Director of Administration (DA) – Mennonite Disaster Service
×
Director of Administration (DA)
Posted: January 9, 2026
Location: Director of Administration (DA)
Term: Full-Time/Exempt Position
Mennonite Disaster Service is seeking a full-time Director of Administration to provide strategic leadership and oversight for all administrative functions including finance, human resources, information technology, and regional administration. As a key member of the MDS Leadership Team, the Director of Administration will ensure smooth and efficient daily operations, uphold compliance with organizational policies, and drive continuous improvement across departments. This role also plays a vital part in shaping organizational strategy, supporting growth initiatives, and contributing to long-term planning. The ideal candidate will foster a collaborative culture rooted in MDS’s core values of service, teamwork, and compassion, while empowering staff and volunteers to achieve excellence in mission delivery.
Provides strategic leadership and oversight of all operational functions of the Administration Department, including staff, programs, and financial objectives within the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) vision and mission.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Executive Director (ED)
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Implementation
As a member of the Executive team (Executive Director, Director of Resource Development and Director of Project Operations), work to develop, lead and implement strategies and operational programs to carry out the mission and vision of MDS
Collaborate with other directors and departments to achieve operational objectives
Serve as staff representative on the Board Governance Committee
Serve as a representative on the Executive Council and other leadership teams as required
Steward the Covenant Status and Bylaws of MDS units and regions
Steward the Partners in Mission (PIM) agreement as applies to their department with MDS Canada
Serve as part of the Risk Management team led by the Director of Project Operations to identify and evaluate risks to MDS within Administration Department and implement measures to manage these risks
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor and support managers and Regional Administrators in the Administration Department to foster a collaborative, high-performing environment
Guide the development and implementation of the operational plans for each team aligned with the long-term administrative strategy of MDS
Oversee operations across Administration teams, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows and compliance with organization policies and procedures
Oversee Administration programs, resources, finances and budgeting
Other tasks
Serve as backup to ED for up to 120 days (per Policy for Executive Director Interim Leadership Plan)
Participate in unit and region meetings as needed
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Knowledge of and passion for the MDS mission, vision and core values
Commitment to the Anabaptist faith and peace position and active in an Anabaptist church
Demonstrated commitment to the MDS lifestyle expectations and Anabaptist shared Convictions as outlined in the Employee Policy Handbook
Minimum of six years of experience in people centered leadership (strategy and planning, team development, collaborative mindset, conflict resolution)
Minimum of six years of experience in management, non-profit administration, or finance
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or a related field
Aware of and familiar with the vast range of MDS constituency & culture
One or more years of experience working with people of another culture
Essential Skills
Strong team leader with demonstrated ability to inspire and lead a team to effect change and adapt systems to emerging needs
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
Ability to function well as a team player
Capacity to align department goals with broader organizational strategy
High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity
Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to servant leadership
Proven conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Sensitivity and ability to relate to MDS’ diverse constituent groups
Proficiency with Microsoft office suite and other common collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams)
Availability and willingness to travel approximately 20% time
Physical requirement: Work is mostly sedentary with long periods on the phone and at a computer terminal
Work environment: With the use of normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting rooms, and in commercial vehicles, there is little risk of danger
