Chief Executive Officer

Ocean Networks Canada; Victoria; On-site; CAD 225,000 - 339,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary leader to serve as President and CEO, guiding a world-leading organization in ocean research. This role involves strategic oversight, fostering partnerships, and ensuring quality service in advancing ocean-based climate solutions. With a significant asset base and a commitment to innovation, this position offers a unique opportunity to impact critical scientific issues while collaborating with diverse stakeholders. If you possess exceptional leadership skills and a passion for ocean discovery, this role is a chance to make a meaningful difference.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive industry experience, including 5+ years at senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of socioeconomic value of research.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic direction to achieve scientific and societal goals.
• Manage relationships with funders and government officials.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Partnership Development

Research Management

Risk Mitigation

Education

Postgraduate degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading, not-for-profit organization that supports ocean discovery and technological innovation. Currently funded as part of the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Major Science Initiative Fund, ONC was recently designated as one of six Major Research Facilities in Canada, a recognition of ONC’s stature and national importance.

Operating on behalf of the University of Victoria (UVic), ONC tackles critical societal issues and fosters collaboration between Canadian and international research by managing advanced cabled observatories that provide continuous power and network connectivity to scientific instruments in coastal, deep-ocean and Arctic environments. With an asset value exceeding $400M and an annual budget of $30M, ONC supports critical scientific and policy issues such as subsea earthquakes, tsunamis, ocean acidification and marine biodiversity. The organization employs approximately 180 staff across multiple locations and is led by a President and CEO, supported by an executive team overseeing research development, operations and community engagement with related science and technology sectors.

Reporting to the ONC Board of Directors, the President and CEO provides the vision, strategic direction and leadership to achieve ONC’s scientific and societal goals. Responsible for ensuring quality service, safe operations and the successful implementation of ONC’s strategic plan, the President and CEO mitigates risks while positioning ONC as a global leader in ocean research. Key responsibilities include maintaining and evolving ONC’s world-class scientific capabilities, advancing ocean-based climate solutions, managing relationships with funders, government officials, and continuing to grow and foster strong linkages with the University of Victoria, as well as relevant researchers and partners worldwide.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with exceptional leadership and management skills, capable of positioning ONC as a global leader in ocean research. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the socioeconomic value of research and the ability to build strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals. The candidate likely holds a postgraduate degree in science, engineering, applied science or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. With over 20 years of progressive industry experience, including at least five years at the senior executive level, ONC’s next President and CEO will ideally have a proven track record gained in sectors like research, government, not-for-profit or related corporate environments, as well as expertise in managing multi-source funding.

Based in exceptionally beautiful Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, this is truly an incredible opportunity to join a leading-edge scientific organization and team committed to making a difference in ocean discovery and technology, and therefore our very world.

ONC acknowledges and respects the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

For more information on this exceptional opportunity, please contact Khaleeda Jamal or Kathryn Young at Boyden at 604-685-0261. To apply for this position, please click Apply.

The salary range for this position is minimum: CAD $225,377; mid-point: $281,721; maximum: $338,066.

Oceans Network Canada encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, persons with visible and non-visible disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the organization.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.