As Canada’s leading innovation organization, Mitacs provides the resources needed to drive competitiveness and productivity and connects Canadian industry with the country’s leading researchers and talent to solve real-world business and other organizational challenges.
For over 25 years, Mitacs has combined strategic partnerships, talent, and financial support to support organizations to innovate and grow. Mitacs works across sectors such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainable solutions, advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and social innovation. A study by Statistics Canada shows that Mitacs-supported companies experienced an average increase of 9 percent in total revenue and 16 percent in sales by the third year after partnering with Mitacs. They also recorded an 11 percent boost in productivity, whereas the average increase for companies in Canada was 0.8 percent.
What we do for organizations
We help organizations identify challenges and opportunities, formulate innovation roadmaps and research projects, and then connect to the right source of academic expertise and know-how from Canada and around the world—all within our existing networks. Our success is built on attracting and deploying highly qualified talent that can help businesses and not-for-profit organizations cost effectively achieve their goals.
What we do for professors
We connect cutting-edge research, design, and creativity from Canada’s university, polytechnic, and college systems, to ventures at every stage of development from start-up through scale-up to multinationals. We provide funding for projects across all disciplines — up to 55% — and connect top-tier researchers with the businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities, and hospitals that need them.
What we do for students
We mobilize the brightest minds through internships where students and postdocs apply their academic skills to solve real-world problems throughout the continuum of innovation. We ensure that students participating in our programs are representative of the diversity of the Canadian population. We strive to create inclusive pathways for local and international students, expanding career opportunities and professional skills training for the next generation of innovators.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the SVP will drive Mitacs’ work with businesses, academic partners and other ecosystem partners to create projects and strategic partnerships which deliver talent (students at graduate, postdoctoral and undergraduate levels) and research capability to solve business and other organizational challenges. In this externally facing, strategic mandate, the SVP is responsible for building, nurturing, and advancing relationships with key stakeholders across business, academia, government, health and the not-for-profit sectors in line with Mitacs’ forthcoming strategic plan.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with deep experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships at the nexus of academia and industry. They will bring stature and credibility in both business and academic contexts, with a proven track record of building complex, multi-sector relationships. A background in innovation, business–academic partnerships, or talent development—particularly involving the private sector—is strongly preferred. This individual will possess strategic vision, political and cultural acuity, and the leadership capacity to thrive in a high-growth, high-impact environment.
Mitacs is a mission-driven organization at the forefront of Canada’s innovation agenda. By joining the leadership team, you will have the opportunity to influence national policy, shape strategic partnerships, and drive meaningful outcomes for research, industry, and future generations of talent. We offer a collaborative culture, flexible work arrangements, and a platform for high-impact leadership.
The location of this role is flexible across Canada. The search will be conducted nationally and strong candidates from all regions will be considered. Regular travel across Canada is expected and bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
How to Apply
The search is being supported by Boyden, global leaders in executive search. To apply for the position, please apply through Boyden’s career site here. For more information, please contact Boyden at [emailprotected]
In accordance with BC’s Pay Transparency Act, the expected base salary range for this role is $250,000 – $300,000 plus incentive compensation and benefits but may vary based on the successful candidate.
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.
Mitacs is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Mitacs -- Senior Vice-President, Business Development & Strategy • BC, CA
* El índice de referencia salarialse calcula en base a los salarios que ofrecen los líderes de mercado en los correspondientes sectores. Su función es guiar a los miembros Prémium a la hora de evaluar las distintas ofertas disponibles y de negociar el sueldo. El índice de referencia no es el salario indicado directamente por la empresa en particular, que podría ser muy superior o inferior.