Operations and Program Manager

Our client, a scholarship foundation requires an Operations Manager to join their team. The team is supported by a world-class Advisory board of top Canadian business and not-for-profit leaders.

The Operations Manager will be a close partner to the Executive Director and a key driver of day-to-day operations. This role offers the opportunity to help build systems, processes, and structures that allow the foundation to operate efficiently and scale its impact.

Over time, this individual will scale operations and governance responsibilities as the program grows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop operational systems and processes: Create, implement, and maintain workflows to improve efficiency, documentation, and organizational structure.
• Support financial operations: Liaise with outsourced bookkeeping/finance teams, track budgets, provide financial modelling support, process payments, and ensure accurate financial record‑keeping for donor reporting and final review with outside accountants and auditors.
• Support governance initiatives: Support the Executive Director in coordinating Foundation Board & Advisory Council meetings and materials.
• Oversee compliance: Ensure Foundation’s internal policies and insurance coverage are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Coordinate HR and team processes: Assist with benefits administration, onboarding new team members, and maintaining internal processes to support a growing team.
• Oversee program and event logistics: Identify and secure spaces for meetings, workshops, and events; manage bookings, payments, and other logistics.
• Support program initiatives: Assist with development of materials, collateral, and other operational support to drive programs and fundraising efforts.
• Manage vendor and partner relationships: Coordinate with and negotiate contracts with external partners, service providers, and consultants to support operations and events.
• Over time, take on leadership of programmatic analysis: Lead initiatives to optimize team efficiency, processes, and overall organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

The Finance & Operations Manager should hold a university degree. Ideal candidates will embody the core qualities the Foundation aims to cultivate: curiosity about the world, a passion for life‑long learning, open‑mindedness, a collaborative spirit, humility, optimism, a focus on excellence and a drive to build an impactful program for Canada.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in operations or project management – we welcome applicants who are both highly organized and capable of independent problem‑solving.
• Experience with budgeting, bookkeeping, HR/benefits administration, or program logistics is an asset.
• Experience in startups or higher education is an asset

Attributes

• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and proactive
• Comfortable with analyzing, interpreting, and tracking data and numbers
• Adaptable, resourceful, and dependable, with excellent problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to balance hands‑on execution with strategic thinking in a fast‑moving environment
• Exceptional relationship‑builder

Preferred Skills and Platforms

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Comfort with financial modelling and forecasts
• Strong proficiency with project management platforms like Asana, Microsoft 365
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint
• Strong proficiency with vendor and partner coordination
• Experience supporting HR, benefits administration, or onboarding processes

TDS Personnel is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the recruitment and selection process.