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.

Position Summary 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. Key Responsibilities: Governance and Board Support 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

Operations and Administration 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

Human Resources Administration 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

Financial Administration and Organizational Planning 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

Strategic Operations Support 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 solutions to support long-term success

Qualifications A university degree is required; graduate degree or governance-related certification would be considered an asset Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in operations, governance, administration, corporate services, or a related field Demonstrated experience managing organizational operations, corporate services, governance, or business administration functions Experience supporting Boards of Directors, committees, and governance processes Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines Exceptional written communication skills, including the preparation of board materials, reports, policies, and meeting minutes Experience developing and implementing operational processes and systems

Assets Knowledge of the Canadian post-secondary, public sector, innovation, or research ecosystem Proficiency in both French and English Knowledge of human resources administration and organizational policies Experience supporting budgeting, financial administration, and vendor management activities Strong project management and problem-solving skills Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders Highly collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment Self-starter who is comfortable working remotely within a team Excitement about the opportunity to build systems, processes, and organizational capabilities from scratch Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable developing plans and executing day-to-day operational activities

Location · Remote within Canada, with occasional travel for partner meetings and events.

To apply for this role, please email your latest CV to hr@ticanada.ca. The subject line should read; “TICAN Manager, Operations and Governance application.” Please add a brief note expressing the reason for your interest and your suitability for the role.