[Ottawa, ON | June 1, 2023]
CANARIE 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. This call is for a candidate who is currently a Chief Information Officer at a post-secondary 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 community.
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 needs 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 annually 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 conference calls, and dedicate a few hours per quarter to meeting preparation.
Current Chief Information Officers at a university, college, cégep, polytechnic, or post-secondary education institution in Canada who are considering the opportunity to serve on the Board will be assessed based on the following qualifications:
- IT/technology skills;
- Executive 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 new Directors’ skills complement those of current Directors, and that members of CANARIE’s Board reflect our core stakeholders and the varied personal and demographic characteristics of Canadian society.
In support of the Board Diversity Policy, CANARIE is committed to diverse representation of the institutional and industry stakeholder communities it serves, and of the 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 and submitting the required information by June 26, 2023.
The final candidates will be reviewed and approved by the CANARIE Board before being submitted for election by the CANARIE Members at the Annual General Meeting on September 19, 2023.
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, please contact:
Lesley McElroy
Director, Communications
CANARIE
lesley.mcelroy@canarie.ca