Director, Innovation Investments and Partnerships

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*. The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.City: OttawaOrganizational Unit: National Programs OfficeClassification: MGT-1Tenure: ContinuingLanguage Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBCWork arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, 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 designated work site at least four times per week or a minimum of 80% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.Note:In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.Discover the possibleAnything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.The roleThe NRC is looking for an experienced, vibrant and dynamic Director to lead the Innovation Investments and Partnerships team with the National Program Office. The Director would be someone who shares our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.The NRC’s National Program Office (NPO) is responsible for delivery of the NRC’s Collaborative Science, Technology, and Innovation Platform Program (CSTIP) which bring together collaborators to work on game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs for Canadians. The NPO oversees the funded collaborative R&D programs and initiatives within CSTIP, including the Challenge programs, and the Ideation Fund initiatives, which include New Beginnings and Small Teams. They administer grant and contribution funding to eligible external collaborators of these programs and initiatives. The NPO also oversees management of the Biologics Manufacturing Centre Contribution Program. They also serve as the secretariat that supports NRC’s stewardship of these programs.The NPO acts as a central catalyst for scientific discovery, innovation, and impact by providing advice, mechanisms, and funding to teams working on priority challenges.The Director, Innovation Investments & Partnerships will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director General of the NPO by providing expertise in advancing innovation and business objectives, managing complex stakeholder relations, and delivering of NRC Challenge Programs and the Ideation Fund. This role involves managing a team of Innovation Investments Advisors, who are technical and business experts, and program officers. The team is responsible for delivering competitive calls, negotiating funding agreements, working with Program Directors to advance challenge missions, and building strategic partnerships with national and international co-funders to amplify programs’ impact. The Director plays a critical role in fostering innovation, supporting research and development, and driving impactful outcomes through strategic investments and partnerships.Screening criteriaApplicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:EducationA university degree in engineering, business, or in another field relevant to the position.An advanced degree in science, engineering or business may be considered an asset.For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalencyExperienceSignificant* experience in implementing and delivering grants and contributions programs in the public sector.Significant business, policy, and/or technical experience in one of the following areas: Life Sciences, Climate & Industry, Digital & Emerging Technology.Significant experience in performing an oversight advisory role within a scientific or research environment, including providing strategic advice to senior level executives (Director General and above) on complex initiatives.Significant experience leading complex files requiring coordination with internal and external partners or stakeholders.Experience in managing significant financial** resources and complex human resources*** activities, including team leadership, talent development, and organizational change.Recent and significant experience in managing and facilitating multi-stakeholder initiatives and developing and maintaining partnerships.Experience performing technical review and detailed due diligence on projects or proposals including assessment of research and technology plans and the assessment of project finances.Experience in responding to stakeholder enquiries within a fast-paced environment.Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task for the last 5 years.Examples of managing financial resources may include: full delegation for a budget, resource management and forecasting, planning, budget allocation, tracking expenditures, reporting, etc.Applicants must indicate the size of the budget they managed directly and indirectly.Examples of managing human resources may include managing teams in a matrix organization: assigning work, establishing vision, directions, priorities, managing performance, developing resourcing plans, determining workforce needs including related to telework and managing talent and approving training. Applicants must indicate the number of staff they supervised and the duration.Condition of employmentSecret clearanceA thorough security clearance process will be applied.For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.Language requirementsBilingual Imperative CBC/CBCNote: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.Information on language requirements and self-assessment testsAssessment criteriaCandidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:Technical competenciesAbility to analyze, synthesize and present complex information to support timely decisions.In depth knowledge of the machinery of federal government in regards to implementation of grants and contributions programs. Ability to work under pressure, to manage priorities with limited resources to achieve multiple and changing objectives and to handle several tasks at once and meet deadlines.Ability to manage effectively in a complex and continuously changing business and technology environment. Knowledge of the National Research Council, its mandate and strategic objectives.Demonstrated ability to lead, build and motivate individuals and teams to meet or exceed performance expectations.Knowledge of the Canadian science and technology ecosystem.Ability to monitor effectiveness of program performance measurement strategies, tools and models for application at multiple levels of the organization.Strong analytical skills, including the ability to influence others.Ability to prepare strategies, briefing notes and presentations for executives.Advanced written and verbal communication skills.Behavioural competenciesInspirational Leadership (Level 2)Se lf-Awareness (Level 2) Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3) Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3) Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3) Client Relationship Management (Level 3) Financial Management (Level 3) Human Resources Management (Level 2) Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 2)Competency Profile(s)For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)View all competency profilesCompensationFrom $142,179 to $170,588 per annum.NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.NotesIn 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.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.Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (24468) to:E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.caTelephone: 6138585773Closing Date: 19 November 2025 - 23:59 Eastern TimeFor more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources