President and Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC)

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange; Victoria; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) seeks a President and Chief Executive Officer to lead a world‑class ocean research infrastructure. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will set strategic direction, oversee operations, and advocate for funding with governments, UVic, Indigenous partners, industry, and international collaborators.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep record of senior leadership in research, government, or not-for-profit sectors, a commitment to equity and Indigenous engagement, and a

Qualifications

• A proven track record of leadership in a complex organization.
• Experience across research, government, not-for-profit, academic, or technology-oriented sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance ONC's mission, scientific excellence, and sustainability.
• Shape ONC's direction, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with governments, funders, Indigenous partners, industry, and the research community.
• Secure sustainable funding and position ONC as a global leader in ocean observation and climate solutions.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Government relations

Research & academia

Job description

President and Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC)

Position/Title/Fund:President and Chief Executive Officer

Type/Term:Full-time, Permanent

Location:Victoria, BC, Canada

Description:

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.