MANAGER OF OPERATIONS

JOB TYPE: 12-month contract with possibility of extension

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week

WAGE: $50-70,000, or TBD on experience

LOCATION: In-person 4 days per week, 1 day remote. Hybrid remote work optional for first 9 months of employment

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, at 5pm EST.

POSITION SUMMARY:

K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project (KWUNWP) is a small not-for-profit organization and as such, the Manager of Operations role does not align with a conventional non-profit Executive Director role. The Manager of Operations provides strategic, organizational, and operational leadership to KWUNWP, an Indigenous housing service provider committed to providing safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing. The Manager of Operations will provide executive oversite, but does not directly manage routine housing/property operations unless otherwise required.

The Manager of Operations is accountable to the Board of Directors for advancing KWUNWPs mandate, strategic priorities, organizational development, and long-term sustainability. The Manager of Operations is responsible for organizational strengthening, growth, and governance. The Manager of Operations develops and maintains strategic partnerships, secures funding and maintains accountability to funders.

The Manager of Operations is further responsible for: staffing, policies and procedures, and financial accountability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership The Manager of Operations will provide overall strategic leadership to the organization and ensure that KWUNWP's activities are aligned with the organization’s Strategic Plan:

- Further the organization’s strategic plan by enacting measurable organizational objectives.
- Report regularly to the Board on organizational performance.
- Identify emerging risks, opportunities and priorities.
- Ensure organizational resources are aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
- Make strategic recommendations to the Board of Directors.
- Position KWUNWP for long-term organizational sustainability in a way that promotes indigenous rights, and the advancement of indigenous self-determination.

Funding & Revenue Development The Manager of Operations is responsible for developing and implementing KWUNWP's Strategic Plan:

- Identify government funding opportunities and pursue operational and program funding.
- Identify capital funding opportunities.
- Develop relationships with foundations, funders and community organizations.
- Diversify organizational revenue.
- Monitor changes to government funding programs.
- Ensure funding opportunities align with strategic priorities.
- Ensure organizational funding obligations are met.
- Identify opportunities to leverage existing assets and partnerships.
- Ensure funding and structural sustainability

Board Relations & Governance The Manager of Operations serves as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors:

- Implement Board-approved decisions.
- Prepare Board reports and recommendations.
- Provide accurate and timely organizational information.
- Support Board committees.
- Identify matters requiring Board consideration.
- Advise the Board on organizational risks and opportunities.
- Support effective Board governance.
- Maintain appropriate governance/management boundaries.
- Ensure Board-approved policies are implemented.
- Support strategic planning with the Board.

Financial Oversight The Manager of Operations will work closely with the Finance Administrator to ensure KWUNWP's financial sustainability:

- Oversee development of the annual organizational budget.
- Review organizational financial performance.
- Monitor cash flow and financial sustainability.
- Review financial reports with the Finance Manager.
- Identify financial risks.
- Ensure appropriate internal controls are maintained.
- Work with the Board on long-term financial planning.




- Ensure funding requirements are met.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies.
- Ensure financial decisions support strategic priorities.

Community & Stakeholder Relations The Manager of Operations will establish, maintain and strengthen strategic relationships that advance KWUNWP's housing mandate:

- Build relationships with community organizations.
- Develop partnerships with Indigenous service providers.
- Represent KWUNWP at community and sector events.
- Promote awareness of Indigenous housing needs.
- Communicate KWUNWP's mandate and impact.
- Develop relationships with philanthropic organizations.
- Identify opportunities to increase KWUNWP's profile and influence.
- Serve as the senior organizational representative with the Region of Waterloo.
- Build relationships with municipal governments and relevant government ministries.
- Develop solid relationships within the regional & Indigenous housing systems.
- Participate in regional housing tables, working groups and strategic initiatives.
- Advocate for Indigenous housing priorities.
- Develop partnerships with Indigenous organizations and community leadership.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration, shared services and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain relationships with government representatives and funding partners.
- Monitor emerging government priorities and programs affecting Indigenous housing.
- Represent KWUNWP professionally within the housing and Indigenous sectors.
- Identify opportunities that may increase KWUNWP's organizational capacity and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

- Post-secondary education in Housing Administration, Social Services, Business Administration, Indigenous studies, or related field is preferred
- KWUNWP recognizes that expertise can be gained through many pathways. A combination of education, lived experience, and personal/professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and competencies will be considered
- Minimum five (5) years experience in housing, community housing, social services, Indigenous housing or related field is preferred

Skills:

- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction, establish organizational priorities
- Provide ability to assess organizational needs, clarify roles and reporting relationships, strengthen organizational capacity
- Strong understanding of non-profit governance and the ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors, support sound decision-making, ensure Board policies and directives are implemented
- Demonstrated ability to review, develop, update and implement organizational policies, procedures, protocols, and operational frameworks to ensure KWUNWP operates effectively and in accordance with legislative, regulatory, funding and governance requirements
- Demonstrated ability to identify funding opportunities, develop funding proposals, maintain funder relationships, negotiate funding agreements, monitor deliverables and ensure compliance with funding requirements
- Exceptional relationship building skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with governments, municipalities, funders, service providers, and other regional stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, culturally safe service delivery, and Indigenous community engagement
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to lead under financial, operational, and political pressures
- Understanding of trauma-informed and community-based service delivery




- Demonstrated proficient skills and experience with software applications including Office, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
- Flexibility and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks with solid planning skills and use of good judgement
- Must possess a valid ‘G’ license, valid insurance and reliable transportation
- A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, is required as a condition of employment and must be provided prior to onboarding

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: With the Board of Directors - receives guidance, discusses plans, and priorities to ensure tasks are done efficiently and effectively; receives direction and supervision.

With Management & Staff – provides leadership, direction and guidance to ensure staff receive direction and supervision for efficient and effective service delivery

With External Agencies - represents and promotes KWUNWP interests in a positive manner.

With the Tenants and General Public - represents and promotes KWUNWP interests of KWUNWP, works in a courteous, co-operative, positive and proactive manner, provides information as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Manager of Operations is to be provided an office (within the building of 27 Cambridge St. Cambridge, ON). The Manager of Operations will be expected to work at least 3 days per week in-office. Hours of work are flexible based on needs of the role, community meetings and monthly meetings with the Board of Directors.

Work hours are Monday – Friday (9am-5pm), 37.5 hours per week. In addition to these hours, the Manager of Operations may be asked to be on-call after hours. See Policy for details. Working hours subject to negotiation upon hire.

Travel within the Region may be required for meetings with tenants, community agencies, Board of Directors, etc.

This position is based in a collaborative, relationship-centred environment grounded in Indigenous values, community accountability, and organizational transparency. This position is expected to contribute to a respectful workplace culture that supports reconciliation-informed practices, cultural safety, and continuous improvement.

IMPACT OF ERROR:

Errors in judgements and in the conduct of duties could lead to loss of credibility, poor public relation, confusion, duplication of effort, and misinformation being given to the Manager of Operations, KWUNWP, government agencies and the public.

DISCLAIMER:

This document outlines the key responsibilities and requirements of the position currently available. It serves as a summary of the typical functions and is not intended to be an exhaustive or definitive list of duties, responsibilities, or skills required. KWUNWP reserves the right to modify job duties, responsibilities, or the at any time, as deemed necessary.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS:

This document is not an employment contract and does not imply a specific term or condition of employment. KWUNWP may assign additional duties or responsibilities as needed, and employees are expected to adapt to changing requirements and priorities.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and experience to the KWUNWP Board President, [email protected]

Please title submission

“Manager of Operations – Last Name, First Name – Date of Submission”

We thank you in advance for your interest.

Only those invited for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that KWUNWP does not use AI technology for the purpose of screening or assessing applicants.

Disclaimer: Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.

Pay: $50,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge, ON N1R 3R8

📌 Manager of Operations (Cambridge)
🏢 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project
📍 Cambridge