Director, Innovation Investments and Partnerships

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 142,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

A government research agency in Ottawa seeks a dynamic Director to lead the Innovation Investments and Partnerships team. This role involves managing grants and contributions programs, providing strategic advice, and fostering partnerships to drive impactful outcomes in Canadian research. The ideal candidate has significant experience in the public sector and a strong background in science and technology. The position offers competitive compensation and hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Robust pension plan

Office closure at the end of December

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering grants and contributions programs.
• Experience in managing complex stakeholder relations.
• Ability to present complex information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Innovation Investments and Partnerships team.
• Provide expertise to advance innovation and business objectives.
• Manage a team of Innovation Investments Advisors.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Education

University degree in engineering or business

Advanced degree may be considered an asset

Job description

Priority and Employment Equity

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons.

Candidates are asked to self‑declare when applying to this hiring process.

Position Details

City: Ottawa
Organizational Unit: National Programs Office
Classification: MGT‑1
Tenure: Continuing
Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Work Arrangements

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least four times per week or a minimum of 80% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.
• At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required.
• If no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving bilingual levels within two years.
• A pre‑qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one‑year period.

Discover the Possible at the NRC

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers. As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world‑renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world. At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground‑breaking discoveries to a life‑changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

The NRC is looking for an experienced, vibrant and dynamic Director to lead the Innovation Investments and Partnerships team within the National Program Office. The Director would be someone who shares our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.

The NRC’s National Program Office (NPO) is responsible for delivery of the NRC’s Collaborative Science, Technology, and Innovation Platform Program (CSTIP) which brings together collaborators to work on game‑changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs for Canadians. The NPO oversees the funded collaborative R&D programs and initiatives within CSTIP, including the Challenge programs, and the Ideation Fund initiatives, which include New Beginnings and Small Teams. They administer grant and contribution funding to eligible external collaborators of these programs and initiatives. The NPO also oversees management of the Biologics Manufacturing Centre Contribution Program. They serve as the secretariat that supports NRC’s stewardship of these programs. The NPO acts as a central catalyst for scientific discovery, innovation, and impact by providing advice, mechanisms, and funding to teams working on priority challenges.

The Director, Innovation Investments & Partnerships will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director General of the NPO by providing expertise in advancing innovation and business objectives, managing complex stakeholder relations, and delivering NRC Challenge Programs and the Ideation Fund. This role involves managing a team of Innovation Investments Advisors, who are technical and business experts, and program officers. The team is responsible for delivering competitive calls, negotiating funding agreements, working with Program Directors to advance challenge missions, and building strategic partnerships with national and international co‑funders to amplify programs’ impact. The Director plays a critical role in fostering innovation, supporting research and development, and driving impactful outcomes through strategic investments and partnerships.

Screening Criteria

Education

• University degree in engineering, business, or another field relevant to the position.
• Advanced degree in science, engineering or business may be considered an asset.

Experience

• Significant experience in implementing and delivering grants and contribution programs in the public sector.
• Significant business, policy, and/or technical experience in one of the following areas: Life Sciences, Climate & Industry, Digital & Emerging Technology.
• Significant experience performing an oversight advisory role within a scientific or research environment, including providing strategic advice to senior executive leaders on complex initiatives.
• Significant experience leading complex files requiring coordination with internal and external partners or stakeholders.
• Experience managing significant financial resources and complex human resources activities, including team leadership, talent development, and organizational change.
• Recent and significant experience managing and facilitating multi‑stakeholder initiatives and developing and maintaining partnerships.
• Experience performing technical review and detailed due diligence on projects or proposals including assessment of research and technology plans and project finances.
• Experience responding to stakeholder enquiries within a fast‑paced environment.
• Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task for the last five years.
• Examples of managing financial resources include budget delegation, resource management and forecasting, planning, budget allocation, tracking expenditures, and reporting.
• Examples of managing human resources include managing teams in a matrix organization: assigning work, establishing vision, setting directions, prioritising, managing performance, developing resourcing plans, determining workforce needs including telework, and team training. Applicants must indicate the number of staff supervised and the duration.

Applicants must indicate the size of the budget they managed both directly and indirectly.

Condition of Employment

Secret Clearance: A thorough security clearance process will be applied. For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of ten years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC. Note: If no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Assessment Criteria

Technical Competencies

• Ability to analyse, synthesize and present complex information to support timely decisions.
• In‑depth knowledge of federal government machinery in regard to implementation of grants and contribution programs. Ability to work under pressure, manage priorities with limited resources, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage effectively in a complex, continuously changing business and technology environment.
• Knowledge of the National Research Council, its mandate and strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, build and motivate individuals and teams to meet or exceed performance expectations.
• Knowledge of the Canadian science and technology ecosystem.
• Ability to monitor effectiveness of program performance measurement strategies, tools and models for application at multiple levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to influence others.
• Ability to prepare strategies, briefing notes and presentations for executives.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 2)
• Self‑Awareness (Level 2)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Human Resources Management (Level 2)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 2)

Compensation & Benefits

From $142,179 to $170,588 per annum. NRC employees enjoy a wide‑range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with NRC directives.
• A pre‑qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one‑year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

For questions, please contact: E‑mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc‑cnrc.gc.ca
Telephone: 613‑858‑5773

Closing Date: 19 November 2025 – 23:59 Eastern Time

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