Director of Operations & Finance

Director of Operations & Finance – Carey Theological College

This executive search is conducted by Nelson/Kraft & Associates on behalf of Carey Theological College

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Director of Operations & Finance is a pivotal leadership role requiring exceptional management skills and a strategic vision to oversee and optimize the interconnected systems of Carey Hall and Carey Theological College. This position combines operational excellence with a mission-driven focus, ensuring the seamless management of both physical assets and human resources.

Carey is both a Theological College with teaching, mentoring and supervisory responsibilities and a vibrant residential complex. It functions as both a ministry and a financial cornerstone, leveraging trust and endowment funds alongside revenue streams from tuition, fees for services, and room and board income.

The facilities include three key buildings located on the prestigious UBC campus: a one-story office rental building; a five-story mixed-use building housing residences, offices, catering services, classrooms, and parking; and a state-of-the-art six-story student residence set to open in Spring 2025.

This role is integral to driving operational efficiency, fostering community, and ensuring the long-term success of Carey Theological College’s mission.

 

 

OUR STORY

Founded by the Convention of Baptist Churches of BC, Carey Hall has been a cornerstone of faith-based education and student living at the University of British Columbia (UBC) since 1959. Originally a Christian residence for 42 undergraduate men, Carey grew into a co-ed community by 1985, fostering academic success and spiritual growth for UBC students.

In 1975, Carey Hall became a ministry of the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, paving the way for the establishment of Carey Theological College in 1980. Over the years, the college expanded to offer graduate, doctoral, and continuing education programs, equipping students for impactful ministry and leadership.

To meet the demand for accessible theological education, Carey Institute launched in 2006, offering workshops, seminars, and culturally contextualized courses that integrate faith with professional and lay ministry.

Today, Carey continues to inspire and transform lives through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a vibrant Christian community.

 

 

THE JOB

The Director of Operations & Finance reports to the President of Carey and sits on the President’s Council, along with the President, Registrar, and Academic Dean. The Director of Operations & Finance oversees all operational and financial aspects of Carey including the educational, residential, and hospitality facilities, functions, finances and people.

The Director of Operations & Finance manages the entire system and works with the detail and analysis necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the physical assets and the human resources that make up Carey. They are responsible for leading a team of approximately 15 direct and indirect reports to deliver operational and financial excellence, while modeling the Christian values and character aligned with the mission, vision and community culture of Carey.

The financial assets include a trust and endowment fund as well as fees for service, tuition and room & board income to manage. Financial oversight includes developing and managing the operational budget of Carey, while liaising with an external accounting firm who is contracted to provide accurate and complete financial information for bookkeeping and financial statement compilation.

The facilities to be managed include (1) a one-story building, primarily used for office rentals; (2) a five-story mixed-use building with residential housing, offices, catering, classrooms and parking; and (3) a six-story student residence building, scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.

 

 

CORE COMPETENCIES

Collaborative and faith-based leadership style
Humility and authenticity
Leadership development, mentoring, and coaching
Business acumen
Change management
Project management
Decision making
Goal oriented
Professionalism
Emotional intelligence
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Active listener, seeks to understand and able to resolve conflict
Client focused and relational
Analytical, planning, organizing, and prioritizing skills
Accountability and dependability
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Financial management and budgeting
Technology/IT skills
 

 

QUALIFICATIONS
A passion for students and genuine interest in advancing theological education.
Demonstrated maturity in Christian character and a biblical world view. Experience in church or Christian organizational leadership or governance is an asset.
Alignment and agreement with the Identity Statement (2022) of the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada.
10+ years of progressive management experience in operations and/or finance, overseeing physical and financial assets while leading a staff team.
University or college degree in a relevant field such as business, administration, hospitality, engineering, finance, IT, or other. Theology degree is also an asset.
Previous experience in hospitality, education, not-for-profit, facility management, and property redevelopment is an asset.
Previous experience with contractor and vendor management is an asset.
Financial management and budgeting experience with a similarly sized organization.
High standards of operational excellence with a focus on quality of facilities and staff.
Understanding of IT systems including Application Programming Interfaces (API’s).
Ability to provide advise to the President and report to the Board on operational and financial issues.
Demonstrated experience with multi-tasking and managing several projects at one time.
 

 

 

 

Location: Vancouver, BC

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

Start Date: TBD

Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000

 

 

APPLY online at nelsonandkraft.com/jobs with your cover letter and resume. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

 

ABOUT US

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is an executive consulting firm that specializes in working with not-for-profits and for-profit businesses across Canada, assisting them in the placement of senior executives and directors.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. welcomes and encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position. Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, and will only make distinctions among interested applicants in accordance with the applicable Human Rights legislation.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. also welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us.