Executive Director of Operations – MEET

MANITOBA EMPLOYMENT ESSENTIALS AND TRAINING (MEET); Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MEET seeks an Executive Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and oversee MEET Inc. Reporting to the CEO, the role manages six direct reports and drives Skills for Success training and assessments to foster sustainable employment and community growth.

The role leads governance, partnerships, and operational oversight, shaping budgets, performance metrics, and service delivery across Manitoba.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, or a related field (Master’s degree an asset).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit, education, or workforce development environment. Experience in Adult Education an asset.
• Proven success in strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and lead diverse teams.
• Experience working with and understanding of non-profit governance practices.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and results-driven decision-making.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to MEET’s mission and values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel within Manitoba as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure MEET’s mission, values, and objectives are achieved.
• Lead organizational planning and the execution of the strategic and operational plans.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set organizational priorities, measure performance, and ensure accountability.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Directors of Operations and other senior team members to ensure excellence in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee the administration, programming, and operations of MEET’s regional and provincial service delivery.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between locations to ensure consistency and efficiency in service delivery.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and reporting requirements.
• Support continuous improvement by fostering a culture of innovation, reflection, and results-based management.
• Apply creativity and innovation to diverse environments, developing effective solutions and new approaches to emerging challenges.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand MEET’s services, partnerships, and funding streams.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in workforce development, essential skills, and labour market needs to ensure MEET remains a leader in its field.
• Represent MEET in public, government, and industry forums to enhance visibility and community impact, and as a credible and trusted partner in Manitoba’s workforce and training sectors.
• Other duties as assigned by Chief Executive Officer.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Governance

Partnership development

Operational oversight

Financial management

Communication

Mentoring

Non-profit governance

Travel within Manitoba

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

MEET is looking for an Executive Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and overall management of Manitoba Employment Essentials and Training (MEET) Inc. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this key leadership role will oversee a team of six direct reports. The role will advance MEET’s mission to deliver Skills for Success training and assessments that foster sustainable employment and community growth.

Oversees all organizational operations, ensures effective governance, manages funding partnerships, and leads a high-performing team dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and impact. Operating with integrity and vision, the Executive Director upholds MEET’s core values of leadership, collaboration, customer service, and innovation while acting in the best interests of learners, partners, and staff.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, or a related field (Master’s degree an asset).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit, education, or workforce development environment. Experience in Adult Education an asset.
• Proven success in strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and lead diverse teams.
• Experience working with and understanding of non-profit governance practices.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and results-driven decision-making.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to MEET’s mission and values.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel within Manitoba as required.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure MEET’s mission, values, and objectives are achieved.
• Lead organizational planning and the execution of the strategic and operational plans.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set organizational priorities, measure performance, and ensure accountability.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Directors of Operations and other senior team members to ensure excellence in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Oversee the administration, programming, and operations of MEET’s regional and provincial service delivery.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between locations to ensure consistency and efficiency in service delivery.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and reporting requirements.
• Support continuous improvement by fostering a culture of innovation, reflection, and results-based management.
• Apply creativity and innovation to diverse environments, developing effective solutions and new approaches to emerging challenges.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand MEET’s services, partnerships, and funding streams.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in workforce development, essential skills, and labour market needs to ensure MEET remains a leader in its field.
• Represent MEET in public, government, and industry forums to enhance visibility and community impact, and as a credible and trusted partner in Manitoba’s workforce and training sectors.
• Other duties as assigned by Chief Executive Officer.

Leadership and Team Development

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture rooted in collaboration, respect, and accountability.
• Support a culture of respect, inclusion, and transparency.
• Serve as the primary liaison between MEET’s Chief Executive Officer and the organization’s staff.
• Model effective leadership by promoting teamwork, communication, and continuous learning, while providing direction, guidance, and mentorship to team members to encourage professional growth and effective performance.
• Establish clear individual and team goals, monitor progress, and ensure the timely completion of deliverables.
• Encourage participative decision-making and maintain open communication throughout the organization.
• Identify staff development needs and coordinate opportunities for skill-building and training.
• Champion MEET’s reputation as a leader in Skills for Success programming through advocacy, outreach, and public engagement.

Management and Administration

• Prepare and present regular reports to the Chief Executive Officer on operations, project finances, and strategic progress.
• Provide policy advice and recommendations to support sound governance and informed decision-making.
• Ensure Chief Executive Officer directives and strategic goals are effectively implemented throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with the HR Manager to oversee key HR functions—including recruitment, onboarding, training, workplace safety, performance management, compensation, and compliance—while ensuring appropriate policies and practices are in place to support staff recruitment, retention, professional development, and overall performance.
• Partner with the Communications Manager to support marketing and promotional initiatives, including digital materials and presentations.
• Collaborate with Chief Executive Officer and Finance to ensure MEET’s financial health through sound budgeting, fiscal management, and reporting practices.
• Work with the Finance and Operations teams to prepare and manage annual budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure alignment with funding agreements.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders, ensuring compliance with reporting and contractual obligations.

Type: Full Time (37.5 hrs per week)

The successful applicant will be based on-site in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Successful applicant will be required to provide the results of the below listed safety check.

• Criminal Record Check

To know more about MEET (WEM,ESM,WPLAR) please visit About WEM - Workplace Education Manitoba

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process.

This position will remain open until filled.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.