The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for driving the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the organization, ensuring sustainable growth, and fostering a positive impact on its member organizations. The CEO provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to BCNET. The CEO must foster a collaborative environment and build a high performing team, ensuring the continued design and delivery of high-quality shared services, and leading the organization's growth and sustainability. This role requires a dynamic people-focused leader with a deep understanding of the domestic and global trends in the post-secondary education sector, strong business acumen, the ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, and a solid understanding of technology and technological solutions. 

• Develop and implement BCNET's strategic plan in alignment with its mission and values;

• Provide visionary leadership to the organization, staff, members, and stakeholders;

• Create a positive employment environment where people can flourish in their careers;

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability and serve as an example for the higher education sector in BC. Identify and pursue opportunities to improve sectoral performance through innovative shared services; 

• Monitor global trends and best practices to ensure BCNET remains at the forefront of service delivery while looking for new innovative solutions and partnerships;

• Embrace and leverage AI and other emerging technologies to enhance the performance of BCNET and its member organizations. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with member institutions, understanding their needs and aligning services to meet those needs;

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with member organizations, clients, government officials and national partners;

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, representing BCNET to external stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and the broader community;

• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among member institutions and staff.

Board Governance

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define the organization's vision, mission, values, and strategic goals;

• Provide regular updates to the Board on the organization's performance, challenges, and opportunities;

• Support the Board in all governance and policy-making matters;

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance practices;

• Implement risk management strategies to safeguard the organization's assets and reputation.

Financial Oversight and Funding

• Oversee the long term financial sustainability of BCNET;

• Develop and oversee the organization's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability;

• Identify and secure funding opportunities, from ministries and partners, to support the organization's initiatives;

• Provide regular financial reports to the Board of Director member organizations, and other interested parties.

Human Resources Management

• Lead, develop and inspire a diverse team of talented employees;

• Implement best practices in human resources management, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and employee relations;

• Foster a positive work environment that encourages professional development, learning opportunities, and staff retention. 

Candidate Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess an optimal combination of the following:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Computer Science, or a related field of study. A Master’s or advanced degree is preferred.

Experience

• Several years of progressive experience in a senior leadership capacity in a complex organization. Direct experience with post-secondary education institutions or research organizations is ideal, as is direct experience in information technology leadership;

• Proven track record of strategic planning and execution, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement;

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial operations;

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders;

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment;

• General knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities facing post-secondary institutions with specific knowledge of the information technology and shared services opportunities and challenges;

• Experience working with a Board of Directors and implementing effective governance practices.

Skills

• Proven ability to develop strategic plans to implement and track progress against those plans;

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial analysis;

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent negotiation skills;

• Demonstrated success in attracting funds from a variety of sources;

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders;

• Strong organizational and execution skills. 

Leadership – Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others; a proactive and positive team player who acts with a sense of urgency and leads by example; sets and communicates clear goals. 

Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes with a business focus. 

Strategic – Develops a plan in support of organizational and sectoral strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s job responsibilities and overall organizational goals and needs. 

Integrity and Honesty – Set an example of professionalism and ethical propriety, demonstrating a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization.

Influential and Collaborative – Has an open and  consistent approach to working with others and  possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain     partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement.

Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes. 

Effective Working Relationships – Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees. 

Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose;    communicates effectively in both positive and    negative circumstances; listens well. 

People Development – Fosters learning and     development of others through coaching, managing  performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes deserving staff and colleagues. 

Member Focused – Anticipates and attends to the needs of the members of the organization; keeps member interests in the forefront. 

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Application Process - Please note that this recruitment process is being managed externally. To apply, please visit Leaders career site at: https://leadersinternational.com/bcnet-president-chief-executive-officer/

Should you have any questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, please reach out to Leaders directly at: connect@leadersinternational.com.