The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) is recruiting a new Executive Director.
Please submit your resume and cover letter applications to the Search Committee at: boardchair@nwoinnovation.ca
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 4:30 PM.
NOIC is a non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Headquartered in Thunder Bay and with a regional office in Kenora, we are one of 17 Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) across the province of Ontario. By providing access to a broad network of expert resources in technology, intellectual property, manufacturing, human capital, governance, marketing and sales and finance, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre supports innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and community projects. As part of this support, the organization administers targeted funding programs to businesses in the region. Additional mandates include developing new approaches to improving commercialization systems, as well as advancing initiatives that create a stronger culture of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is a pivotal player in growing the region’s innovation and entrepreneurial capacity.
Summary: The Executive Director position is an exciting opportunity to contribute leadership to a strong organization and team – collaborating with committed people who work in partnership to promote innovation across Northwestern Ontario. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the consistent achievement of the organization’s mission and strategic ends. The Executive Director's primary mandate is to ensure a long-range strategy that enables innovation to flourish in Northwestern Ontario. Key responsibilities include program development, delivery and evaluation; financial leadership; public and stakeholder relations; administration of the organization’s employees and resources; and maintaining strong alliances with peer organizations and community partners.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership in securing and diversifying funding from both the public and private sectors, in a challenging and dynamic funding environment.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with innovative private and public sector companies to advance the state of innovation and commercialization in Northwestern Ontario
- Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization and report on an operational plan and the annual strategic ends.
- Collaboratively develop programs and services, with partners, the Board of Directors and NOIC staff.
- Research funding sources and write funding proposals to increase and diversity the funds of the organization.
- Motivate and engage NOIC staff and clients.
- Market and Champion the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
- Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
- Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, management, and volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks.
- Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, provincial and local regulations.
- Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.
- Ensure that the organization meets the commitments and outcomes according to the legal agreements made with funding agencies. This includes financial claims, activity reports, final reports and outcome reporting.
- Determine staffing requirements (volunteer and paid staff) for organizational management and program delivery.
- Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review.
- Monitor legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to company operations.
- Provide clients with advisory support and oversee the advisory support provided to clients by staff, contractors and volunteers.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- University Degree or Advanced Diploma in Business, Finance or Accounting or equivalent education/experience.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in a business leadership position. Non-profit or entrepreneurial experience is an asset.
- Effective leadership, communication, and people management skills, with a strong focus on mentoring and motivating a cohesive team.
- Demonstrated ability to manage key constituent relationships, including economic development stakeholders, business partners and government agencies.
- Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges or obstacles.
- Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to non-profit organizations.
- A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the organization, including, but not limited to the innovation ecosystem and the current economic landscape in Northwestern Ontario.
- Strong knowledge of fiscal management and responsibility, business finance, funding, contracts, and partnerships.
- Sound understanding of risk management. Strong analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
- Knowledge of personnel policies, practices, and procedures.
- Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- High level of integrity, confidentially, and accountability.
- A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience creating and managing budgets for an organization with multiple sources of project-based funding.
- Demonstrated ability to provide business advisory support in the areas of market research and analysis, market strategy, operational considerations, regulatory compliance, financial forecasting, funding and strategic planning and partnerships.
- An entrepreneurial approach to provision of services and programs as well as creating a culture within the organization that is approachable and reflects innovation and entrepreneurship.
Working Conditions:
- Travel required.
- Ability to attend and conduct presentions
- Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals.
- Overtime as required.
Compensation:
- The salary range starts at $80,000 and will be commensurate with experience
- Paid time off
- RRSP Contribution Matching
- Extended Health Care
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.