Become a Friend of Farmland

We’re Hiring! Manager of Operations

Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT)
Location: Guelph, Ontario (hybrid – occasional in-person presence expected)
Salary Range: $78,000, plus benefits
Employment Type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), contract
Start Date: July or August, 2026
Term: Three-year position* (end date March 31, 2029)
Application Closing Date: Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST

*This is a new position at Ontario Farmland Trust and is initially funded through a multi-year grant. It is intended to become a permanent position, subject to successful performance, ongoing organizational needs and funding availability.

About Ontario Farmland Trust

Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is a province-wide charitable land trust dedicated to protecting Ontario’s farmland for future generations. We work at the intersection of agriculture, conservation, community engagement, and public policy by partnering with farmers, landowners, municipalities, and organizations across Ontario.

OFT is a small but rapidly growing organization experiencing a period of significant growth and organizational evolution, including expanded land securement activity, new farmland access programming, increased policy and education work, and a shift toward a more regionalized staff structure. This is a moment of institutional maturation; we are seeking a Manager of Operations to help build the systems, standards, and internal coherence required to sustain this momentum. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on implementation, with the opportunity to shape the operational systems that will support OFT’s next stage of development.

Learn more about OFT by visiting www.ontariofarmlandtrust.ca. 

Position Summary

The Manager of Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for strengthening the operational backbone of OFT. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the management team, this position leads the development and improvement of internal systems across finance, human resources, IT, compliance, governance support, and internal coordination.

The Manager of Operations helps translate OFT’s strategic priorities into practical workplans, budgets, processes, accountability structures, and organizational tools that enable staff to do their best work efficiently, consistently, and sustainably. As a trusted partner to the Executive Director, this position provides senior operational leadership across the organization and may serve as a delegated organizational lead or coverage for the Executive Director when required, particularly in relation to internal operations, corporate administration, and cross-functional coordination.

While most management team members report directly to the Executive Director, the Manager of Operations will provide cross-functional operational support to managers and staff across the organization. The position may also supervise staff directly or on an interim basis where operational needs, staffing gaps, or organizational structure require.

This position is ideal for a systems-oriented, mission-driven professional who enjoys building organizational capacity, improving how teams work together, and shaping the operational culture of a growing, high-impact nonprofit.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Organizational Leadership

  • Design, document, and maintain core operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the organization to support consistency and scalability.
  • Support the Executive Director in the development, implementation, and tracking of OFT’s multi-year strategic plan and annual operational plans.
  • Oversee organizational project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) to ensure recurring tasks, cross-functional projects, and strategic priorities are clearly assigned, tracked, and implemented.
  • Lead operational coordination related to OFT’s shift toward a regionalized staff structure, ensuring remote team members are connected, supported, and aligned.
  • Lead OFT’s internal policy review, ensuring policies remain current, accessible, and consistently implemented.
  • Support the Executive Director and management team in developing, reviewing, and coordinating partnership agreements, service agreements, special project contracts, and related operational documentation.
  • Support the assessment and development of organizational improvement initiatives that strengthen OFT’s program delivery capacity, operational sustainability, staff training systems, and long-term strategic impact.
  • Coordinate the internal review of new opportunities, including business development initiatives, alternative revenue generation, fee-for-service models, strategic partnerships, and program development opportunities, ensuring risks, resource needs, budgets, roles, timelines, and implementation requirements are clearly assessed before decisions are finalized.
  • Ensure approved initiatives include clear implementation plans, accountability structures, and evaluation processes to assess effectiveness and inform future decision-making.
  • Identify, assess, and help resolve operational issues raised by staff or managers, escalating matters to the Executive Director where appropriate.
  • Provide direct or interim supervision to staff as required, particularly where operational needs, staffing gaps, or cross-functional responsibilities require temporary management support.

2. Financial & Resource Stewardship

  • Oversee financial processes, including staff reimbursements, documentation, and financial tracking systems.
  • Ensure revenue and expenses are accurately coded to general ledger accounts, project codes, and program areas to support financial reporting, fundraising, budgeting, and internal decision-making.
  • Support the Executive Director with annual budgeting, financial planning, variance monitoring, audit preparation, and program-level revenue and expense reporting.
  • Ensure operational tools, templates, and tracking systems are effective and aligned with financial reporting needs, including the ability to generate program-level insights for internal planning, fundraising, and Board reporting.
  • Manage organizational procurement processes in alignment with OFT’s purchasing policies and delegated approval authorities.
  • Support financial continuity in the absence of the Executive Director by reviewing and approving financial documentation within delegated authority, including cheque, EFT, reimbursement, procurement, invoice, and payment approval processes, and by serving as a signing officer where appropriate and in accordance with OFT policies.

3. Human Resources, Staffing & Employee Support

  • Maintain and improve HR policies, employment contracts, employee records, job descriptions, compliance documentation, and related HR systems.
  • Lead and continuously improve onboarding and offboarding processes, including new staff orientation, technology setup, workstation readiness, system access, and departure procedures.
  • Support the Executive Director and management team with staffing plans, succession planning, organizational charts, responsibility mapping, performance review cycles, staff surveys, 360° reviews, and leadership development systems.
  • Administer staff support processes, including group benefits, leave tracking, lieu time, disability claim coordination, training and certification records, and related HR documentation.
  • Support hiring managers with recruitment administration, including job postings, interview scheduling, candidate communications, onboarding preparation, and internal administrative coordination.
  • Support employee journey mapping that strengthens staff clarity, growth, accountability, and engagement.

4. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Support corporate governance processes, including Board and committee meeting logistics, AGM preparation, annual resolutions, Board portal administration, minute book maintenance, annual filings, compliance reminders, and related governance documentation systems.
  • Provide operational, procedural, and governance support to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Board committees to support effective decision-making, documentation, and follow-through. 
  • Maintain the organizational Risk Register and support the identification, tracking, and mitigation of operational, governance, compliance, and organizational risks.
  • Oversee insurance renewals, including Directors and Officers insurance and General Liability insurance, and maintain legal and corporate document archiving systems.
  • Support the leadership team with adherence to Canadian Land Trust Standards & Practices and the pursuit or maintenance of strategic organizational certifications.
  • Oversee health and safety requirements, including OHSA-related obligations for both office and remote work environments.
  • Ensure documentation, filing systems, and compliance processes support accountability, continuity, regulatory obligations, and organizational best practices.

5. Technology, Data, CRM & Office Systems

  • Oversee organizational technology systems, platforms, subscriptions, and vendor relationships to ensure they meet operational needs and are used effectively across the organization.
  • Establish and maintain protocols for IT equipment, cybersecurity, data access, user permissions, software administration, and digital records management.
  • Lead the design and ethical governance of AI tools and automations to improve efficiency while maintaining standards for privacy, transparency, data security, and responsible use.
  • Provide staff training, user guides, and support to strengthen digital literacy, consistent tool adoption, and effective use of organizational systems, including project management and communications platforms.
  • Support the exploration, selection, implementation, and ongoing improvement of CRM and database systems in collaboration with the Resource Development Manager and other staff leads.
  • Act as a systems integrator and project manager to ensure technology, CRM, financial, communications, fundraising, and operational systems are aligned and interoperable where possible.
  • Manage and oversee OFT’s office space, including equipment, supplies, workstation setup, inventory systems, office protocols, phone/VOIP systems, desk booking systems, and other tools that support an effective hybrid workplace.

6. Internal Communications & Coordination

  • Design triggers and workflows that ensure smooth transitions between departments (e.g., land protection → communications → stewardship/celebration).
  • Support alignment of key inter-programmatic messaging and organizational priorities that are accessible for staff and Board members.
  • Act as a senior internal collaborator who can see the “pan-organizational web” and help teams coordinate effectively, including supporting the Executive Director with the Board of Directors.
  • Support the development and maintenance of internal briefing tools, templates, and communications systems that ensure staff have consistent and accessible information for fundraising, grant applications, outreach, and external communications.
  • Support the Executive Director in preparing and presenting operational and risk reports to the Board of Directors as required.

Additional operational responsibilities may evolve as OFT continues to grow and strengthen its internal systems.

Required Experience, Skills & Attributes

Experience

  • 5+ years of progressive experience in operations, administration, systems management, organizational leadership, or a related field.
  • Working in a nonprofit, charitable, public benefit, or mission-driven organization (experience in agriculture or conservation/land trusts is an asset).
  • Designing, improving, and implementing organizational systems, processes, policies, workflows, or internal operating procedures.
  • Supporting financial processes, budgeting, procurement, reporting, or resource stewardship in an organizational setting.
  • Supporting human resources administration, recruitment, onboarding, staff support systems, performance processes, or employment documentation.
  • Working with senior leadership, management teams, Boards of Directors, committees, or governance-related processes.
  • Coordinating cross-functional projects, supporting change management, and helping teams adopt new tools, processes, or systems.
  • Advancing technology platforms, project management tools, databases, CRMs, digital transformation projects, or vendor relationships.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong systems thinking, with the ability to translate organizational complexity into clear, practical, and usable workflows.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, track responsibilities, manage timelines, and support follow-through across teams.
  • Strong judgment and discretion, including the ability to exercise delegated authority appropriately and know when to escalate matters.
  • Strong understanding of financial processes, HR systems, governance support, compliance, and organizational administration.
  • Ability to review agreements, contracts, policies, procedures, and operational documents with attention to clarity, risk, accountability, and implementation requirements.
  • Comfort with technology, data management, automation tools, project management platforms, and emerging AI applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation, procedures, reports, and internal communications.
  • Ability to lead, build trust across teams, create clarity, and help move strategy into implementation.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Board members, partners, funders, service providers, and senior leaders in other organizations.
  • Ability to balance autonomy with collaboration in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Valid Class “G” driver’s licence in good standing and access to a reliable vehicle.

Attributes

  • Mission-aligned, with a commitment to farmland protection, community impact, and OFT’s charitable purpose.
  • Systems-oriented, practical, and solutions-focused.
  • Calm, steady, and thoughtful in a growing and evolving organization.
  • Able to bring structure, consistency, and accountability without being rigid.
  • Comfortable working in a role that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on implementation.
  • Curious, adaptable, and open to finding better ways of doing things.
  • Trustworthy, discreet, and able to handle confidential information with care.

Assets

  • Understanding of Ontario’s agricultural, conservation, land use planning, or charitable nonprofit sectors. 
  • Knowledge of the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices.
  • Experience with nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, project codes, restricted funds, or charity financial reporting.
  • Experience with health and safety systems, OHSA requirements, WSIB requirements, or hybrid workplace administration.

Compensation & Work Environment

  • Salary: $78,000 per year
  • Benefits: Comprehensive group benefits package and professional development support.
  • Flexibility: Hybrid work model with a balance of remote work and in-person collaboration in Guelph, ON.
  • Culture: A collaborative, high-trust environment with significant autonomy to shape the organization’s future.
  • Details: The weekly schedule is generally Monday-Friday and can accommodate a flexible work arrangement, however occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

How to Apply

Please forward your cover letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Martin Straathof via e-mail at [email protected] by Monday, June 8 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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