Zaitoon Umer
Milton,Canada
Summary
Empathetic and results-driven leader with 25+ years of progressive experience in employment services, workforce development, and community engagement. Skilled in guiding diverse teams, managing complex programs, and fostering high-impact partnerships. Recognized for creating collaborative, high-performing cultures grounded in equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Extensive expertise in government-funded employment programs, funder relations, budgeting, and program evaluation — consistently delivering operational excellence and measurable results. Core Strengths: Strategic Program Leadership | Stakeholder & Funder Relations | Staff Coaching & Development | Community Partnership Building | Budget & Financial Oversight | Performance & Quality Assurance | Change Management | Operational Planning & Evaluation | Continuous Improvement
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Outreach Coordinator
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
05.2025 - Current
- Plan and implement organization-wide outreach strategies to meet intake and recruitment targets across multiple employment and training programs.
- Build partnerships with community organizations, employers, and referral agencies to strengthen service reach and wraparound supports.
- Coordinate participation in community events, job fairs, and stakeholder meetings to enhance visibility and impact.
- Track performance metrics, analyze engagement data, and report progress to leadership and funders.
- Collaborate with internal teams to design outreach campaigns and success stories promoting inclusion and diversity.
Program Coordinator, Ontario Bridge Training Program
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
04.2022 - 03.2025
- Led operations for a province-wide initiative supporting internationally trained professionals in re-establishing their careers in Canada.
- Managed relationships with funders, employers, and community partners to ensure compliance and high participant outcomes.
- Monitored performance data, developed reports, and implemented continuous improvement strategies.
- Facilitated staff development and professional alignment with organizational goals.
Program Coordinator (Interim Manager), Completing the Circle (Weston)
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Directed operations across four teams (11 staff) during a transitional leadership period.
- Achieved 100% recruitment, employment, and budget targets under the FES program.
- Oversaw program budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability and timely funder reporting.
- Strengthened community and employer partnerships to expand training and employment opportunities.
Job Developer, Completing the Circle
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Supported youth employment through individualized coaching and job placements.
- Matched candidates with employers aligned to their skills and career goals.
- Built relationships with local employers, facilitating long-term hiring pipelines.
Franchise Owner / Operator
Club Z In-Home Tutoring – Oakville, ON
Oakville, ON
08.2015 - 09.2018
- Established and managed a tutoring franchise serving 80+ students with a team of 18 educators.
- Delivered high-quality academic programs and client satisfaction through operational excellence.
Owner / Business Manager
Blue Communications – Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan
02.2004 - 01.2015
- Founded and directed a communications agency serving clients such as P&G and DHL.
- Managed marketing campaigns, events, and corporate communications projects.
Area Manager
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Pakistan
Pakistan
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Established the Karachi office and developed youth-employment initiatives for finance professionals.
- Built strategic partnerships with major employers including Siemens and Shell.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Equivalency - undefined
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
01.2013
Skills
- Microsoft Office 365
- CRM Systems
- Power BI
- Canva
- IXACT
- Mailchimp
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Certification
- Conference & Event Planner Certification – Academy of Learning, Toronto (2016)
- Interpreter Language & Skills Assessment Tool (ILSAT) Qualified
Languages
English
Full Professional
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- 25+ years of progressive leadership across employment services, education, and communications.
- Proven ability to guide cross-functional teams toward excellence and accountability.
- Strong funder, employer, and community relationships.
- Recognized for integrity, empathy, and commitment to equitable service delivery.
Timeline
Community Outreach Coordinator
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
05.2025 - Current
Program Coordinator, Ontario Bridge Training Program
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
04.2022 - 03.2025
Program Coordinator (Interim Manager), Completing the Circle (Weston)
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
12.2021 - 04.2022
Job Developer, Completing the Circle
The Career Foundation – Toronto & GTHA
10.2020 - 05.2021
Franchise Owner / Operator
Club Z In-Home Tutoring – Oakville, ON
08.2015 - 09.2018
Owner / Business Manager
Blue Communications – Karachi, Pakistan
02.2004 - 01.2015
Area Manager
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Pakistan
01.2000 - 12.2003
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Equivalency - undefined
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto