Director of Operations

The New Farm Centre is a registered charity dedicated to demonstrating and advocating for a regenerative farming system that mitigates climate change, fosters healthy ecosystems and communities, and improves farmer livelihoods. We are first and foremost a working farm. In addition to growing regenerative organic certified vegetables and raising livestock, we operate experiential education programs, donate the majority of the food grown on the farm to a network of good food organizations, partner with farmers and landowners in our area to promote regenerative practices, and work on policy initiatives to spread regenerative agriculture across Canada.

The New Farm Centre seeks a passionate and detail-oriented finance and HR leader with an appetite for growth and innovation. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will play a key role in building the regenerative food movement by developing our impactful and high-performing organization. The Director of Operations will lead the Centre’s financial strategy and will manage a $3.6 million annual operating budget. They will lead a human resources approach centred on collective leadership and a culture of belonging for our extremely mission-driven team – ten permanent and eight seasonal staff with diverse job responsibilities. The Director of Operations will also oversee risk management, provide board governance support, and oversee the management of several beautiful and functional facilities on our farm, from our commercial kitchen and state-of-the‑art convening space to our wash‑pack facility and barn. The Director of Operations will also lead significant infrastructure development over the next few years. This person will play a key role in ensuring that our growing organization is resilient and sustainable, is in compliance with regulatory requirements, and is a top‑tier employer and steward of charitable resources.

Responsibilities

Finance and Administration:

Lead budgeting and financial management, including budget development and oversight, cash flow and investment management, financial reporting, and risk management.

In collaboration with the rest of the senior leadership team, lead strategy and target‑setting for revenue generating enterprises, including events and farm sales.

Provide financial analysis related to fundraising and revenue‑generating programs.

Identify key financial needs, create financial projections, and report on financial performance.

Support the Executive Director in fundraising strategy and implementation, including the development of a major capital campaign.

Oversee annual tax audit and regulatory compliance.

Ensure the organization has the necessary insurance and administrative support to accomplish its mission.

Human Resources:

Oversee strategy and implementation of recruitmentment and hiring processes, performance review processes, and employee engagement initiatives.

Supervise administration of employee benefits, including health and pension / GRSP benefits.

Lead strategy for Health & Safety and risk management initiatives.

Information Technology:

Ensure appropriate and effective hardware, software, and cyber security.

Manage necessary software licenses.

Ensure effective document management across the organization.

Facilities and Infrastructure Oversight:

Oversee proper management of existing and developing facilities and convening operations, including events, professional kitchen space, farm worker housing, farm house, and farm infrastructure.

Lead operations needs for new infrastructure development, including the design and build of a state‑of‑the‑art convening centre on site.

Board Governance:

Lead financial reporting to the board, including presentations at board meetings.

Develop appropriate Board governance materials and necessary policies and procedures as needed.

Ensure board support with materials, agendas and minutes.

Risk Management:

Evaluate and mitigate organizational risks, developing and implementing appropriate risk management strategies.

Leadership:

Manage direct reports, including the Operations Manager and Events Manager.

Participate in strategic decision‑making for the organization as one of four members of the senior leadership team.

Coordinate effective communication across the organization to ensure clarity, information sharing and adequate support.

Decision Making/Accountability Makes critical decisions related to organizational strategies, resource allocation, and policy implementation. Accountable for the overall performance and success of the functions under their supervision.

Contacts/Interpersonal Skills Engages with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, board members, donors, government officials, and