Vice President

Vice President
Research Nova Scotia | Full-time, Permanent

Research Nova Scotia (RNS) is hiring a Vice President to help shape the next chapter of research and innovation in the province. If you're a senior leader who thrives on building relationships, translating strategy into action, and connecting people across government, academia, and the innovation ecosystem, we want to hear from you.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of research, government, and economic development- and to play a lead role in ensuring research delivers real, lasting value for Nova Scotians.

About Research Nova Scotia

RNS is an independent not-for-profit organization established by the Province of Nova Scotia to support, organize, coordinate, and fund research that advances key provincial priorities. As the organization enters its next phase, RNS is sharpening its focus on research that drives economic growth, productivity, commercialization, innovation, and sector development - delivered through strategic funding, partnerships, and outcome-driven investments.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President is a trusted advisor and relationship builder who translates RNS's strategic plan into action. You'll oversee operations across the organization, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and serve as lead liaison with the Department of Advanced Education and other government, research, institutional, and ecosystem partners.

A snapshot of what you'll do:

• Act as senior strategic advisor to the CEO, turning RNS's priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional planning across research operations, finance, and communications.
• Oversee reporting to the Board of Directors, funders, and partners.
• Serve as a key liaison with the Department of Advanced Education, other funders, other government departments, and innovation ecosystem partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with research offices, post-secondary institutions, funders, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Lead partnership development and stakeholder engagement, and help raise RNS's profile across the research community, government, and industry.

Essentials

We're searching for a credible, collaborative senior leader - and we know great candidates come from more than one path. Your leadership experience might come from a senior academic setting (research administration, academic affairs, or a related university role) or from a career in government or stakeholder relations. Either way, you'll bring:

• A graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, academic administration, research administration, innovation, or economic development.
• A track record of turning strategy into operational plans and measurable results.
• Solid understanding of governance, public-sector accountability, and financial stewardship.
• Experience with selecting, funding, or evaluating applied and/or purpose-driven research.
• Knowledge of the Canadian research selection and funding landscape.
• Strong financial and operational management skills, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The judgment, political acuity, and discretion to navigate a lean, evolving organization.

Assets

• Experience in innovation, commercialization, economic development, public policy, or the post-secondary sector.
• Experience working with the Nova Scotia government, and a positive working relationship with the Department of Advanced Education.
• Knowledge of Canadian requirements for research security.

Compensation

$112,700 - $140,700, depending on qualifications and experience, plus a generous pension and health benefits package.

How to Apply

Please apply by email with a cover letter and résumé in a single PDF to [email protected]. Application deadline: August 4, 2026 at 4:00 pm ADT.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Research Nova Scotia; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.