Director of Operations

Job Description

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) supports, connects, and promotes a diverse and dynamic membership committed to delivering industry-leading aerospace and defence (A&D) solutions to the world. Representing a diverse membership of industry, academia, and government partners, ACADA works to advance regional competitiveness, support innovation, and strengthen engagement with provincial, federal, and international stakeholders. Through custom services and programming in direct response to market needs, ACADA helps members and our region innovate future potential for positive global impact.

The Opportunity

The Director of Operations is a trusted strategic and operational partner to the CEO and Board of Directors. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for the smooth, compliant, and efficient functioning of the organization’s operations, finance, administration, and people processes.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive leader who thrives in a small, mission-driven organization and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. You will bring structure, clarity, and discipline to operations—enabling ACADA to deliver on its strategy, support its members, and scale its impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO on financial, administrative, and operational matters.
• Proactively prepare and share reports, dashboards, briefings, and performance metrics.
• Support development of revenue-generating initiatives tied to membership, events, and value-added programming.
• Identify and implement operational improvements across finance, administration, and human resources.
• Lead annual budgeting and planning processes in collaboration with the CEO.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the CEO and Board.
• Monitor cash flow, forecasts, variances, and recommend corrective actions as required.
• Manage government and industry funding agreements, including claims, reporting, and project tracking.
• Oversee all accounting and bookkeeping functions, including:
  • Bank and credit card reconciliations
  • Accounts payable and receivable
  • Payroll administration
  • GST/HST filings
    Contract-based financial reporting
• Prepare year-end financials and work directly with external auditors through audit completion.
• Participate in the Finance & Audit Committee alongside the CEO and Board members.

People & Office Management>

Operational Excellence

• Ensure strong version control, records management, and organizational file integrity.
• Maintain smooth day-to-day operations across all functions.
• Stay informed on industry, regulatory, and not-for-profit governance trends impacting ACADA.

About You

As the ideal candidate, you are a highly organized, strategic operations leader with a strong foundation in business, finance, and people management. You bring at least five years of experience in operational and/or financial management, including a minimum of three years in a leadership role. You have a bachelor’s degree in Business or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) with demonstrated strong financial and operational acumen. Possessing a keen eye for detail and a disciplined, process-driven approach to work, you are a clear and confident communicator—both written and verbal. Known for your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team environment. You thrive in roles that require accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Experience in a not-for-profit, association, or publicly funded organization is considered an asset.

This is a remote position that requires the successful candidate to live within HRM or St. John’s. Local and international travel is required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their experience and interest in the role to Shardeigh McGillivray at shardeigh@venor.ca and Anna Bryant at anna@venor.ca

ACADA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.