Mennonite Disaster Service is seeking a full-time Director of Project Operations to provide strategic leadership for the Field Operations teams and projects. The Director will ensure operational excellence through overseeing the planning, coordination, and evaluation of disaster response and rebuilding initiatives. As a key member of the MDS Leadership Team, the Director of Project Operations will also contribute to organizational strategy, growth initiatives, and long-term planning. This individual will cultivate a culture that reflects MDS’s core values of service, teamwork, and compassion, while promoting collaboration and continuous improvement across the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep passion for the mission and vision of Mennonite Disaster Service, along with genuine enthusiasm for strengthening partnerships and building relationships both externally and within the MDS community.
Provides strategic leadership and oversight of all operational functions of the Project Operations Department, including staff, programs, and financial objectives with 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 Administration), 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
Steward the Partners in Mission (PIM) agreement as applies to their department with MDS Canada
Serve as a representative on the Executive Council and other leadership teams as required
Lead the Risk Management team to identify and evaluate risks to MDS and implement measures to manage these risks
Attend Board of Directors meetings as requested
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and support the managers in the Project Operations Department, fostering a collaborative and high performing environment
Provide leadership to develop and implement the operational plan for each team in the Project Operations Department
Oversee operations across Project Operations teams, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows and compliance with organization policies and procedures
Oversee Project Operations programs, resources, finances, and budgeting
Networking with Partners
Build and maintain relationships with MDS operational partners
Serve as MDS member representative to National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
Other tasks
Participate in unit and region meetings as needed
Visit project locations to obtain knowledge of disaster response and volunteer engagement
Visit new major disaster sites when deemed appropriate
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, volunteer engagement)
Six years of experience in program development, disaster response, or project management
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Emergency Management, or 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’s 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 at a computer terminal and occasional travel to project sites which may involve field conditions
Work environment: With the use of normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting rooms, and in commercial vehicles, there is little risk of danger
