Chief Administrative Officer

Job Summary Reporting to the CEO & Scientific Director, and a key member of the OFI executive team, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) leads the administration of the OFI, including responsibility for finance, governance, and human resources, and is responsible for the implementation strategy of the two CFREF programs (TCA and SSDOF) and other strategic initiatives within OFI’s 3 research pillars: i) climate/carbon, ii) biodiversity, iii) bioresources. The CAO has 6 direct and 3 indirect reports. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement organizational strategy, policies, and processes to address operational and administrative priorities, ensuring alignment with Dalhousie University and partner institutions. Manage governance frameworks, including policy development, compliance, and engagement with diverse governance bodies across academia, government, NGOs, and industry. Provide leadership for financial operations and governance on programs and grants of over $500M, including budgeting, procurement, and contract review up to $250K. Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and performance management, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment. Lead EDIA strategy development and implementation across all organizational initiatives and operations. Liaise with senior leaders and governing councils on complex issues, offering strategic advice and ensuring effective communication and decision-making. Note The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines. Required Qualifications Master’s degree in business or an administration related field, with approximately five to seven years’ experience in a complex senior level administrative role (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and guidance to a team of direct reports towards strategy and tactics implementation. Proven record of providing strategic advice to senior leaders and the confidence to voice and defend differing opinions. Strong understanding of governance, human resource management, and financial strategy. Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships across committees, networks, and partners. Assets Experience implementing large, multi-organization research grants. Bi-lingual (English and French). Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program. Application Consideration Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.