The Conference Board of Canada is the nation's largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country's largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Simply put, we deliver insights that help leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Director to lead our fast-paced and growing Indigenous and Northern Communities (INC) knowledge area at The Conference Board of Canada – the country's foremost applied research organization.

INC's research and convening agendas tackle complex issues from multiple perspectives. The team uses a multidisciplinary, mixed-methods approach to address a range of themes and topics that target northern and remote socioeconomic development and Indigenous reconciliation. Key focus areas include Indigenous self-determination; economic and labour market development; institutional capacity development; corporate-Indigenous relations; Indigenous finance and management; community resilience; infrastructure development; education, skills and training.

This position will contribute to delivering on INC's research and convening agendas. The role will also provide direction to, and oversight of, INC's various lines of business, including its multi-stakeholder, custom, and field-based research initiatives. In addition, the position will play a key role in delivering on the work of our Future Skills Centre – a collaborative initiative that brings together representatives from public, Indigenous, private and academic organizations from across the country.

Our ideal candidate… has the ability to think strategically and respond quickly to multiple priorities and deadlines. They have a background in managing teams, a robust understanding of how to develop and manage client relationships, and a track-record in securing business development opportunities. They are comfortable with budgets and managing finances. They are adept at addressing complex research problems, are self-motivated, practical, and enjoy a multidisciplinary setting. And they enjoy collaborating with others and are comfortable communicating complex ideas, presenting to large groups, and facilitating discussions with leaders from organizations that span a range of sectors and interests.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role.

About the Role

Leadership Responsibilities

• Work closely with Executive Team lead in providing vision and leadership in advancing and growing the portfolio.
• Ensure sound strategic orientation with the ability to executive and deliver results.
• Successfully execute on strategy to achieve goals.
• Meet annual revenue, operating and stakeholder impact targets.
• Manage and continue to build the team, which includes 2 Principal Research Associates, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the business unit.
• Demonstrate the values of the organization in all interactions with employees, internal and external stakeholders.
• Successfully execute on business development objectives through the growth of our portfolio of clients, expanding our market share, and identifying and implementing new opportunities.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead research projects of varying size, scope and complexity, with a focus on high quality, impactful projects and results.
• Contribute to INC's and the Conference Board's body of knowledge by supporting on the publication of briefings and reports.
• Communicate effectively with senior leaders across the organization.
• Effectively translate complex research results into clear, key messages for senior executives and decision makers.
• Function as a subject matter expert and embrace the role of spokesperson for the Board, speaking with authority and credibility at conferences, seminars, roundtables and media interviews.

Financial Responsibilities

• Demonstrate sound financial management.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team lead and other members of the senior management team to anticipate, identify, develop and secure short, medium and long-term opportunities.
• Meet team's annual revenue and operating targets.
• Secure funding for custom research projects.

About You

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Solid understanding of the key opportunities, challenges and issues associated with northern and remote socioeconomic development and Indigenous reconciliation.
• Master's degree and/or PhD in one or more of the following: Indigenous studies, development studies, sociology, public administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of ten years of similar experience in a consulting or professional, customer focused environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven success in managing a team of professional staff.
• Ability to communicate research findings to senior executives.
• Proven success with business development, including the capacity to identify and implement new growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated success in the development and delivery of strategic goals and objectives.
• Extensive network of contacts with thought leaders and key national and international peer organizations that are relevant to INC's mandate and issue areas.
• Foundational understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and quickly - advanced writing skills are essential and published work would be an asset.
• Experience with leading complex projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Availability to travel within Canada and ability for occasional international travel is required.
• Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working hours is a requirement of this role.
• Knowledge of an Indigenous language would be an asset

At CBoC, we believe that putting People First is key to our success and attracting the best people. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada with a budget to set up your home office

• Healthcare benefits from Day One to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including a $2,500 benefit for Psychologist, Social Worker or Psychotherapist services
• Work/Life Balance: In addition to 20 days annual vacation, we close between Christmas Day and New Year's Day, observe 13 holidays per year and offer Friday afternoon closures during the summer months
• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan: We care about your future and offer a pension plan with a 5% match from Day One
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): We understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging and EFAP supports you and your family during difficult times.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up plan

The salary for this position ranges from $107,700 to $145,700 CAD annually for candidates from any Canadian province or territory. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, specific skillsets, as well as market and business considerations. The recruiter can share more information about the salary range for the position during the hiring process.

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to The Conference Board of Canada. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in The Conference Board of Canada. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.