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 Economics, 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 Director, Education and Skills to lead our Education and Skills team. This role will lead with vision and purpose to build and execute the strategy for this knowledge area.

Our Ideal Candidate… thinks strategically and responds 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 be a self-starter, 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. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.

About The Role Leadership Responsibilities

• Work closely with Executive Team lead in providing vision and leadership in advancing and growing the portfolio.
• Ensure a sound strategic orientation for the team, and have the ability to execute and deliver results.
• Meet annual revenue, operating and stakeholder impact targets.
• Manage and continue to build the team 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

• Anticipate and articulate the emerging trends and critical challenges Canadian leaders face regarding education and skills.
• Create the overarching long-term research agenda for the knowledge area with a view to tackling the emerging issues, trends and global best practices.
• Correspondingly, oversee the successful execution of research projects varying in size, scope and complexity.
• Provide leadership to related executive networks, facilitate meetings and dialogue among executives from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
• Function as the lead subject matter expert and embrace the role of spokesperson for CBoC speaking with authority and credibility at conferences, seminars, roundtables and media interviews related to education and skills matters.
• Raise awareness and visibility of the networks and the work they do.
• Develop strategic partnerships, key stakeholder relationships, and meet annual stakeholder impact targets.

Financial Responsibilities

• Create the knowledge areas’ annual business plan and budget.
• Meet the knowledge areas’ annual revenue and operating targets.
• Secure funding for research and networks.

About You Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and/or PhD in a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of similar experience in a professional, customer focused environment.
• Strong understanding of the education and skills areas and high-level issues in both the private and public sectors.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven success at managing a team of professional staff.
• Proven success at identifying and implementing new growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated success at the development and delivery of strategic goals and objectives.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly - advanced writing skills are essential.
• Experience with leading complex projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in the use of computers in an MS Office environment.
• Availability to travel occasionally within Canada.
• Bilingualism would be a definite asset.
• 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.

Benefits 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.
• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated. We take pride in our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent that drives our success through our Recognition programs.
• 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 hiring zone for this position is $139,570 to $164,200 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 full compensation band for this position ranges from $139,570 -$188,830. The recruiter can share more information about compensation 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.