Director, Programs and Operations

Position: Director, Programs and Operations
Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)

Location: Remote
Reports to: President & CEO
Position Type: Full-Time

The Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC), established in 2009, is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, operating as a national HUB dedicated to fostering connectivity, building capacity in science and innovation policy in Canada. CSPC envisions a dynamic and inclusive science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy ecosystem that maximizes Canada’s socio-economic potential for all Canadians. 

VISION: An interconnected, dynamic, and inclusive science, technology, and innovation policy ecosystem that unlocks Canada’s full socio-economic potential for the benefit of all Canadians.

MISSION: CSPC’s mission is to serve as an inclusive and national hub that connects sectors, regions, and communities, mobilizes and disseminates knowledge, and develops human competencies in pursuit of a more effective and efficient STI policy ecosystem

Website: https://sciencepolicy.ca

As CSPC continues to expand its national reach and programming, we are seeking an experienced and highly organized Director of Programs and Operations to lead the execution and delivery of our growing portfolio of activities.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Programs and Operations will help translate organizational priorities into action plans, coordinate staff and volunteers, manage projects and deliverables, oversee operational systems, and ensure the successful execution of CSPC's activities throughout the year.

The Director of Programs and Operations is a senior managerial role responsible that combines leadership with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will be both a strategic manager and a hands-on operator, overseeing and managing multiple initiatives while actively supporting implementation and execution.

Program and Project Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of CSPC's programs and strategic initiatives. 
• Develop and oversee annual work plans, timelines, milestones, budgets, and deliverables. 
• Manage multiple projects from concept through implementation and evaluation. 
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement timely solutions. 
• Ensure all activities remain aligned with CSPC's strategic priorities. 
• Support the development and launch of new initiatives and programs. 

Conference and Event Operations

• Lead the operational planning and delivery of CSPC's programs. 
• Ensure operational requirements are effectively integrated into program development. 
• Support the development of conference content and other CSPC events. 
• Lead event execution and troubleshoot operational issues in real time.     

Organizational Coordination

• Coordinate activities and communications across programs, staff, contractors, volunteers, committees, and external partners.
• Develop and maintain project management systems and workflows.
• Improve organizational efficiency and communication processes.
• Monitor progress across initiatives and ensure accountability for deliverables.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and support program coordinators, project staff, and volunteers. 
• Support project development through coaching, feedback, and performance management. 

• Allocate workloads and resources across projects.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.

Partnership and Stakeholder Coordination

• Support operational aspects of relationships with sponsors, funders, partners, and collaborators.
• Coordinate partnership deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Represent CSPC in meetings and engagements with external stakeholders when required.

Organizational Systems and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and improve internal systems, processes, and procedures.
• Manage operational tools, databases, project tracking systems, and digital platforms.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Support the implementation of CSPC's Strategic Plan through operational excellence.

Education: 

• Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field: project management, public policy, business administration.

Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, project management, event management, program delivery, or organizational leadership.
• Extensive experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating diverse teams.
• Experience delivering conferences, events, stakeholder engagement initiatives, or large-scale programs.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

Strong Assets

• Experience working in the non-profits, higher education, research, innovation, or public policy sectors.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent. 
• Bilingualism (English and French).

Project and Operational Leadership; 

• Strategic planning, Project management, and execution.
• Leading multidisciplinary teams and supervising staff.
• Developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, moving projects from concept to completion.
• Overseeing organizational budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Planning and delivering conferences or large-scale events are highly desirable
• Working with government, academia, industry, or nonprofit organizations
• Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Experience with project management software
• Experience with grant management, funding agreements, reporting, and compliance is an asset.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Team leadership and staff development, coaching, and mentoring 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience managing performance and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Communication

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, government officials, researchers, sponsors, and partners.
• Ability to prepare executive reports, Board materials, and funding reports.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and dependable.
• Solutions-oriented and resourceful.
• Comfortable working in a small, agile and entrepreneurial organization.
• Willing to be hands-on and contribute wherever needed.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.     
• Highly proactive with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented. 
• Results-driven with strong accountability.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in dynamic environments.
• Passionate about advancing science, innovation, and public policy in Canada.   

The Director of Programs and Operations will thrive in a small, dynamic organization where leadership involves both strategic oversight and direct involvement in day-to-day execution. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between high-level planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and operational problem-solving as needed.

• Full-time, remote position
  
• Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience
  
• Remote working environment, but residing in the National Capital Region (Ottawa) is an asset 
• Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada
  

Please submit your RESUME and COVER LETTER via the CSPC website: 

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

CSPC invites applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society and especially welcome applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas. If you require any accommodation to participate in any aspect of the hiring process, please contact us at [email protected].

We thank everyone for their expression of interest and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying. However, due to time limitations, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.