Director of Operations

Position Description

Director of Operations

October 2026

Operations Team

The Operations Team executes the programs and processes that deliver the RNS mandate. It is responsible for the effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of RNS' research investments and the management of its internal operations. The team manages the full lifecycle of RNS research funding, from selection through award administration, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, providing responsive service to researchers, research institutions, and funding partners. It manages all financial control aspects of the corporation and ensures that investments are managed with integrity and appropriate oversight. The team maintains the administrative, information management, and technology systems necessary for effective organizational performance. It supports the Board and senior leadership through reliable information, sound operational policies, and timely reporting. The team contributes to the design and continuous improvement of programs and services, ensuring they remain aligned with RNS's strategic priorities.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of the organization's strategic plan and management of its day-to-day administration and all internal services. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director leads the Operations Team. The Director is a member of the senior management team, providing strategic direction on operational policy, program design, risk management, and stakeholder relations with the research community, partner institutions, and government funders. This position works closely with the Vice President.

Direct reports:

• Manager of Research Initiatives, Pre-Award
• Manager of Research Initiatives, Post-Award
• Operations Coordinator
• Accountant

Key Responsibilities

A. Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to direct reports
• Set annual objectives and priorities for the operations team, aligned with the organization's strategic plan
• Foster a culture of service excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement across the team

B. Competitions and Program Management

• Oversee the design, launch, and delivery of research funding competitions, including calls for proposals, merit review processes, and adjudication
• Ensure competition processes are consistent with the organization's policies and applicable government funding agreements
• Monitor competition timelines and volumes, adjusting resourcing as needed to meet application and review deadlines
• Ensure programs are evaluated regularly to determine if they are delivering the organization's strategy
• Support the launch of new programs to meet the research priorities of the organization and needs of the research community

C. Award Administration

• Oversee the administration of research awards from notification through to file close-out, including agreements, amendments, extensions, and reporting requirements
• Ensure award terms and conditions comply with organizational policy and government funding requirements
• Develop relationships with recipient institutions and researchers on award-related matters
• Oversee compliance reporting from award holders
• Ensure evaluation of research results

D. Financial Oversight

• Oversee the Accountant's work on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Ensure financial controls, disbursement processes, and reconciliation practices meet organizational policies and government accountability requirements
• Support the CEO in the preparation of financial reports for the Board and for funders
• Liaise with external auditors and government funders on financial compliance matters

E. Corporate Management

• Support the Board of Directors and its committees by setting up meetings, preparing minutes, ensuring reports are filed on time, monitoring the bylaws, board policies, and terms of reference for compliance, tracking directors' terms of office, etc.
• Contribute to regulatory reporting requirements, including semi-annual reports, annual reports, and three-year operating plans.

F. Policy, Risk, and Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures for competitions and award administration
• Identify and mitigate operational and financial risks associated with program delivery
• Represent the organization with academic institutions, research associations, and government departments on operational matters
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning as a member of the senior management team
• Prepare reports and briefing materials for the CEO and Board of Directors as required

G. Organizational Operations

• Ensure that the processes required to deliver the Corporation's strategic plan (e.g. internet access, appropriate computer hardware and software, the online application portal) are effective and efficient
• Oversee the office lease and relationship with the landlord to ensure that the space functions for staff and visitors
• Support compliance with the Corporation's policies regarding the office and staff (e.g. occupational health and safety)
• Undertake regular review of the processes, programs and tools RNS staff uses to execute their responsibilities to ensure they are meeting their needs and the needs of the Corporation

H. Other duties

• Perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, science, or a related field required
• Master's degree an asset

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, grants/awards management, or program operations, ideally within a publicly funded or academic environment
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role managing staff
• Experience with government funding agreements, financial accountability frameworks, or public sector reporting requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing financial oversight functions, ideally including budgeting and disbursement processes

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities, especially during peak periods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a service-oriented approach to client support
• Strong understanding of the Canadian research funding landscape and academic research environment
• Knowledge of financial management principles and public sector accountability requirements

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership - translates organizational priorities into operational plans and team direction
• People management - builds, coaches, and motivates a small, high-performing team
• Problem solving - is resourceful in finding answers when unexpected questions or situations arise
• Financial acumen - reads and interprets budgets, financial statements, and reporting requirements
• Judgment and integrity - handles confidential award and competition information with discretion; manages conflict of interest situations appropriately
• Stakeholder relations - communicates effectively with academic researchers, institutional administrators, and government contacts
• Process improvement - identifies opportunities to streamline competition and award administration workflows
• Risk management - anticipates operational and compliance risks and puts mitigations in place
• Attention to detail - ensures accuracy and consistency in high-volume, deadline-driven processes
• Customer Service - encourages responsive positioning toward the research community and other stakeholder groups.