IT Lead at Compass Early Learning & Care in Peterborough, Ontario, CA

Compass ELC Location: Admin Office – Peterborough, Ontario

Role Title: IT Lead

Job Type: Permanent

Starting Rate of Pay: $36.50 - $39.50 per hour

Hours and Schedule: 30 to 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Anticipated Start Date: September 2, 2026

*Please note that this date is negotiable

Internal applicants, please apply by: Thursday, August 6, 2026

External applicants, please apply by: Friday, August 14, 2026

Job Posting Declarations:

Compass Early Learning and Care does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make hiring decisions. We value authentic applications that accurately reflect each candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is truthful and represents their own work and experience.

This posting is for a new position within our organization.

About Compass Early Learning and Care:

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit childcare organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centers and over 50 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families

For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and childcare. We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children's curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community.

Please see our attached Vision Framework for more information.

Role and Accountabilities:

The IT Lead is responsible for leading IT operations, projects, software, and ensuring secure, safe, and efficient technology infrastructure within the organization. This role will work closely with our Communication and Corporate teams to help support organizational growth, support, and knowledge in IT.

Some of the accountabilities of this role include the following:

• IT Coordination

  • Provide leadership and guidance to the IT team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-focused work environment through coaching and mentorship.
  • Support the ongoing improvement of IT systems, infrastructure, and services to maintain reliable, secure, and responsive technology across the organization.
  • Monitor and evaluate helpdesk performance, working with the IT team to identify opportunities to enhance service and support.
  • Coordinate resources and priorities to maintain effective IT support and timely responses to staff needs.
  • Lead and support IT projects that strengthen organizational effectiveness and enhance the experience of employees, children, and families.
  • Collaborate with teams across the organization to evaluate, implement, and manage technology applications and services

• Security and Compliance

  • Promote a culture of security, privacy, and compliance by supporting initiatives that protect organizational data and meet compliance requirements.
  • Monitor and respond to security risks and incidents, implement preventive measures, and recommend best practices to maintain a safe technology environment.
  • Support in maintaining appropriate safeguards across the organization's technology to protect sensitive information, including employee, child, family, and organizational records.
  • Oversee Microsoft 365 administration, security settings, backup processes, and disaster recovery planning to support business continuity.
  • Guide system updates, patch management, and infrastructure planning activities to support organizational growth and minimize risk.
  • Stay current with sector-wise practices to provide effective recommendations that help the organization to remain compliant and safe in a changing environment.

• System Administration

  • Lead the administration and maintenance of server, network, cloud, and endpoint environments, keeping systems secure, stable, and effective.
  • Support infrastructure capacity planning.
  • Lead Patch Management and system update processes that minimize service interruptions and organizational risk.
  • Mentoring team members and establishing IT service standards.
  • Oversee user identity and access management practices, ensuring appropriate access controls are maintained to support organizational security.

• Budget

  • Steward IT resources responsibly by supporting budget planning, making informed purchasing recommendations, and keeping technology investments aligned with organizational priorities and sustainability goals.

• Collaborative Leadership

  • Participate in organizational meetings and contribute to cross-functional collaboration, helping technology solutions support Compass Early Learning and Care's values and vision framework.
  • Partner with Human Relations to manage sensitive access changes, including onboarding, role transitions, and offboarding activities.

Benefits:

• Competitive wages (Living wage employer) (Provincial Wage Enhancements) (Shift Premiums)
• Mandatory Defined Pension Plan - 3% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution.
• Health and dental benefits, paramedical coverage and EFAP (Sparrow)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)- $500.00 per year
• Professional Development Opportunities (internal and External) (12 hours per year compensated in time in lieu of completed outside work hours)
• Reduced Child Care Expenses (20% discount) when working a minimum of 15 hours
• Paid RECE membership dues.
• Paid Time Off - starting at 4% vacation accrued annually on hours worked and 4% personal sick time accrued annually on hours worked
• Unpaid Time - an option for permanent staff to purchase up to 4 weeks of unpaid time that is prorated off of 24 pays

Skills and Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Computer Science or technology
• 5+ years' experience working with computers and software systems
• Familiar with Microsoft platforms, networking, and cybersecurity
• Ability to work positively and productively within a team
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships and connections, share information about the organization, respond to questions, engage in active listening, etc.
• Familiarity and knowledge with applicable software and technology.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter directly to our Bamboo job board, or you can email your application to rheath@compasselc.com by indicating the specific job posting you are applying for. Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted for next steps in the recruitment process.

Inclusivity and Accessibility:

To address issues of systemic inequity within our communities, we strongly encourage individuals from communities and groups that have historically been disadvantaged and/or marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of Canada, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as women and/or gender diverse, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with lived or living experience of homelessness to apply.

We are committed to reducing barriers to employment, providing accommodations upon request, and ensuring an accessible interview process. We encourage you to bring your true or whole self and way of being to the interview process. For assistance, please contact our Human Relations – Recruitment and Hiring Coordinators at 705-749-3488 ext. 217 or rheath@compasselc.com