Director of Operations

Job description

About MAF For millions of people around the world, there are no roads, no doctors, and no 911. In those moments, aircraft save lives-opening the way for practical help, medical care, and the presence of Christian workers who bring help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has spent more than 80 years making that way possible. Operating aviation programs in some 24 countries, with 116 active aircraft and a worldwide fellowship of pilots, engineers, logisticians, communicators, technicians, and support teams, MAF serves cut-off communities with practical care and the love of Christ. Who we are: MAF Canada, a charitable organization located in Guelph, Ontario, was formed in 1972. Our mission is to share God’s love through aviation and technology, and our vision is for isolated people to be physically and spiritually transformed in Christ’s name. Integral to our identity are our core values: • We Follow Jesus • We Serve Together • We Hold a High Standard • We Value Each Other • We Are Committed In our Home Office, you’ll find a close-knit team marked by warmth, laughter, care for one another, and a shared commitment to the mission we serve. We take our work seriously because we know it supports ministry in some of the world’s most cut-off communities, but we also value the people doing the work. Collaboration, flexibility, and mutual support are part of how we operate day to day. At MAF Canada, Christ is at the centre of all we do. Our core values are not just words we refer to occasionally; they shape how we make decisions, serve one another, approach challenges, and carry out our work. We believe hiring is about more than filling a role. Experience, technical ability, and professional skills matter, but we also care about the whole person: their character, faith, judgment, humility, and ability to contribute to a healthy team. We’re looking for people who are not only capable but also aligned with the mission and willing to serve alongside others with purpose and care. Who We Are Looking For: The Operations Director role is a full-time position reporting to the VP Operations in the Guelph, Ontario office The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to meet and exceed the role duties and responsibilities detailed below. As a Christian ministry, MAF Canada is seeking individuals who embody the values and beliefs of the organization as articulated in our mission, vision and faith statements. This is a role for someone who understands that aviation ministry begins long before an aircraft leaves the runway Someone who knows the importance of careful planning, sound leadership, wise stewardship, strong relationships, and having a faithful commitment to safety, quality, and mission. The Operations Director helps ensure that MAF Canada’s missionaries are equipped, supported, and aligned for effective ministry. This role carries a broad operational view, connecting field realities with Home Office support, long-term planning, financial stewardship, safety, staffing, aircraft management, and partner relationships. Duties and Responsibilities: The Operations Director helps hold many critical pieces together so that MAF Canada programs can continue serving cut-off communities safely, responsibly, and with purpose Leadership & Program Support MAF Canada’s field programs operate in complex environments where aviation, ministry, people, equipment, and local realities all intersect. The Operations Director serves as a key link between program leadership and the Home Office, helping ensure that operational needs are understood, supported, and acted on. This includes mentoring senior operations leaders, strengthening communication between departments, and helping program teams move from plans to practical action Duties may include: Act as an operational program ambassador to other MAF Canada departments Mentor program directors and senior operations staff Oversee the development and implementation of program Ministry Plans Manage program required staff levels and liaise with People & Culture staff as necessary Oversee the completion of special projects as needed Engage as a member of the Emergency Response Team, when required Provide spiritual care and encouragement by praying for and with staff, ministering to individuals and communities, and intentionally sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through words, relationships, and service. Safety & Risk In aviation ministry, every flight, program, and operational decision must be supported by careful attention to safety, quality, and risk. Working closely with the Director of Quality and Safety Systems, the Operations Director helps ensure that programs have the resources, reviews, and safeguards needed to operate responsibly in demanding environments. This work helps protect people, strengthen programs, and support MAF Canada’s high operational standards Duties may include: In conjunction with the Director of QSS, ensure that operations are properly resourced to ensure that safety and quality goals are met In conjunction with the Director of QSS, carry out regular risk reviews and ensure that program and operational risks are mitigated to an appropriate level Ensure that program aircraft, equipment, and facilities are appropriately insured Monitor MAFC field staff Canadian technical qualifications to ensure these are maintained. Planning & Resource Management Behind every effective program is careful planning and responsible stewardship The Operations Director helps translate operational needs into budgets, funding plans, approvals, reserves, and reporting structures that allow programs to function well. This part of the role requires both detail and judgment: understanding what a program needs today, what it may need tomorrow, and how resources can be managed wisely in support of long-term ministry effectiveness Duties may include: Oversee capital and operating budgets for programs Approve expenditures for programs as required Ensure that aircraft reserve funds are calculated and managed In conjunction with program directors, calculate and manage required flight subsidy funds Facilitate the flow of funding for operations/projects Administer and facilitate strategic projects Fleet & Equipment Aircraft are one of the primary tools MAF uses to serve cut-off communities, and they must be stewarded with care, foresight, and technical understanding The Operations Director helps oversee aircraft procurement, fleet management, equipment resourcing, and related operational assets. This work helps ensure that the right tools are available, properly supported, and aligned with the needs of the programs they serve: Duties may include: Administer aircraft fleet procurement and management Assist with resourcing required equipment for programs Liaise with Philanthropy and Communications staff to carry out assessment of Donations-in-Kind of aviation related equipment or services Maintain industry relationships and liaise appropriately to represent MAFC interests Partnership & Reporting MAF Canada’s operations are connected to many people and groups: field teams, Home Office departments, board members, partners, vendors, donors, and industry contacts. The Operations Director helps keep these relationships informed, aligned, and moving in support of the mission. This includes communicating operational impact, supporting board reporting, engaging key external relationships, and helping the wider organization understand how aviation and operations are serving cut-off communities Duties may include: Facilitate board reporting for operations departments Engage with significant partners and vendors as required Facilitate collection and reporting of impact statistics Act as an operational program ambassador to other MAF Canada departments Qualifications Holds or has held an ICAO aviation license Previous experience in operations or maintenance management Holder of a post-secondary degree in aviation or a related technical field Skills & Abilities Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds Good team leader with proven organizational skills Excellent written communication skills Good level of computer skills, use of technical software Work Location A balanced hybrid home and work office environment can be negotiated with the VP Operations to ensure that role responsibilities and agreed upon objectives can be met. Roughly 40% of the responsibilities will involve international and domestic travel. MAF Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment, in accordance with the Canadian Labour Code, the Accessible Canada Act, and the Canadian Human Rights Act. We will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their role. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the employment process, please contact the People & Culture Department.