Management in Community Services

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Courses - May 2026

Level 1

Course details

The Social Economy
BUS8400

Description: The course introduces students to institutional structures and relationships in the social (third) sector, both locally and globally. This sector includes not-for-profit and volunteer organizations, co-operatives, credit unions, and other social purpose enterprises that seek to improve social, economic and environmental conditions of communities. Students will explore key trends and issues concerning the social economy and related social policy issues such as unemployment, immigration, and poverty.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Public Policy and Government Relations
BUS8650

Description: This course explores the functions within and between all levels of government in Canada. Students will examine political party ideology and its impact on the direction of public social policy, public administration, and government relations within community services. Students will also review the historical development of Canadian social policies and new innovative approaches that support diversity, equity and inclusion within the sector. In-class simulations and roleplays will provide students with the opportunity to practice skills and strategies to engage and influence government in relation to policy creation and program implementation.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Human Resources: Foundations
HRM8420

Description: This course offers the student an in-depth view into the world of the Human Resources Management functions within the Community and Social Service (CSS) sector. Students will examine the continuum of human resources management including recruitment, selection, retention, staff development and employee engagement and performance management. Students will examine organizational policies and relevant legislation with a view to understanding the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers within different organizational contexts. Immersive classroom experiences and practice-based scenarios will provide students with an opportunity to explore various approaches and strategies and practice emerging professional and communication skills for managers in the Community and Social Service sector.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Financial Management in Community Services
MGMT8820

Description: This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of financial management activities in the community and social service sector to support decision-making and planning with an aim to strengthen organizations. Students will examine best practices in fiscal reporting requirements and work with financial statements used in the community and social services sector. Budget and business plan development, as well as an exploration of fund diversification will be explored.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Community Development and Engagement
MGMT8930

Description: This course is aimed at introducing students to the theories and processes of community development, civic engagement and outreach. Students will use a variety of case studies and scenarios to analyze ways in which the public is engaged in decision-making and development of programs and activities in their own contexts. The course will explore historical movements that influence how we engage in community development today, and how approaches have evolved to reflect the agency, strengths and abilities of communities.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Management in Community Services
MGMT8940

Description: This course introduces students to the key functions and roles of managers required to ensure organizations achieve their operational and strategic goals. Students will apply management principles and concepts of planning, organizing, and leading organizational challenges in community services through case analysis. Students will examine management skills through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion to build and support healthy organizational culture within the sector.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description:

This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct themself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines for the workplace. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while engaged in an unpaid placement as well as guidelines to follow in the event of an incident, injury or illness.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Level 2

Course details

Program Design and Evaluation
BUS8660

Description: This course will provide students with the skills to design, implement and evaluate programs as managers in community service organizations. Students will apply key concepts of program development such as needs assessment, budget projection, risk mitigation strategies and logic models used to build quality services and expand program offerings. Students will critically examine a broad range of program evaluation tools. Throughout the semester, students will develop a program plan utilizing key skills to develop an evaluation framework with a communication plan, applying marketing tools that align with program development strategies.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Field Placement (Management in Community Services)
FPLT8372

Description:

With a view to expanding the student's understanding, students will have an opportunity to gain practical experience and solve real life issues that arise working in a simulated environment in the Community and Social Services sector. They will integrate knowledge to demonstrate deepened understanding of the professional practice and leadership skills while experiencing the work environment. Through guided discussion and reflective strategies, students will integrate the knowledge accumulated throughout the program to create an intentional professional development plan to prepare them for future practice as a manager in the Community and Social Service sector.

Hours: 170
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: OHS1320
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Community Centred Fundraising
FUND8000

Description: This course will provide students with the skills to build resource development strategies to secure, maintain and expand funding in the community and social services sector. A broad range of resource development strategies will be explored including fundraising activities, capital and social media campaigns, annual giving, and grant/proposal writing. Students will apply skills through the development of resource development strategies and an evaluation framework. Legislation affecting sponsorship and alternative funding streams will also be examined.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Human Resources: Quality Improvement and Risk Management
HRM8430

Description: This course focuses on how organizations design and implement strategies to improve human resources practices in community based organizations. The course builds upon the knowledge acquired in the Human Resources: Foundations course. In this course there will be an emphasis on quality improvement and risk management taking place in organizations and across our sector that are influenced by emerging legislation, as well as evolving research and practice. These interventions are essential to support the nonprofit workforce and organizations through uncertainties. In this course we will explore what leaders need to support improvement, innovation, establish strong governance, and a diverse workforce. Activities in the course will include a review of case studies and scenarios, collaborating with classmates, engaging in discussions with leaders from the sector and completing applied projects.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Community Leadership
MGMT8150

Description:

In this course, students will explore theories and practices relating to community leadership and will apply them to a variety of case studies and experiential learning activities. Topics include leadership styles, team building, motivation and empowerment, problem-solving and conflict resolution, diversity, change management, and community relationship building.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of management/supervisory styles and implications of various styles for organizational life.
Apply community leadership skills to encourage participation, development, and sustainability in a community or organization within the not-for-profit sector.
Use project management tools and techniques to complete events or projects within their scope.
Implement strategies to support fundraising or fund development activities that meet the organizational needs of a not-for-profit organization.
Apply various design, development, and quality assurance processes to measure the success and sustainability of community programs.
Manage the finances of a not-for-profit organization or program considering risk, investments, and fiduciary responsibilities necessary tomeet its goals.
Contribute to the management of human resources including volunteer and/or staff recruitment, training, performance appraisal and total rewards to promote volunteer and/or staff retention within an organization.