Program Director, AI For Productivity Challenge Program

Program Director, AI For Productivity Challenge Program

City: Within a National Research Council Office across Canada

Organizational Unit: Digital Technologies

Classification: MGT-2

Tenure: Continuing

Work Arrangements: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least four times per week at their own expense. We recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities. If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement.

The Role

We are looking for a Program Director for the AI for Productivity Challenge Program. The goal of the AI For Productivity Challenge Program is to develop safe AI enabled productivity enhancing technologies that will be adopted in Canada’s critical industry sectors. The success of these experiments will be measured by their ability to significantly improve productivity or efficiency, or by their potential to generate new revenue streams when applied to proprietary company data or client interactions.

You will be part of NRC’s Digital Technologies Division, reporting directly to the VP, but will be expected to work collaboratively with multiple research centres, IRAP and business units across NRC. Under your leadership, the program will bring together industry expertise, researchers and technical staff from across Canada’s AI ecosystem and NRC’s research centres to deliver on the program’s mandate.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A graduate university degree in computer science, engineering or in a field relevant to the position. In lieu of a graduate degree, a combination of education and significant applied AI experience may be considered.

• Experience developing strategic program plans and associated metrics for innovation.
• Significant and recent administrative, financial, and human resource management experience.
• Recent experience in leading, planning, monitoring and aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth experience working in the Canadian and international context around program-specific AI technologies.
• Proven experience in establishing and managing partnerships, particularly with the AI community.

Communications

• Significant and recent experience in providing strategic advice to senior level executives.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering impactful technical and programmatic presentations.

Business Experience

• Significant business experience within relevant scientific and technological domains.
• Experience in one or more of the targeted industry sectors—manufacturing, clean tech, agriculture/food security would be an asset.

Condition of Employment

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Knowledge of the NRC’s mandate, programs and the unique requirements of an innovation program.
• Extensive knowledge of R&D management and strategic planning.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques for creating and deploying AI applications.
• Knowledge of key players, industry dynamics, and business models for applying AI.
• Knowledge of policies and practices related to contract management, financial management, human resources, and procurement management.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• In order to ensure a prompt processing of applications, candidates must provide a detailed cover letter explaining how they meet the Essential Qualifications.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.

Closing Date: 20 January 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time