Chief Operating Officer / Directeur, Directrice des opérations

Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Ottawa
Job Type: Full‑time, hybrid (Ottawa and remote)
Start Date: September 2026

Position Overview

Swimming Canada is the national governing body of competitive swimming, inspiring Canadians through world‑leading performances and a commitment to health and fitness. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will manage the day‑to‑day business operations, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic plan. Reporting to the CEO, the COO partners with the leadership team to drive operational excellence, support strategic initiatives, and enable sustainable growth across finance, people and culture, communications, member relations, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate a values‑driven, positive culture by championing constructive change, challenging the status quo, and fostering an environment where people feel empowered to grow and contribute.
• Work proactively and collaboratively to support alignment of portfolios and departments.
• Participate in leadership team activities, senior leadership team meetings, and Board of Directors meetings as required.
• Oversee reporting, including KPIs, funding, committees, and annual reports.
• Drive collaboration with departments and area leads, as well as externally with key contributors and partners.
• Drive process improvement, SOPs, and performance monitoring for all portfolios.
• Work with the CEO to drive organizational vision, mission, and corporate strategy.
• Provide day‑to‑day management of direct reports, including performance management, mentorship and development, for the positions and portfolios leading finance, people and culture, communications, operations and member relations.
• All other duties as required.

Finance

• In collaboration with the CFO: oversight of all fiscal and monthly reporting activities; work with leadership team through the budget process; manage banking activities of the organization; oversight of payroll.
• Oversee the maintenance of the inventory of all fixed assets.
• Ensure strong controls of systems, processes, assets and procurement.
• Lead the development of a Swimming Canada investment strategy.

Operations and Technology

• Assess prospective contracts and advise the CEO on program design and implementation.
• Oversight of Swimming Canada’s insurance portfolio, including business insurance plans and health care coverage analysis.
• Lead the preparation and submission of organizational partner reporting and applications, including Sport Canada Sport Support Program.
• Oversight of the technology portfolio for the employees as well as the organization, including procurement, support, maintenance, security and privacy, and key systems such as the membership registration system and learning management system.
• Support the CEO in managing organizational risk and risk assessment processes.

Communications

• Oversight of the communication strategy and plan, including external communication, digital content, translation, media and public relations, and crisis communications.
• Lead the Swimming Canada Awards Committee, including the Circle of Excellence.

Member Relations

• Oversight of the relationship and delivery of services to Swimming Canada members, registrants or special interest groups, including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, committee members and Board of Directors.
• Oversight of the planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting.

People and Culture

• Oversight of the people of the culture portfolios, which includes employment compliance, recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management, engagement, professional development and succession planning, as well as safe sport.

Experience, Qualifications and Requirements

• Post‑secondary education in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• An accounting designation is desired and would be considered an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial analysis, accounting and reporting, including leading financial strategy and planning within a non‑profit organization. Experience within the national sport sector, and/or working with multiple funding envelopes would be strong assets.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects, and work comfortably in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Excellent leadership skills, with experience directly and indirectly managing employees, as well as contractors and other support personnel, including supporting day‑to‑day needs, managing/mediating conflict, providing performance feedback, and coaching/mentoring.
• Experience working with board of directors, finance committees and external auditors.
• Broad knowledge of, or experience with business operations, technology, membership services, people and culture, human resources, and/or communications would be considered asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Canadian sport system would be considered a strong asset.
• Ability to lead, motivate and influence various groups, and maintain composure in high‑pressure situations.
• Self‑starter and innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Strong creative thinker and problem solver, with a values and results‑oriented mindset.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and writing skills in English are required, the ability to communicate verbally in French would be considered a strong asset.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Involvement in change management, system transition, and/or integration would be assets.
• Currently legally eligible to work in Canada.

Work Location

This is a full‑time, permanent position with an ideal start date in early September 2026. A strong preference will be given to an Ottawa‑based candidate to support the onsite team primarily in Ottawa. The Ottawa Office is located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People.

Total Rewards

The annual base salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience, within a range of $135,000 to $175,000. The position comes with a health and dental benefits package, Group RRSP matching plan, annual wellness and home office benefits, and annual salary increases, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.