ethree Consulting is proud to partner with the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction & Response Network (MEOPAR) in their search for a Director of Finance and Administration.

Who We Are

MEOPAR is a not-for-profit network funded by the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) that is focused on supporting leading-edge research and connecting top researchers across Canada with highly qualified personnel, partners and communities. Together, our mission is to address the problems and opportunities of the changing marine environment. MEOPAR funds leading-edge research, overcomes barriers to collaborative research and helps to train the next generation of marine professionals.

The Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction and overall management of the financial and operational support functions for MEOPAR. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this role will help shape and advance the strategic vision while ensuring effective execution of day-to-day financial and operational activities. You will play a key role in ensuring MEOPOAR’s financial health and stability, identifying priorities, ensuring compliance and accountability, and leading effective financial and operational systems (HR, IT, and administrative functions) that support MEOPAR’s strategic goals. This role requires a strategic and innovative thinker with strong financial management and operational oversight experience, who can lead and influence cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of MEOPAR’s financial and operational functions, including Finance, HR, IT, and administration. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead financial strategy to align with MEOPAR’s mission and goals.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board Committees on budgets, forecasts, risk management, and long-term financial planning.
• Ensure data-driven decision making, performance monitoring, and transparent reporting.
• Act as financial advisor to the Executive Director and Board.

Financial, Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage risk strategies, internal controls, and audits.
• Oversee cashflow and budget administration.

Operational Oversight and Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of finance, HR, IT, and administrative operations.
• Implement policies, systems, and processes that drive efficiency and align with best practices.
• Manage supplier contracts and procurement practices.
• Develop and track KPIs to support continuous improvement.

Human Resource Management

• Lead HR initiatives to foster a high-performance culture.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and staff development.
• Mentor and supervise the finance and operations team, including students and interns.

Technology and Systems Oversight

• Ensure IT systems support organizational needs, security, and continuity.
• Collaborate with CIOOS leadership on information security and infrastructure.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Collaborate with the leadership team on strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and growth.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for process enhancements and innovation.

Grant and Funding Management

• Lead grant administration, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and optimal use of resources.
• Prepare clear, accurate financial reports and presentations for funders, stakeholders, and the Board.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as primary contact for the Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee.
• Provide timely financial insights to leadership, Board, funders, and partners.
• Liaise with external providers as needed.

Other

• Provide functional direction on internal services/requirements for MEOPAR, including legal, etc.
• Provide coverage, as required, for other members of the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required. 
• Minimum 5-10+ years of progressive experience in a senior finance management role, preferably with experience in a research or non-profit organization with complex funding structures (government, grants, external contracts). Experience supporting or working as a member of a Board of Directors would also be considered an asset. 
• A degree in Accountancy, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or related field is required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
• Experience in operational management (HR, IT and administrative best practices), with a proven ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the proven ability to plan, develop and execute creative approaches to complex financial issues.
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Self-starter who can work independently and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Bilingualism would be an asset.

Flexible work arrangements are available. This role may require occasional travel for national meetings and funder engagements.

What We Offer

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to advancing marine research.
• Contribute to having a positive impact on Canada’s marine environment.
• Be part of a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Grow and develop professionally.
• Vacation and leave allowances.
• Group health and dental plans.
• Save for your future through contribution to matched RRSP program.
• Be compensated fairly and competitively - MEOPAR pays in line with the Canadian government’s salary scales and offers a comprehensive benefits plan and generous leave allowance.
• MEOPAR is a Canada-wide employer - this position is open to candidates across Canada on a remote work basis.

MEOPAR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity and diversity within its community and promotes a work environment of mutual respect and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Applicants with atypical backgrounds are encouraged to include details of their learning experiences in the cover letter accompanying their CV. In accordance with Canada’s immigration requirements, priority will be given to qualified candidates with Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.

If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the employment process, please send an email to recruitment@ethree.ca and let us know the nature of your request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position: Permanent, Full-Time

Location: Canada (Remote)

Application Close Date: October 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM Atlantic Time