President and Chief Executive Officer

Ocean Networks Canada; Victoria; On-site; CAD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Networks Canada seeks a President & CEO to lead strategic direction, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships with UVic, government, Indigenous communities, and industry. The role requires navigating governance, securing long-term funding, and guiding organizational growth to advance ocean observation and climate solutions.

The ideal candidate has a track record in leading complex organizations within research, government, not-for-profit, or tech sectors, and a demonstrated ability

Qualifications

• Experience leading a complex organization in research, government, not-for-profit, academia, or technology.
• Proven ability to secure funding and build strategic partnerships.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous engagement.
• Strong understanding of scientific research, innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance ONC's mission, scientific excellence and sustainability.
• Secure sustainable funding and position ONC as a global leader in ocean observation.
• Build relationships with governments, Indigenous partners, industry and UVic.
• Lead organizational growth, governance, and change in a collaborative culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Fundraising

Indigenous engagement

Job description

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Ocean Networks Canada invites nominations and applications for the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, ONC has evolved from the world's first large-scale cabled ocean observatories into one of Canada's most significant pieces of research infrastructures. Operating as a not-for-profit society on behalf of the University of Victoria (UVic), ONC manages innovative cabled ocean observatories along with other monitoring systems that provide continuous power and connectivity to scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, and Arctic environments. Its infrastructure enables groundbreaking research, scientific discovery, and ocean intelligence that serves science, society, industry, and communities across Canada and around the world.

ONC is internationally recognized for its leadership in ocean observation, climate research, community-based coastal monitoring, big data analytics, and ocean technology innovation. Through partnerships with researchers, governments, Indigenous communities, industry, and international organizations, ONC delivers critical insights that support climate resilience, public safety, ocean stewardship, and Canada's growing blue economy. Guided by a clear vision and ambitious mission, ONC is exceptionally well-positioned to build on its strong foundation and expand its national and global impact.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO provides strategic leadership to advance ONC's mission, scientific excellence, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. As the organization's chief executive and public representative, the President and CEO is responsible for shaping and executing ONC's strategic direction, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, building strong relationships with governments, funders, Indigenous partners, industry, and the research community, and ensuring the organization continues to deliver world-class infrastructure, services, and research impact. The President and CEO also works closely with UVic and the ONC Board to secure sustainable funding, support organizational growth, and position ONC as a global leader in ocean observation and climate solutions.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished, collaborative, and innovative executive with a demonstrated record of leadership in a complex organization. They will bring experience working within research, government, not-for-profit, academic, or technology-intensive environments and possess a strong understanding of scientific research, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on government relations. They will have a proven ability to build strategic partnerships, secure funding, navigate complex governance and stakeholder environments, and lead organizational growth and change. Equally important, they will be an inclusive and engaging leader who fosters trust, empowers teams, embraces diverse perspectives, and inspires others around a compelling vision for the future. A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement will be essential.

ONC has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Krutika Hotwani at Odgers for this recruitment.

The appointment is expected to commence early 2027. This is a publicly advertised job posting for an existing vacancy.

ONC strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our mission.

In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.