Appointment opportunities | Archived opportunities 

Portfolio: Industry

Position title:  President 

Organization: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Headquarters location: Ottawa, Ontario

Workplace location: National Capital Region

Type: Full-time

Salary range: $291,600 - $343,000/Year

Closing date: July 9, 2026

Opportunity number: 240561-67

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (the Council) is the federal research funding organization that promotes and supports postsecondary based research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses, communities and sectors, the Council strategically supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future for Canada and the world. The Council has a governing council consisting of the President and up to 18 other members, whose main responsibilities are advisory in nature.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Council, the President provides strategic leadership and direction to the organization and its governing council, overseeing the effective implementation of the Council’s mandate and the alignment of its activities with federal priorities. In this capacity, the President plays a lead role in advancing the government’s science, research and innovation agenda. The President submits an annual report on the activities of the Council to the Minister, which is laid before Parliament. The President exercises strategic oversight of the Council’s financial and human resources, ensuring sound stewardship and the efficient delivery of programs and services. The President also provides leadership in strengthening support for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and works with other federal granting councils and partners across Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found by following the Organization website link above.

Education and Experience

Please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

• A doctoral degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study (e.g. social sciences, humanities);
• Executive-level experience leading the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and organizational change management within a complex organization;
• Extensive senior executive leadership experience, including accountability for managing human and financial resources;
• Experience in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with partner organizations, diverse stakeholders, and academic leaders at the national and international levels;
• Extensive experience engaging with senior government officials or decision-makers to advance strategic priorities and build effective relationships;
• Extensive experience in leading research management within post-secondary institutions, government or industry, with a strong record of strategic achievements and impact would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following criteria will be assessed:

• Knowledge of the mandate, programs, legislative framework and activities of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council;

• Knowledge of the federal government and public policy environments, especially with respect to science, research and innovation;

• Knowledge of sound governance principles and best practices in management, including human resources, financial stewardship, strategic corporate planning, and the monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of organizational performance;

• Comprehensive understanding of Canada’s economic and social landscape, the strategic importance of its science and technology ecosystem, and the role of research and development in tackling domestic and global challenges;

• A deep understanding of the operations, needs and challenges of Canada’s science, research and innovation ecosystem, including higher education institutions and other research organizations and the Government of Canada’s science and innovation agenda, including priorities such as achieving research excellence through an inclusive lens, building research talent, strengthening Indigenous research; and supporting international, multi-disciplinary, multi-sector, and mission-driven research;

• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;

• Ability to convey complex information clearly, persuasively and appropriately to diverse audiences such as such as the media, senior government officials, ministers, parliamentary committees, the public, the research community, and the private sector.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency when assessing applicants. Your online profile must include your proficiency in speaking and understanding your second official language.

Personal Attributes

The following will be verified by references at a later date:

• Strategic and innovative thinking
• Leadership and sound judgement
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Open-mindedness and impartiality
• High ethical standards and integrity

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of Canada is committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace and to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. Appointees will be expected to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Candidates who belong to one or more of the designated employment equity groups are encourage to self-identify when applying. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• All appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout the duration of their appointment.
• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of their appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.
• All Appointees are subject to the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees. They must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values, principles and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles throughout their time in public office. 
• Appointees must also respect the principles of any code of conduct that applies to the organization to which they are appointed.A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette and shared on the Government of Canada’s LinkedIn page.
• The appointee must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.
• The appointee must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be considered for other appointment opportunities.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 9, 2026 via the Governor in Council Appointments website.

To learn more or if you require support or accommodation to submit your online application, please visit the How to Apply page on the website. For alternatives to online applications, please visit the Application Assistance page.