The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is a grass-roots initiative launched by leading Canadian neuroscientists, in partnership with representatives of the Neurological Health Charities of Canada (NHCC), to develop a strategy with the aim to position the advancement of knowledge about the brain among the national research priorities. By leveraging existing investments in brain science and by adopting a big-science approach to discovery, CBRS can transform the future of Canadian society.
The power of CBRS comes from Canada’s deep scientific expertise in brain research, artificial intelligence and neuroethics, combined with clinical excellence. Its vision is of innovative and collaborative brain research that will drive policy as well as social, health and economic advancement for Canada and the world. CBRS, with its focus on open, collaborative and transdisciplinary brain research, provides the road map to take us there.
The creation of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This network will coordinate Canada’s participation in the International Brain Initiative, which brings together the world’s major brain research projects. Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The coordinated efforts of brain researchers from all over Canada, through the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network, will offer an unprecedented chance to reduce this burden and to improve the quality of life of Canadians.
- For more information about The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), please visit: www.canadianbrain.ca.
The Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network is headed up by Dr. Yves De Koninck, a professor with Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine and director of the CERVO Brain Research Centre, and Dr. Judy Illes, a professor at the University of British Columbia and director of Neuroethics Canada. The heads of 31 teams from Canada’s leading neuroscience institutes and research centres will join with them in developing the strategy. The coalition Neurological Health Charities Canada will bring the voice of Canadians affected by brain conditions to strategy development.
Role and Mission of the Executive Director
The full time Executive Director (ED) will manage the daily operations and initiatives of the CBRS, and ensure sound budget, financial and human resources management. The ED will serve as a key liaison to the participating institutions and stakeholders, manage surveys among members, coordinate task forces, work with members and the KT and Communication specialist to draft documents, and support the development of national platforms along the goals expressed by the collective membership of CBRS.
Nature of the contribution
The Executive Director will report to CBRS President and Co-President, with the key mandate to:
- Create a unifying and inspirational vision that will take into account the reality of potential or actual partners, as well as NHCC’s needs.
- Leverage, around this vision, the full potential that the CBRS Network has, with a view, notably, to respond to the challenge put by the CIHR who wish to contribute to positioning the advancement of knowledge about the brain among the national research priorities.
The role of the Executive Director is to develop strategies that will ensure that the Canadian Brain Research Strategy become an essential driver for the development of brain research in Canada and around the world.
Finally, together with the leaders and the Steering Committee that he will be working with, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic planning, the governance, and the representation with various stakeholders. He will also be responsible for all activities related to the financial, operational, communicational and organizational development of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.
Key Challenges
- Oversee the organizational structure of the new CBRS initiative, including its operational management and the recruitment of its operative staff;
- Take a lead role in the development, approval and implementation of the strategic plan of CBRS, based on the vision initiated by the Steering Committee;
- Sustain the mobilization of key players in the Neurology Ecosystem, in conjunction with the members of the Management Committee;
- Actively pursue and secure the recruitment of potential partners to join in this initiative (in the short, medium, and long-term);
- In collaboration with all leaders, ensure that the Research Compliance Program is in line with
the objectives of the initiative; - Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of CBRS by creating a leverage effect from the initial funding put on the table;
- Provide updates on the project’s progress, and submit the various reports required by the Steering Committee;
- Contribute to the defining of performance indicators;
- Assure the management of CBRS human resources;
- Prepare the annual budget for approval by the Executive Committee, and ensure regular monitoring with quarterly reports;
- Plan and coordinate communications and official correspondence on behalf of the Executive Committee and CBRS;
- Establish CBRS communication and visibility plans to assure their long-term viability and leadership at the provincial, national and international levels.
- Act as CBRS representative and official spokesperson.
Competency Profile
Experience
For this position, we are looking for candidates having demonstrated, during the course of their career, the following experience, skills, and personal suitability:
- Master’s degree (Ph.D. is an asset);
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a position involving similar responsibilities;
- Extensive team and project management experience;
- Comprehensive understanding of the Health Research and Innovation sphere within the Quebec and Canadian communities;
- Demonstrated skills in business development;
- Established credibility and ability to convene effectively with decision-makers and key players in research and innovation activities in the field of neurology (asset);
- Budget management skills; Analysis and interpretation of financial statements;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English.
Skills and personal suitability
- Superior demonstration in the development of a strategic vision and operational implementation;
- Strong entrepreneurial drive (ability to secure organizational growth);
- Political sense, diplomatic skills, and business acumen;
- Creativity, audacity and innovation;
- Leader with the ability to motivate, inspire and engage employees;
- Remote management experience;
- Ability to work with minimal supervision;
- Outstanding communication, representation and collaboration skills;
- High degree of mobility (frequent travel).
Candidates who wish to apply for this position must provide us with their current resume, along with a Letter of Interest (maximum of 2 pages) describing their interest for this opportunity. You will receive an acknowledgement by email that your documents have been received.
Via email: krobert@electi.ca
Message Subject: Executive Director – The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS)
Date of Employment: The successful candidate will take office as soon as possible, following the date of appointment.
Equal Access Employment Program:
The Canadian Brain Research Strategy provides an environment that is free of discrimination, and invites Women, Indigenous people, visible or ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to submit their application. If you have a disability and need assistance to participate in your hiring evaluation process, please let us know in a timely manner so accommodation measures may be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. We will keep this information strictly confidential.
