Call is open to any candidate who is currently a Chief Information Officer (CIO) at a higher education institution in Canada
[Ottawa, Ontario]
CANARIE, a vital component of Canada’s digital infrastructure supporting research, education, and innovation, today launched an open call for applications for a volunteer position on its Board of Directors. Serving on the CANARIE Board is an opportunity to direct the evolution of a critical component of Canada’s digital research infrastructure.
CANARIE is seeking a candidate who is currently a CIO at a higher education institution in Canada. This individual will provide insight and context to Board discussions regarding the changing needs of Canadian post-secondary institutions, and guidance that will serve to ensure alignment between CANARIE programs and the needs of its stakeholder communities.
CANARIE is governed by an independent Board of Directors that meets four times per year. Comprised of an equal number of individuals from industry and academia, the CANARIE Board is tasked with strategic direction, financial oversight, and policy oversight for the organization. Volunteer directors bring a variety of skills and experience to the Board, and their backgrounds in the private and public sectors ensure CANARIE’s programs and services anticipate and effectively address the evolving requirements of these communities. Directors are elected for one-year renewable terms, and all Directors serve on at least one standing committee of the Board. Terms may renew for up to six years.
Candidates should be willing to represent CANARIE in the community and to use their influence to help achieve CANARIE’s long-term goals.
Candidates for this position must be available to attend quarterly Board meetings held in different locations across Canada, attend quarterly committee teleconference calls, and dedicate a few hours per quarter to meeting preparation.
Current CIOs at a higher education institution in Canada who are considering the opportunity to serve on the Board should possess the following qualifications:
- leadership skills;
- experience with research and development, business development, and strategic planning;
- experience working with researchers, educators, governments, agencies, and funders;
- interest in, or knowledge of, digital infrastructure; and
- experience in organizational governance.
The specific qualifications noted above ensure that the new Directors’ skills complement those of current Directors, and that members of CANARIE’s Board reflect our core stakeholders.
In support of the Board Diversity Policy, CANARIE seeks representation through diversity of the institutional and industry stakeholder communities it serves, and diversity of personal and demographic characteristics represented in Canadian society, including gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, business experience, functional expertise, personal skills, and geographic location. By policy, CANARIE strives to maintain its Board gender balance between 40% and 60%. Regional representation includes directors from across the country and encompasses linguistic diversity to recognize Canada’s two official languages.
Interested individuals may apply for election as a Director by visiting the Board of Directors page on the CANARIE website and submitting the required information. Applications will be accepted until June 26, 2020.
The final candidates will be reviewed and approved by the CANARIE Board before being submitted for election by CANARIE Members at the Annual General Meeting in September 2020.
All individuals who apply will be notified of the outcome of the process after the final slate of Directors has been approved by the Board and before the slate is presented to Members for election.
For more information:
Ela Yazdani
Director, Communications
CANARIE
(613) 943-5432
ela.yazdani@canarie.ca
About CANARIE
CANARIE connects Canadians to each other and to the world. Our programs equip Canadian researchers, students, and startups to excel on the global stage.
Together with our twelve provincial and territorial partners, we form Canada’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). This ultra-high-speed network connects Canada’s researchers, educators, and innovators to each other and to global data, technology, and colleagues.
Beyond the network, we fund and promote the development of software for research and national efforts to manage data generated from research. To strengthen the security of Canada’s higher-ed sector, we collaborate with our partners in the NREN, government, academia, and the private sector to fund, implement, and support cybersecurity initiatives. We also provide identity management services to the academic community and boost Canada’s startups with cloud resources and expertise in emerging technologies.
Established in 1993, we are a non-profit corporation, with most of our funding provided by the Government of Canada.