JOB CLASSIFICATION: Vice President, Operations

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT: Operations

COMPANY: Skills for Change

LOCATION: 791 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6G 3P8

CONTRACT TYPE: Indefinite

HOURS: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday with occasional evening and/or weekend hours)

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

START DATE: Immediate

ABOUT SKILLS FOR CHANGE:

Skills for Change (SfC) is a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the success of immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving communities across Canada. With over 40 years of impact, an annual budget of $10–12 million, and services reaching more than 16,000 individuals annually, we are poised for our next phase of national growth and innovation. SfC is known for pioneering programs in settlement, workforce development/employment, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, leadership, and mental health. Our organizational culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and equity-focused, with a commitment to professional growth, innovation, and sector leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Vice President, Operations is a newly created executive role reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive team. This is a transformational leadership position designed to address operational gaps, build scalable systems, and support the organization’s growth from $10–12M to $15M+ annually. The VP will be responsible for overseeing and strengthening all operational areas, including IT, HR, Finance, Risk, Governance, Facilities, and Process Improvement. This is a hands-on role for a strategic operator and builder who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technology & Information Systems (with a significant initial focus on digital transformation and the facility renovation)

· Lead IT infrastructure strategy, systems integration, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

· Oversee vendor management, user support systems, and technology budgeting.

Human Resources & People Operations

· Guide HR strategy, policy development, compliance, and workforce planning.

· Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, and DEIB practices across all sites.

Financial Operations & Administration

· Provide strategic oversight of financial operations, including procurement, financial systems, and grant accountability processes, in close collaboration with the Finance Director.

· -Support procurement, financial systems, and grant accountability processes.

Risk Management & Governance

· Establish enterprise risk management and legal compliance frameworks.

· Develop and implement business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

· Support board reporting and operational policy development.

Facilities & Physical Operations

· Lead the full renovation of SfC’s 30,000 sq. ft. headquarters building.

· Oversee facility operations, leases, health and safety compliance, and capital improvements.

Process Improvement & Quality

· Conduct operational assessments, streamline systems, and standardize processes across sites.

· Implement quality assurance, data analytics, and cross-departmental collaboration tools.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The VP, Operations reports directly to the CEO and works closely with other executive team members, including the VP of Fund Development, VP of Programs Operations, Director of Finance, VP of External Relations and Communications. The VP will directly oversee directors and managers across HR, facilities, and IT, and collaborate cross-functionally with Finance and Program leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum 10 years of progressive senior operations leadership experience, preferably in nonprofits.

· Proven ability to manage multi-site, multi-functional organizations with $10M+ budgets.

· Strong expertise in IT systems, HR operations, financial oversight, and compliance.

· Demonstrated success leading transformation, digital infrastructure projects, and scaling operations.

· Experience with Canadian nonprofit governance, employment law, and risk management frameworks.

· Advanced degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

· Professional certifications (e.g., PMP for project management, CHRL for HR leadership, or Six Sigma for process improvement) are highly desirable for this role.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

· Strategic thinker with strong execution and decision-making capabilities.

· Skilled in leading through ambiguity, change, and rapid growth (e.g., demonstrated ability to pivot strategies quickly in response to evolving organizational needs).

· Strong team builder, communicator, and cross-functional collaborator.

· Deep cultural competency and commitment to equity, inclusion, and social impact.

· Board and committee engagement experience; effective in high-stakes, high-visibility situations.

INITIAL DELIVERABLES (FIRST 6–12 MONTHS):

· Develop a comprehensive organizational operations strategy.

· Conduct a full organizational assessment and gap analysis.

· Lead and deliver the 30,000 sq. ft. facility renovation project.

· Implement upgraded IT systems and digital infrastructure.

· Establish business continuity and enterprise risk frameworks.

· Standardize key processes and improve cross-site efficiency.

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

· Operational efficiency improvements and cost savings.

· Project delivery (on time and within budget), especially facility renovation.

· Staff satisfaction and system usability scores.

· Risk and compliance benchmarks met across departments.

· Achievement of digital transformation milestones.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This role requires periodic travel between sites and to external partner or board meetings (approx. 10–15%).

COMPENSATION & GROWTH:

This is a full-time, permanent executive position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Skills for Change is committed to leadership development, coaching, and sector engagement opportunities.

Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants, refugees and equity seeking groups to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community to persons with disabilities to newcomers to Canada (including refugees) to Indigenous peoples to members of a visible minority to children or youth to women of all ages including seniors to the LGBTQ2 community.

Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in alternate format on request.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted