Manager, Operations and Governance

About TICAN

Talent Innovation Canada (TICAN) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing strategic R&D challenges by connecting industry with research talent to strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Through industry-driven graduate research partnerships, TICAN helps companies accelerate advanced technology development, commercialize intellectual property, and build long-term R&D capacity. At the same time, it develops a pipeline of highly skilled talent that strengthens Canada’s global competitiveness.

TICAN launched in late 2025 and is building the team required to deliver this impactful vision. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the inaugural Manager, Operations and Governance will play a critical role in building the organizational infrastructure required to support a growing national organization.

This position will lead the development and implementation of corporate operations, governance, administrative, and people processes that enable TICAN to operate effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with its funding and governance obligations. The successful candidate will serve as the primary coordinator for the Board of Directors and its committees, while also overseeing key operational functions including human resources administration, financial administration, vendor management, technology coordination, and organizational policies and procedures.

As part of a rapidly growing start-up organization, the incumbent must be comfortable with ambiguity, excited by the opportunity to establish new systems and processes and motivated by the challenge of building a high-performing organization from the ground up.

• Coordinate all Board of Directors and committee meetings, including scheduling, agendas, meeting materials, minutes, and action item tracking
• Maintain corporate records and governance documentation
• Develop and maintain annual governance calendars, board workplans, and committee schedules
• Support board recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and ongoing governance processes
• Ensure governance practices align with organizational bylaws, policies, and funding obligations
• Maintain a centralized repository of board resolutions, policies, and corporate records

• Build and maintain organizational processes, policies, and procedures to support efficient operations
• Develop systems and workflows that enable organizational growth and scalability
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, procurement activities, and organizational service providers
• Coordinate technology, software, and administrative resources required by staff
• Support organizational risk management, business continuity planning, and compliance activities
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and implement solutions to increase organizational effectiveness

• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding activities
• Maintain employee records and HR documentation
• Coordinate employee benefits administration and relationships with external service providers
• Support the development and implementation of people policies and organizational culture initiatives
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment legislation and organizational policies

• Support organizational budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting activities
• Coordinate with external bookkeeping and accounting providers to ensure timely and accurate financial information
• Monitor operational budgets and assist with variance tracking and reporting
• Support grant reporting, audits, and funder compliance requirements
• Assist with organizational planning, performance reporting, and key metrics tracking
• Prepare operational reports and dashboards for management and the Board of Directors

• Contribute to annual planning, operational planning, and organizational performance measurement
• Build systems and processes that enable TICAN to scale from a start-up organization to a nationally recognized sector leader
• Identify emerging organizational needs and recommend…