Director of Operations
Top Benefits
About the role
Director of Operations – Full-time, 12-month Contract
Location: Preference for candidates based in Vancouver or Toronto for close collaboration with local teams, but open to remote candidates across Canada (except Quebec)
Salary: $125,000-$140,000 (dependent on experience)
MakeWay is hiring a strategic and solutions-oriented Director of Operations to help strengthen the core of how we work. As the Director of Operations, you’ll lead initiatives across both MakeWay Foundation and MakeWay Charitable Society that improve our systems, strengthen day-to-day operations, and ensure our Shared Platform operating model is sustainable and values aligned. Reporting to the CFO and in partnership with our Senior Management Team (SMT) and cross-functional teams, you’ll help build processes and structures that support our staff, partners, and projects to do their best work.
MakeWay builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together. We are made up of two legal charitable entities: MakeWay Charitable Society, a shared platform home to over 60+ innovative community-led projects staffed by 200+ change makers; and MakeWay Foundation where about 75+ people are advancing place-based programs that support Indigenous-led solutions and conservation in the North, Pacific, Manitoba, and beyond via grant-making, funder collaboratives, and other tools. Our people, projects, and partners are based across the country.
If our values align with yours and you want to learn, grow, and develop within a supportive team that shares knowledge and cares, then we want to hear from you! Join us and make a difference.
What You’ll Do:
The Director of Operations will lead and steward operational and project management support in four core areas:
Shared Platform & Operational Model
- Co-lead strategy process for the Shared Platform, together with finance leadership, to ensure the Shared Platform balances effective delivery of core programmatic components while operating in a financially responsible and sustainable manner operating in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
- Facilitate analyses of programmatic and operating components to support assessment of the Shared Platform delivery structure and operating mode
- Oversee the review of Shared Platform operations, systems, processes and technical tools in ways that incorporate community feedback, right-size risk, and create value for projects.
- Review and sign off on Shared Platform expenses and agreements as necessary.
- Co-lead with the VP Thriving Leadership and CFO a process for the Shared Platform to effectively engage the shared platform leadership team, broader shared platform team and projects in MakeWay’s strategic planning process and operating model review.
Operational Efficiencies
- Support Shared Platform and other operational teams with evaluating operational workflows, identifying efficiencies and areas to automate, through deployment of process improvement tools and methodology.
- Oversee and track progress on key initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget.
- Support execution of operational policies, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk management requirements.
- Support the identification and mitigation of operational risks through proactive planning and cross-team collaboration.
Technology & Systems Transformation
- Contribute to technology governance structures and decision-making frameworks to ensure operational alignment and long-term sustainability of digital systems.
- Champion change management efforts related to new technology rollouts, working with Information Systems (IS) to ensure staff engagement, training, and adoption are well-supported across operational teams.
- In partnership with the Technology Transformation Advisor, identify, prioritize, and execute technology-enabled process improvements that enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Act as operational co-lead on enterprise technology transformation initiatives, ensuring operational needs, staff workflows, and cross-departmental impacts are integrated into system design and implementation.
Operationalizing Annual and Strategic Plans
- In collaboration with SMT, translate MakeWay’s strategic and annual plans into clear operational goals, actionable workplans, and implementation processes to ensure organization-wide execution.
- Facilitate cross-functional alignment and the development of integrated implementation plans to drive strategic priorities forward.
Who You Are:
- Collaborative Leader: Builds strong relationships across teams and levels, facilitates cross-functional collaboration, and fosters a culture of accountability and shared purpose.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to translate MakeWay’s vision into actionable plans, set priorities, and ensure effective execution across teams and initiatives.
- Systems & Process Minded: Skilled at analyzing and improving operational workflows, identifying opportunities for improvements and alignment across departments.
Experience You Bring:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, and/or organizational leadership roles, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership capacity.
- Experience supporting organizational planning processes and cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong understanding of operational systems, digital tools, and technology transformation, including process improvement methodologies, change management and user adoption strategies.
- Ability to analyze workflows and manage complex operational improvements.
- Excellent project management, facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills.
- Values-aligned leadership with a commitment to equity and collective decision making.
- Experience working in or with nonprofits, social enterprises, and/or shared platform models, with an understanding of sector-specific opportunities and constraints.
- Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, risk management, and governance requirements.
It Would Be a Bonus if You Have:
- Training or certification in project management, change management, or process improvement (e.g. PMP, Lean Six Sigma).
- Lived experience or demonstrated commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles through operational leadership.
If you are interested in this role but are unsure if you qualify, send us your application anyway and tell us about why you can be a good fit for this position. We’d love to hear from you!
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to have an impact on communities from coast to coast to coast.
- Full time annual salary of $125,000-$140,000 (dependent on experience you bring).
- Comprehensive employer-paid extended health, vision, and dental benefits package, including an annual $300 Health Spending Account starting on your first day of employment.
- Year-end RRSP contribution.
- Pregnancy and Parental/Adoption Leave top up (subject to eligibility).
- Four weeks’ vacation plus statutory holidays. MakeWay has implemented a Substitution Statutory Holiday policy which allows employees the flexibility to substitute another day for a statutory holiday.
- Winter office closure and 9-day summer fortnight program.
- 10 sick and personal days.
- Flexible work environment with remote working.
- Committed colleagues and a culture of collaboration, caring, and learning.
- High level of responsibility and autonomy.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter through Dayforce by clicking on "Apply". In your cover letter please share what makes you an ideal fit for this position and why you want to join the MakeWay Team.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role will remain open until filled.
Hiring Process:
1. Application Submission: Candidates submit applications digitally.
2. Application Review: Our Sr. Talent Advisor reviews applications and collaborates with the Hiring Manager to shortlist candidates for phone screening.
3. Phone Screen: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 30-minute phone call with the Sr. Talent Advisor.
4. Interview 1: Candidates selected to move forward from the phone screen will participate in a first interview, typically with a panel through Microsoft Teams.
5. Interview 2: Candidates selected to move forward from Interview 1 will participate in a second interview, typically with a panel through Microsoft Teams.
6. Offer and References: The Sr. Talent Advisor will conduct 2-3 professional references and extend a verbal and written offer to the selected candidate.
Please note: Interview 1 and 2 will be compensated at $75/interview and interview questions will be provided 24 hours in advance.
MakeWay is strongly committed to equity and creating a diverse workplace community. We recognize that our recruiting and hiring processes are key to this commitment. We strive to reflect the diversity of our society on our teams and to provide a respectful workplace and equal working opportunities for all employees and applicants. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. If you require accommodations or support at any point during the application or hiring process, please contact us at careers@makeway.org.
Our sincerest appreciation to all those expressing interest in the position, however,
only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Thank you!
Director of Operations
Top Benefits
About the role
Director of Operations – Full-time, 12-month Contract
Location: Preference for candidates based in Vancouver or Toronto for close collaboration with local teams, but open to remote candidates across Canada (except Quebec)
Salary: $125,000-$140,000 (dependent on experience)
MakeWay is hiring a strategic and solutions-oriented Director of Operations to help strengthen the core of how we work. As the Director of Operations, you’ll lead initiatives across both MakeWay Foundation and MakeWay Charitable Society that improve our systems, strengthen day-to-day operations, and ensure our Shared Platform operating model is sustainable and values aligned. Reporting to the CFO and in partnership with our Senior Management Team (SMT) and cross-functional teams, you’ll help build processes and structures that support our staff, partners, and projects to do their best work.
MakeWay builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together. We are made up of two legal charitable entities: MakeWay Charitable Society, a shared platform home to over 60+ innovative community-led projects staffed by 200+ change makers; and MakeWay Foundation where about 75+ people are advancing place-based programs that support Indigenous-led solutions and conservation in the North, Pacific, Manitoba, and beyond via grant-making, funder collaboratives, and other tools. Our people, projects, and partners are based across the country.
If our values align with yours and you want to learn, grow, and develop within a supportive team that shares knowledge and cares, then we want to hear from you! Join us and make a difference.
What You’ll Do:
The Director of Operations will lead and steward operational and project management support in four core areas:
Shared Platform & Operational Model
- Co-lead strategy process for the Shared Platform, together with finance leadership, to ensure the Shared Platform balances effective delivery of core programmatic components while operating in a financially responsible and sustainable manner operating in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
- Facilitate analyses of programmatic and operating components to support assessment of the Shared Platform delivery structure and operating mode
- Oversee the review of Shared Platform operations, systems, processes and technical tools in ways that incorporate community feedback, right-size risk, and create value for projects.
- Review and sign off on Shared Platform expenses and agreements as necessary.
- Co-lead with the VP Thriving Leadership and CFO a process for the Shared Platform to effectively engage the shared platform leadership team, broader shared platform team and projects in MakeWay’s strategic planning process and operating model review.
Operational Efficiencies
- Support Shared Platform and other operational teams with evaluating operational workflows, identifying efficiencies and areas to automate, through deployment of process improvement tools and methodology.
- Oversee and track progress on key initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget.
- Support execution of operational policies, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk management requirements.
- Support the identification and mitigation of operational risks through proactive planning and cross-team collaboration.
Technology & Systems Transformation
- Contribute to technology governance structures and decision-making frameworks to ensure operational alignment and long-term sustainability of digital systems.
- Champion change management efforts related to new technology rollouts, working with Information Systems (IS) to ensure staff engagement, training, and adoption are well-supported across operational teams.
- In partnership with the Technology Transformation Advisor, identify, prioritize, and execute technology-enabled process improvements that enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Act as operational co-lead on enterprise technology transformation initiatives, ensuring operational needs, staff workflows, and cross-departmental impacts are integrated into system design and implementation.
Operationalizing Annual and Strategic Plans
- In collaboration with SMT, translate MakeWay’s strategic and annual plans into clear operational goals, actionable workplans, and implementation processes to ensure organization-wide execution.
- Facilitate cross-functional alignment and the development of integrated implementation plans to drive strategic priorities forward.
Who You Are:
- Collaborative Leader: Builds strong relationships across teams and levels, facilitates cross-functional collaboration, and fosters a culture of accountability and shared purpose.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to translate MakeWay’s vision into actionable plans, set priorities, and ensure effective execution across teams and initiatives.
- Systems & Process Minded: Skilled at analyzing and improving operational workflows, identifying opportunities for improvements and alignment across departments.
Experience You Bring:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, and/or organizational leadership roles, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership capacity.
- Experience supporting organizational planning processes and cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong understanding of operational systems, digital tools, and technology transformation, including process improvement methodologies, change management and user adoption strategies.
- Ability to analyze workflows and manage complex operational improvements.
- Excellent project management, facilitation, relationship-building, and communication skills.
- Values-aligned leadership with a commitment to equity and collective decision making.
- Experience working in or with nonprofits, social enterprises, and/or shared platform models, with an understanding of sector-specific opportunities and constraints.
- Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, risk management, and governance requirements.
It Would Be a Bonus if You Have:
- Training or certification in project management, change management, or process improvement (e.g. PMP, Lean Six Sigma).
- Lived experience or demonstrated commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles through operational leadership.
If you are interested in this role but are unsure if you qualify, send us your application anyway and tell us about why you can be a good fit for this position. We’d love to hear from you!
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to have an impact on communities from coast to coast to coast.
- Full time annual salary of $125,000-$140,000 (dependent on experience you bring).
- Comprehensive employer-paid extended health, vision, and dental benefits package, including an annual $300 Health Spending Account starting on your first day of employment.
- Year-end RRSP contribution.
- Pregnancy and Parental/Adoption Leave top up (subject to eligibility).
- Four weeks’ vacation plus statutory holidays. MakeWay has implemented a Substitution Statutory Holiday policy which allows employees the flexibility to substitute another day for a statutory holiday.
- Winter office closure and 9-day summer fortnight program.
- 10 sick and personal days.
- Flexible work environment with remote working.
- Committed colleagues and a culture of collaboration, caring, and learning.
- High level of responsibility and autonomy.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter through Dayforce by clicking on "Apply". In your cover letter please share what makes you an ideal fit for this position and why you want to join the MakeWay Team.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role will remain open until filled.
Hiring Process:
1. Application Submission: Candidates submit applications digitally.
2. Application Review: Our Sr. Talent Advisor reviews applications and collaborates with the Hiring Manager to shortlist candidates for phone screening.
3. Phone Screen: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 30-minute phone call with the Sr. Talent Advisor.
4. Interview 1: Candidates selected to move forward from the phone screen will participate in a first interview, typically with a panel through Microsoft Teams.
5. Interview 2: Candidates selected to move forward from Interview 1 will participate in a second interview, typically with a panel through Microsoft Teams.
6. Offer and References: The Sr. Talent Advisor will conduct 2-3 professional references and extend a verbal and written offer to the selected candidate.
Please note: Interview 1 and 2 will be compensated at $75/interview and interview questions will be provided 24 hours in advance.
MakeWay is strongly committed to equity and creating a diverse workplace community. We recognize that our recruiting and hiring processes are key to this commitment. We strive to reflect the diversity of our society on our teams and to provide a respectful workplace and equal working opportunities for all employees and applicants. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. If you require accommodations or support at any point during the application or hiring process, please contact us at careers@makeway.org.
Our sincerest appreciation to all those expressing interest in the position, however,
only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Thank you!