Since its inception, The Forum has been dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing the resources, networks, and financial support necessary to succeed. With a rich community of entrepreneurs at varying stages of their business journeys, The Forum has become a cornerstone of growth and impact, helping to foster sustainable economic contributions driven by women-led businesses.
The Forum is now in an exciting phase of transformation. As the organization scales its programs, volunteer networks, internal systems, and national presence, the Vice President, Finance & Operations will play a critical role in enabling that growth, building integrated infrastructure that supports an ambitious vision.
The Position
Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the senior leadership team alongside peers in Development, Marketing and Programs, the Vice President, Finance & Operations is the integrator to The Forum’s visionary leadership. This newly shaped executive role holds accountability for core operational functions, including finance, systems, HR, governance, and cross-organizational process excellence, freeing up the CEO to lead at a strategic level and drive organizational momentum.
This is not a back-office leadership position. It is a front-line, strategy-meets-execution role built for a systems thinker who thrives in fast-paced, mission-aligned environments. The VP will oversee critical internal projects including CRM implementation, AI adoption, scaling volunteer engagement infrastructure, and preparing financial models that enable The Forum to pursue bold new revenue pathways. This person will bring clarity, coordination, and financial insight across every operational touchpoint in the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Operations
- Act as integrator to the CEO, ensuring execution of organizational plans and alignment to budget.
- Lead internal operations, including process development, legal, privacy, and workflow systems.
- Oversee CRM implementation and drive systems integration across departments.
- Guide technical infrastructure, data systems, and digital workflows for efficiency and scale.
- Own The Forum’s AI strategy and cross-functional AI enablement.
Financial Strategy & Oversight
- Lead financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to support strategic decisions.
- Oversee external accounting function and reporting; manage all budgeting processes.
- Prepare finance reports for internal stakeholders and the board; liaise with board Finance Committee.
- Contribute to pricing strategy and earned revenue models, especially as The Forum grows its national footprint.
Human Resources & People Operations
- Oversee external HR provider and support internal HR systems.
- Lead organizational process related to employee experience, from onboarding to exit.
- Support the development of policies and systems to formalize volunteer roles and recognition.
Governance & Leadership
- Provide operational and financial insight to board committees.
- Partner with the CEO on succession planning, risk management, and organizational resilience.
- Support leadership alignment and culture building as the team grows.
The Candidate
You are an experienced operational leader with a head for finance and a heart for purpose. You bring the strategic acumen of a scaling company operator and the hands-on leadership style needed in a lean, growing organization. You know how to build systems that enable scale, shape structure without red tape, and model financial insights that drive growth. You’re energized by translating vision into executable plans and helping a mission-driven team thrive while doing it.
You may have come up through scaling startups, high-performing nonprofits, or tech-enabled businesses. What matters most is your ability to lead operational infrastructure and financial strategy at once, and your alignment with The Forum’s values: deep care, radical ownership, challenge the work, and fun & collaboration.
Experience & Attributes
- Experience leading operations and finance functions in a scaling organization
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and decision support
- Proven ability to lead complex initiatives such as CRM implementations or AI integration
- Strong systems thinking across HR, technology, and governance functions
- Experience with volunteer-supported organizations or distributed team environments is an asset
- Confident, collaborative, values-aligned leadership style
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
- Based in either Vancouver or Toronto and willingness to travel to the other city from time to time
Compensation & Location
- Annual base salary: $130,000 – $150,000
- Bonus structure in place
- Flexible, remote-friendly environment with a preference for candidates in Toronto or Vancouver
- Comprehensive benefits package
Equity and Accessibility at The Forum
The Forum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities they serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in entrepreneurship and are committed to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process and within the workplace. Please let us know if you require support at any stage.
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