Operational Manager

Operations Manager at Focus on Nature

Do you love nature, children, and the arts? Interested in working in the arts-education field and ready to develop the skills that will allow you to progress your career? If so, you might be the ideal candidate to join our team! We are looking for an exceptional candidate who is well-suited for a dynamic and growing educational program like ours.

About Us

Focus on Nature is an Ontario Non-profit Corporation and Registered Charity whose mission is to inspire young people to explore and connect with nature through photography. With government grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and programming fees, we have touched the lives of over 32,000 children in the last 15 years. As the popularity of our program grows, we will continue to expand our reach, providing more Canadian children with a renewed connection to the natural world.

The Job

Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate for this position will manage all aspects of our educational programs in Hamilton, Niagara, Dufferin-Peel, Halton, Guelph-Wellington, Waterloo, and Toronto Regions, plus new regions as they develop. Currently our programs include school-based workshops and day camps in nature photography.

Guided by the Vision, Mission and Values of Focus on Nature, the Operational Manager will maintain and enhance the reputation for excellence and trustworthiness that Focus on Nature has built in the communities it serves.

The Responsibilities

• Oversee the team that delivers Focus on Nature workshop and camp programs, leading with passion, integrity and a focus on execution.
• Hands on management within a lean team that may include auditing workshops, training new team members and stepping in to support on site programs when required.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure a robust feedback loop on program delivery challenges, successes and improvements.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing and developing team members.
• Maintain equipment and supplies for program delivery.
• Provide effective and prompt communications with the Focus on Nature program stakeholders such as school board staff, principals, teachers, parents, volunteers and community groups.
• Maintain and update online documents, calendars, forms and databases on Google Drive, and other digital platforms. Support various marketing and program expansion initiatives.
• Collaborate with Focus on Nature Board Committees as needed.
• Organize, facilitate and attend special events such as Photo Exhibits and Fundraisers.

The Qualifications

• University or college degree in related field, or equivalent experience desired.
• Experience working with school-age children in educational environments.
• Experience conducting workshops, presentations, or seminars in various settings.
• Interest and experience in photography, art, or nature studies preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills acquired through experience managing, motivating, training and leading staff.
• A working knowledge of Google Workspace and strong computer skills with experience using products and services such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and Zoom or similar.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a range of stakeholders on a variety of issues.
• The successful candidate must obtain a satisfactory Police Records Check for Vulnerable Sector.
• Reliable mode of transportation (private vehicle) required and valid Ontario driver’s license.
• Ability to transfer equipment to various program sites (schools and camps).

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply directly to FoN-Hiring@outlook.com and should include a cover letter along with a current resume. Please reference the role you are applying for in the cover letter.

Focus on Nature is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Standard hours with some weekend or evening work occasionally required.

Work Location: Majority of the time spent on client work sites (schools), balance completed remotely. Candidates must reside within Focus on Nature’s area of operation.

Expected start date: As soon as possible