (for site visits, errands, deliveries, or donation pickups).
Additional Information:
- Must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (college or university)
- Location: Durham Region (Hybrid - community-based and the IDLF Make A Difference Depot, located at 155 Gibb Street, Oshawa)
- Provide a current criminal record and judicial matters check (CRJMC) screening upon hire.
Work Schedule:
- 7 hour days from Monday to Friday between May 25, 2026 - June 26, 2026
- 7 hour days from Monday to Thursday between June 29, 2026 - August 28, 2026
- Friday summer hours will be determined based on need and workload
- Evenings and weekends may be required
- Position may be extended by mutual agreement into the Fall on a part-time basis if funding is available
This position is funded under the Canada Summer Jobs Service granting program, candidate must adhere to all requirements, for further information visit: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth
Equity and Inclusion
The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.
The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Ignite Your Career
At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.
Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.
We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.
While we appreciate all applications received, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
Location Name
VILLAGE UNION P.S.
About Durham District School Board
The Durham District School Board (DDSB) serves over 80,000 students across Ajax, Brock, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby, offering diverse urban and rural opportunities to make an impact. Committed to equity, human rights, and Indigenous rights, DDSB fosters learning and working environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination and harm. Through cutting-edge technology, innovative practices, and a focus on diversity, DDSB ensures everyone feels valued and supported.
At DDSB, we believe in empowering success for all. Whether you’re teaching, leading, or supporting behind the scenes, we offer the tools, positive work environments, and leadership opportunities to help you thrive. By celebrating uniqueness and embracing innovation, DDSB provides an inspiring space to ignite your career while shaping the future of education.