Director of Operations

One New Full-time Position

Salary: $150,000

Are you an experienced operations leader with a passion for organizational excellence, strategic planning, and continuous improvement? If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples while working within a strengths-based environment, we invite you to bring your expertise and leadership to our team as Thunderbird’s Director of Operations.

Organization Description

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is a national non-profit organization serving First Nations in mental wellness. Our mandate is set by three frameworks:

1. Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Among First Nations People in Canada
2. Indigenous Wellness Framework
3. First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum

Our core stakeholders are First Nations communities and the network of First Nations adult and youth treatment centres. To support the mandate, Thunderbird has two office locations, one based in a First Nations community in southwestern Ontario, and the other in the city of London, Ontario. This position is a hybrid work position.

Your Opportunity

• The Director of Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the operational functions of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.
• The Director of Operations will lead the Finance, Operations and Communications teams in the planning, coordination, and execution of operational initiatives.
• This role will report to the CEO and will work closely with senior leadership to ensure operational strategies support organizational growth, sustainability, and the successful achievement of strategic objectives. This includes overseeing budgets, resource allocation, compliance requirements, contract management, and organizational performance measures.
• You will work on a team with others who are also dedicated to work that has real value and meaning in the lives of others.
• You will apply experience, skills, talents, and passion for the benefit of others while learning from the expertise of a wellness focused team.
• You will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that this opportunity is much more than just a job.

As the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation Director of Operations, you will

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to multidisciplinary teams across Finance, Operations, and Communications, ensuring alignment with Thunderbird Partnership Foundation's mission, values, and organizational priorities.
• Provide strategic leadership and direct oversight to the Finance, Operations, and Communications teams. This role ensures the effective coordination, integration, and performance of these departments in support of the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and operational excellence.
• Ensure the teams within operations have the leadership to enable all functions, systems, and activities within the Finance, Operations, and Communications departments, including employee relations, workforce planning, and team development.
• Promote constructively and by recognizing achievements, addressing performance concerns constructively, and supporting staff well-being.
• Plan, delegate, and supervise work activities (along with departmental managers) while addressing employee concerns, resolving workplace issues, and promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure operational excellence and alignment with Thunderbird Partnership Foundation's strategic objectives.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, provincial, and territorial legislation, regulatory requirements, funding agreements, and reporting obligations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of organizational policies, procedures, and standards; establish performance measures, monitor results against benchmarks, and drive necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes.
• Ensure the teams within operations have the leadership to establish and enforce production, productivity, quality, and client service standards; identify and resolve operational challenges, conduct audits, and analyze trends to inform continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the finance manager to monitor expenditure and support the development of financial control policies and practices.
• Ensure the teams within operations have the leadership to enable appropriate oversight for contract management, including negotiation of pricing, service agreements, vendor relationships, and office leases to ensure cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of administrative services, operational systems, and organizational governance to ensure efficient, secure, and well-coordinated business operations.
• Establish and maintain effective administrative structures, financial controls, records management practices, and service processes that support organizational priorities and operational excellence. Ensure all administrative functions are aligned with Thunderbird Partnership Foundation standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You bring

• a master’s degree in a relevant health and social services discipline, or business, AND four (4) years’ work experience in a leadership role, preferably in a First Nations specific setting
• OR a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Indigenous studies, social/health sciences AND at least ten (10) years progressive leadership experience in a senior management role preferably in the social/health field in a First Nations organization.
• experience in program development/coordination.
• fluency in a First Nations language (considered an asset).
• knowledge of First Nations language, cultural traditions and customs including natural healing is a definite asset.
• an understanding of issues relevant to Indigenous people.
• proficiency in human resource management, planning and financial/business analysis, and policy development.
• a strong track record of operations design and function, leading and inspiring, with superior administrative skills.
• a high level of professionalism and are able to always maintain confidentiality.
• excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• proficiency in MS Office including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, e-mail communication, and use of scheduling software.
• an ability to function autonomously, to be flexible and adapt to change.
• a valid provincial Class 4 driver’s license and Driving Record Abstract.
• a high level of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Live an exemplary lifestyle as a role model that is free from alcohol and drugs.
• the ability to travel and to attend work locations not accessible by public transportation.

Additionally, all employees of Thunderbird Partnership Foundation must adhere to a strict confidentiality policy and will be required to sign an Oath of Confidentiality and observe the Code of Ethics Policy.

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (NNAPF)
22361 Austin Line

Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0

211 Adelaide St S,

London, ON N5Z 3K7

Closing date: Open until filled.

We value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace and are committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used in our screening process.

To request a full job description, please contact: Christine Correa ccorrea@thunderbirdpf.org