ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
We have an ambitious mandate — to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Vice President, Strategy and Planning, the Director will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of the annual planning processes, the establishment and operation of a Project/Portfolio Management office function, and the ongoing monitoring and measurement of performance across various projects and initiatives within the organization contributing to enterprise key performance indicators (KPIs), objectives and key results (OKRs).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute strategic planning processes to align organizational objectives with DRI priorities, stakeholder needs, and funding opportunities.
- Design and implement performance management frameworks, metrics, and reporting systems to monitor the effectiveness and impact of DRI initiatives and services.
- Oversee and mature the Project/Portfolio Management Office (PMO) function, including the development of project management frameworks, methodologies, and tools to support effective project planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement national DRI data-driven strategies that align with internal strategic plans to support the sustainability and growth of DRI services.
- Provide leadership and guidance to a team of planning and performance management professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Serve as a liaison with external partners, funding agencies, and research communities to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the field of digital research infrastructure.
- Represent the organization in national and international forums, conferences, and working groups related to DRI investments, strategies, and best practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, computer science, or a related field; master's degree or MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic planning, project management, business analysis, or organizational development, with a focus on digital research infrastructure, technology, or innovation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders and teams.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans, performance metrics, and evaluation frameworks in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
- Proven track record of successfully establishing and leading Project / Portfolio Management Offices (PMOs) or project management functions within complex organizations.
- Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), and best practices, with relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) preferred.
- Expertise in developing logic models that underpin performance frameworks and integrated processes across the planning, delivery, and reporting functions.
BENEFITS / WORK PERKS
In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including:
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:
- Health
- Dental
- Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness Spending Account
- Mental Health Supports
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Remote Work – Flex Hours
Please apply here: Director, Planning and Performance
The Alliance recognizes that challenges remain in achieving the full participation of equity-seeking groups (including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+) in research.