Job Description
About Waapihk Research
We are an Indigenous-led research and consulting firm supporting transformation in health, education, and community well-being. Since 2015, we’ve partnered with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments, and health authorities to deliver evidence that drives policy and real-world outcomes. Our work sits at the intersection of research excellence, public policy, and real-world implementation. We are committed to rigorous analysis, relational integrity, and long-term impact.
As a successful and growing firm, we are seeking a high-calibre Executive Operations Lead to help scale our executive function.
Position Overview
The Executive Operations Lead (EOL) will serve as a high-trust operational partner to the CEO and COO. As EOL, you will design and maintain the executive infrastructure that allows Waapihk’s leadership to operate at a high strategic level without operational drag.
The EOL will bring order to complexity, ensure follow-through on critical relationships, and elevate the standard of execution across the organization. This role strongly supports:
CEO – focused on growth, capital allocation, partnerships, and marketing.
COO – responsible for operational excellence, Human Resources, and oversight of our Research team, plus support staff.
You will operate as a trusted, high-judgment extension of both.
Responsibilities
1. Executive Infrastructure
Full ownership of CEO and COO calendars and scheduling.
Strategic time blocking to protect deep work and priority initiatives.
Coordination of internal and external meetings.
Travel and logistics (when applicable).
Executive-level document preparation and formatting.
You will not merely arrange meetings; you will ensure meetings are purposeful, well-structured, and high-value to all parties.
2. Meeting Preparation and Follow-Through
Prepare briefing materials and agendas.
Clarify objectives in advance of meetings.
Track decisions and action items.
Ensure no important thread is dropped.
Maintain a clear system for executive follow-up.
Execution reliability is essential.
3. Client and Partner Coordination
Our clients include large Indigenous organizations and government bodies. Professionalism and relational intelligence are critical. You will:
Coordinate high-stakes meetings.
Ensure timely and thoughtful follow-up.
Track commitments and deliverables.
Support client satisfaction through operational excellence.
4. COO Delegation Amplification
The COO manages a highly competent research team and complex deliverables. You will:
Support operational coordination.
Track internal deadlines and milestones.
Improve workflow visibility.
Reduce administrative and logistical burden on the COO.
Increase the COO’s ability to delegate with confidence.
5. Executive Operations Systems
Improve and standardize internal executive processes.
Identify inefficiencies and resolve them.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
Serve as a calm, competent presence in a high-expectation environment.
What We Are Looking For
We operate in a high-trust, low-drama environment. This role requires maturity, discretion, operational excellence, and a steady, composed demeanour at all times.
Core Competencies
Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.
Strong executive-level written and verbal communication.
Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight.
High attention to detail.
Sound judgment under complexity.
Discretion and trustworthiness.
Who You Are
You may have experience as:
Senior Executive Assistant.
Executive Operations Manager.
Chief of Staff (early-career).
Senior Project Manager with executive exposure.
You are someone who:
Anticipates needs before they are articulated.
Enjoys bringing order to complex environments.
Maintains high standards.
Communicates clearly and respectfully.
Thrives in mission-driven work.
Experience in health systems, government, research environments, or Indigenous-serving organizations is an asset but not required.
What Success Looks Like
In 12 months, you will have achieved:
Executive calendars operate smoothly and strategically.
Meetings are prepared, purposeful, and followed through.
No client feels neglected or poorly coordinated.
COO delegates more administrative coordination confidently.
Executive cognitive load meaningfully reduced.
Operational standards were elevated across the organization.
Why Join Waapihk
Work at the forefront of Indigenous health and governance.
Be part of a high-intellect, mission-driven team.
We offer a comfortable, friendly, and professional work environment.
Meaningful growth opportunity as the organization scales.
Our downtown Winnipeg office is conveniently located near bus routes for easy commuting.
Flexible working hours.
Competitive compensation aligned with experience.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and responsibility ($65,000 - $95,000 annually).
This is a senior-level support role with significant scope and growth potential.
Benefits
Health Spending Account (HSA).
Wellness Spending Account (WSA).
Professional Development Fund.
RRSP Matching Program.
RESP Matching Program.
Radon Mitigation Benefit.
Vacation
Two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually, plus paid time off between December 24th and January 1st each year.
Working Conditions
Winnipeg candidates preferred.
Hybrid working environment (this is not a remote position).
Must have legal eligibility to work in Canada.
Our Commitment
We are proudly Indigenous-led and welcome applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. Candidates are invited to self-declare if comfortable doing so. We value lived experience, community knowledge, and non-linear career paths.
How to Apply
Please submit the following items to careers@waapihk.com:
Résumé.
Cover letter explaining why this role interests you, and how your qualifications align with the above.
Two strong references are requested who can speak to your competence in a similar context.
Timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; first conversations begin within two weeks of the original posting.
Our process includes: 1) a 30-minute intro, 2) a follow-up interview, and 3) a reference check.
Please consider viewing our website before applying: www.waapihk.com
Pay: $65,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Casual dress
Extended health care
Paid time off
RRSP match
Wellness program
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Location:
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X1 (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2026-03-15
Expected start date: 2026-04-06
We are an Indigenous-led research and consulting firm supporting transformation in health, education, and community well-being. Since 2015, we’ve partnered with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments, and health authorities to deliver evidence that drives policy and real-world outcomes. Our work sits at the intersection of research excellence, public policy, and real-world implementation. We are committed to rigorous analysis, relational integrity, and long-term impact.
As a successful and growing firm, we are seeking a high-calibre Executive Operations Lead to help scale our executive function.
Position Overview
The Executive Operations Lead (EOL) will serve as a high-trust operational partner to the CEO and COO. As EOL, you will design and maintain the executive infrastructure that allows Waapihk’s leadership to operate at a high strategic level without operational drag.
The EOL will bring order to complexity, ensure follow-through on critical relationships, and elevate the standard of execution across the organization. This role strongly supports:
CEO – focused on growth, capital allocation, partnerships, and marketing.
COO – responsible for operational excellence, Human Resources, and oversight of our Research team, plus support staff.
You will operate as a trusted, high-judgment extension of both.
Responsibilities
1. Executive Infrastructure
Full ownership of CEO and COO calendars and scheduling.
Strategic time blocking to protect deep work and priority initiatives.
Coordination of internal and external meetings.
Travel and logistics (when applicable).
Executive-level document preparation and formatting.
You will not merely arrange meetings; you will ensure meetings are purposeful, well-structured, and high-value to all parties.
2. Meeting Preparation and Follow-Through
Prepare briefing materials and agendas.
Clarify objectives in advance of meetings.
Track decisions and action items.
Ensure no important thread is dropped.
Maintain a clear system for executive follow-up.
Execution reliability is essential.
3. Client and Partner Coordination
Our clients include large Indigenous organizations and government bodies. Professionalism and relational intelligence are critical. You will:
Coordinate high-stakes meetings.
Ensure timely and thoughtful follow-up.
Track commitments and deliverables.
Support client satisfaction through operational excellence.
4. COO Delegation Amplification
The COO manages a highly competent research team and complex deliverables. You will:
Support operational coordination.
Track internal deadlines and milestones.
Improve workflow visibility.
Reduce administrative and logistical burden on the COO.
Increase the COO’s ability to delegate with confidence.
5. Executive Operations Systems
Improve and standardize internal executive processes.
Identify inefficiencies and resolve them.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
Serve as a calm, competent presence in a high-expectation environment.
What We Are Looking For
We operate in a high-trust, low-drama environment. This role requires maturity, discretion, operational excellence, and a steady, composed demeanour at all times.
Core Competencies
Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.
Strong executive-level written and verbal communication.
Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight.
High attention to detail.
Sound judgment under complexity.
Discretion and trustworthiness.
Who You Are
You may have experience as:
Senior Executive Assistant.
Executive Operations Manager.
Chief of Staff (early-career).
Senior Project Manager with executive exposure.
You are someone who:
Anticipates needs before they are articulated.
Enjoys bringing order to complex environments.
Maintains high standards.
Communicates clearly and respectfully.
Thrives in mission-driven work.
Experience in health systems, government, research environments, or Indigenous-serving organizations is an asset but not required.
What Success Looks Like
In 12 months, you will have achieved:
Executive calendars operate smoothly and strategically.
Meetings are prepared, purposeful, and followed through.
No client feels neglected or poorly coordinated.
COO delegates more administrative coordination confidently.
Executive cognitive load meaningfully reduced.
Operational standards were elevated across the organization.
Why Join Waapihk
Work at the forefront of Indigenous health and governance.
Be part of a high-intellect, mission-driven team.
We offer a comfortable, friendly, and professional work environment.
Meaningful growth opportunity as the organization scales.
Our downtown Winnipeg office is conveniently located near bus routes for easy commuting.
Flexible working hours.
Competitive compensation aligned with experience.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and responsibility ($65,000 - $95,000 annually).
This is a senior-level support role with significant scope and growth potential.
Benefits
Health Spending Account (HSA).
Wellness Spending Account (WSA).
Professional Development Fund.
RRSP Matching Program.
RESP Matching Program.
Radon Mitigation Benefit.
Vacation
Two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually, plus paid time off between December 24th and January 1st each year.
Working Conditions
Winnipeg candidates preferred.
Hybrid working environment (this is not a remote position).
Must have legal eligibility to work in Canada.
Our Commitment
We are proudly Indigenous-led and welcome applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. Candidates are invited to self-declare if comfortable doing so. We value lived experience, community knowledge, and non-linear career paths.
How to Apply
Please submit the following items to careers@waapihk.com:
Résumé.
Cover letter explaining why this role interests you, and how your qualifications align with the above.
Two strong references are requested who can speak to your competence in a similar context.
Timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; first conversations begin within two weeks of the original posting.
Our process includes: 1) a 30-minute intro, 2) a follow-up interview, and 3) a reference check.
Please consider viewing our website before applying: www.waapihk.com
Pay: $65,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Casual dress
Extended health care
Paid time off
RRSP match
Wellness program
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Location:
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X1 (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2026-03-15
Expected start date: 2026-04-06
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Executive Operations Lead position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Winnipeg offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
