Director, Canada Foundation for Innovation

Created by the Government of Canada in 1997, the Canada Foundation for Innovation strives to build our nation's capacity to undertake world-class research and technology development to benefit Canadians. Canada Foundation for Innovation's investment in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment allows Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to attract and retain the world's top talent, train the next generation of researchers, support private-sector innovation and create high-quality jobs that strengthen Canada's position in today's knowledge economy.

The Board of Directors is made up of 13 individuals, six of whom are appointed by the Government of Canada, from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique perspective and an understanding of the research world. The Board of Directors makes final decisions on projects to be funded and sets strategic objectives in the context of the funding agreements between the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Government of Canada. The Board of Directors approves annual plans and objectives and reviews the outcomes of these objectives each year. It regularly reviews issues from a risk-assessment perspective, determining what risks are acceptable and ensuring that appropriate mitigation steps are in place.

The Directors are primarily responsible for the appointment of Officers, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, the approval of awards to recipients and general oversight of management, including the operating budget, investment performance, human resources and communications.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canada Foundation for Innovation's website.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study. Preference may be given to candidates with graduate degrees;


• Experience serving as a member of a Board of Directors of a public and / or private organization;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources at a senior level in the public and / or private sector(s);


• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Experience in dealing with government; and


• Significant accomplishments in business, government, academia or not-for-profit activities related to research or research management would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, as well as the role it plays in the research ecosystem;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors, the Members and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation;


• Knowledge of the operation and decision-making processes of the federal government and public policy environments;


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, oversight and performance measurement;


• Knowledge and understanding of the following would be considered an asset:




• Canada's research and post-secondary environments, including the federal policies, programs and funding instruments supporting post-secondary research;


• industry, economic development and research (technology transfer) and emerging fields of research; or


• merit-based assessment processes and evaluation criteria for capital and infrastructure investment opportunities as they pertain to research;




• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Initiative

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• Appointees must reside in Canada (statutory);


• Appointees must be at least 18 years of age (statutory);


• Appointees must not be an individual who is of unsound mind who has been so found by a court in Canada or elsewhere (statutory);


• Appointees must be an individual (i.e., a corporation cannot be a Director) (statutory);


• Appointees must not be in bankrupt status (statutory);


• You must be available for up to 12 days per year for Board and related activities and travel; and


• You must be willing to travel across Canada, as required.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on July 31, 2023. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.