President & Chief Executive Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for driving the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the organization, ensuring sustainable growth, and fostering a positive impact on its member organizations. The CEO provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to BCNET. The CEO must foster a collaborative environment and build a high performing team, ensuring the continued design and delivery of high-quality shared services, and leading the organization's growth and sustainability. This role requires a dynamic people-focused leader with a deep understanding of the domestic and global trends in the post-secondary education sector, strong business acumen, the ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, and a solid understanding of technology and technological solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy • Develop and implement BCNET's strategic plan in alignment with its mission and values; • Provide visionary leadership to the organization, staff, members, and stakeholders; • Create a positive employment environment where people can flourish in their careers; • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability and serve as an example for the higher education sector in BC. Identify and pursue opportunities to improve sectoral performance through innovative shared services; • Monitor global trends and best practices to ensure BCNET remains at the forefront of service delivery while looking for new innovative solutions and partnerships; • Embrace and leverage AI and other emerging technologies to enhance the performance of BCNET and its member organizations.
Member Engagement • Build and maintain strong relationships with member institutions, understanding their needs and aligning services to meet those needs; • Develop and maintain strong relationships with member organizations, clients, government officials and national partners; • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, representing BCNET to external stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and the broader community; • Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among member institutions and staff.
Board Governance • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define the organization's vision, mission, values, and strategic goals; • Provide regular updates to the Board on the organization's performance, challenges, and opportunities; • Support the Board in all governance and policy-making matters; • Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance practices; • Implement risk management strategies to safeguard the organization's assets and reputation.
Financial Oversight and Funding • Oversee the long term financial sustainability of BCNET; • Develop and oversee the organization's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability; • Identify and secure funding opportunities, from ministries and partners, to support the organization's initiatives; • Provide regular financial reports to the Board of Director member organizations, and other interested parties.
Human Resources Management • Lead, develop and inspire a diverse team of talented employees; • Implement best practices in human resources management, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and employee relations; • Foster a positive work environment that encourages professional development, learning opportunities, and staff retention.
Candidate Qualifications The successful candidate will possess an optimal combination of the following:
Education • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Computer Science, or a related field of study. A Master’s or advanced degree is preferred.
Experience • Several years of progressive experience in a senior leadership capacity in a complex organization. Direct experience with post-secondary education institutions or research organizations is ideal, as is direct experience in information technology leadership; • Proven track record of strategic planning and execution, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement; • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial operations; • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders; • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment; • General knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities facing post-secondary institutions with specific knowledge of the information technology and shared services opportunities and challenges; • Experience working with a Board of Directors and implementing effective governance practices.
Skills • Proven ability to develop strategic plans to implement and track progress against those plans; • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial analysis; • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; • Excellent negotiation skills; • Demonstrated success in attracting funds from a variety of sources; • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders; • Strong organizational and execution skills.
Competencies and Personal Characteristics
Leadership – Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals.
Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes with a business focus.
Strategic – Develops a plan in support of organizational and sectoral strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s job responsibilities and overall organizational goals and needs.
Integrity and Honesty – Set an example of professionalism and ethical propriety, demonstrating a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization.
Influential and Collaborative – Has an open and consistent approach to working with others and possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement.
Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes.
Effective Working Relationships – Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees.
Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and negative circumstances; listens well.
People Development – Fosters learning and development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes deserving staff and colleagues.
Member Focused – Anticipates and attends to the needs of the members of the organization; keeps member interests in the forefront.
******************************Application Process - Please note that this recruitment process is being managed externally. To apply, please visit Leaders career site at: https://leadersinternational.com/bcnet-president-chief-executive-officer/ Should you have any questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, please reach out to Leaders directly at: [email protected].