The Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs 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. CBoC undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.
We are seeking a Chief Research Officer to join our Executive Team. Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Research Officer will be responsible for collaborating in defining and driving the organization's research agenda and ensuring its alignment with strategic goals.
Our ideal candidate is an experienced leader, an expert in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and a seasoned research-based advisor to decision-makers in governmental, corporate and NGO sectors.
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
Executive Leadership
- Execute and deliver results through a collaborative enterprise-wide approach.
- Contribute actively to the overall management and strategy of the organization, participate in decision making and support all strategic initiatives and decisions of the organization.
- Demonstrate the values of the organization in all interactions with employees, internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure our teams deliver the research that is most relevant to our stakeholders.
- Lead the Impact Strategy and Knowledge Management teams.
Research Quality
- Be the first and last line of defense on research quality control.
- Be available to all teams, including economists and researchers, for consultation on research design and methodological tools.
- Sign-off on all non-economic research methodologies and all research instruments.
- Develop a reporting mechanism for research complaints, issues, and failures and address concerns or complaints about research integrity in collaboration with the teams responsible.
- Define and implement our research rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Monitor trends in research methodologies and foster an innovation mindset across our Knowledge Areas.
- Identify gaps in our methodological approaches and recommend solutions.
Research Curriculum and Resources
- Collaborate with Human Resources to develop reliable measures of research competence for hiring.
- Develop an understanding of employee skill levels and collaborate with Human Resources and our Knowledge Areas (KAs) to leverage individual employee skill strengths and close skill gaps.
- Collaborate with HR and KA leaders to facilitate the sharing of staff with in-demand skills and the provision of development opportunities.
- Design and ensure delivery of the research education curriculum and resources.
- Foster systematic opportunities for teams to innovate and collaborate on research ideation.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions and other research organizations and facilitate our employees efforts to partner with external researchers.
Knowledge Management
- Oversee our Knowledge Management function.
- Work with the Knowledge Manager to ensure our knowledge assets and processes are accessible, well understood and continually improving.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the methodological approaches utilized in CBoC non-economic research projects.
- Stay updated with relevant laws, regulations and guidelines governing our research activities.
Impact Strategy
- Oversee our impact strategy to ensure each funded research project is targeted at specific audiences in forms that are most accessible for them.
- Work with the Director Research Impact to track and continually increase the impact of CBoC research.
- Deliver the Annual Impact Report.
About You
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Ph.D. preferred or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- 15 + years of leadership experience and proven team management abilities.
- Strong methodological expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Ability to teach research methodologies.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with experience translating complex findings for diverse audiences.
- Deep understanding of ethical research practices and regulatory requirements.
- 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. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.
Employee Benefits
At the Conference Board of Canada, we are more than an organization – we are a collective of thinkers, analysts, and problem solvers. We believe that putting People First is key to our success in attracting and retaining 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
- 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 $167,450 to $226,550 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. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within CBoC. We are actively seeking to fill this role with a qualified candidate.
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 cbocjobs@conferenceboard.ca 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.