Program Manager, Business Operations

Job Description

Job Description

The Program Manager, Business Operations, oversees the business and financial affairs of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat, including financial resources, budgeting, purchasing, and personnel support, to advance the objectives of the Scarborough Charter and the key priorities of the Inter-Institutional Forum membership. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the core Secretariat functions, interpret and apply relevant policies, lead special projects as assigned, and contribute to other significant business and strategic planning initiatives of the Secretariat.

Reporting to the Executive Director, some of the key functions of the Program Manager include:

• Coordinate the daily business and financial operations of the Secretariat, which include managing budgets, tracking expenses, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations

• Oversee business operations, manage resources, and implement business practices, including monitoring, forecasting, and reporting against approved operating budgets

• Build relationships with the Inter-Institutional Forum (Charter’s signatory members) across the country, specific to the administration of the annual membership dues, invoice management, and accounts reconciliation

• Lead the purchasing and processing of goods and services at the Secretariat, ensure proper inventory management, and adhere to applicable procurement policies and procedures

• Support the Scarborough Charter’s auditor regarding accounts review, internal controls, transactions, enterprise risk management, and other related requirements, in support of the annual audited financial statement process

• Support the payroll system and staff expense claims, giving strong attention to details, due diligence, and excellence in business operations

• Embody the professional practice of reporting and analysis, including preparation of reports, analyzing data, and providing useful insights to staff, Forum members, and Board leadership

• Manage relationships with funders and other key partners, including presentation and providing relevant financial data and metrics to support new business cases and funding opportunities

• Lead special projects relating to the business operations of the Secretariat, as determined by the Executive Director based on business needs and/or as directed by the Board of Directors

• Support personnel planning, recruitment, and management, as determined and applicable

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Your Qualifications and Experiences

· A degree or diploma in relevant fields, such as Business, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Analysis, Project Management, Sciences, Engineering, or a related field

· Working knowledge of business operations, such as accounting, finance, procurement, risk management, continuous improvement, and related policies and procedures

· Professional designations and certifications in relevant areas (or working towards them), such as CMA, CRM, CBAP, PMP, LSSBB, etc, would be considered a strong asset

· Demonstrated understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism issues, especially within sectors such as education, public service or community organizations, would be considered an asset

· Experience in presenting business cases and/or reports with data components, at formal settings such as boards, committees, agencies, senior management, and related tables

· Excellent interpersonal and time management skills, including the ability to be creative, diplomatic, think logically, follow applicable organizational policies, and work independently and as part of a team

· Please Note: Equivalencies to experiences and qualifications will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalencies.

What We Offer and Working Requirements

· A respectful, inclusive, collaborative, supportive, innovative and results-driven work environment, where you will be part of a new team driving change and creativity in support of the higher education sector

· Physical work location is based in Ottawa (Carleton University), with room for hybrid work environment (meaning 3 days at the physical office, and 2 days from home office. Please note that this is not a fully remote position)

· Vacation, pension plan, and extended health insurance and benefits based on individual staff needs and requirements

· Salary is $75,000 - $85,000, with annual cost of living increments as operationally determined.

· Expected start date is October 2025.

\nCompany Description

Launched in 2021 by a community of Canadian colleges and universities, the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education is more than an agreement among member institutions. It is a unifying and concrete undertaking to redress systems and structures of inequity, discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion in the higher education sector that disproportionately affect Black faculty, staff, students and visitors in the academy and their communities. The Scarborough Charter serves as a guide for concerted and principled action for enabling a more inclusive higher education sector and society in Canada and beyond. The Scarborough Charter was incorporated as a Canadian non-profit organization in April 2025 and is based in Ottawa, with currently 59 signatory members across Canada (51 universities and eight colleges).

Company Description

Launched in 2021 by a community of Canadian colleges and universities, the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education is more than an agreement among member institutions. It is a unifying and concrete undertaking to redress systems and structures of inequity, discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion in the higher education sector that disproportionately affect Black faculty, staff, students and visitors in the academy and their communities. The Scarborough Charter serves as a guide for concerted and principled action for enabling a more inclusive higher education sector and society in Canada and beyond. The Scarborough Charter was incorporated as a Canadian non-profit organization in April 2025 and is based in Ottawa, with currently 59 signatory members across Canada (51 universities and eight colleges).