Executive Director

MEOPAR, the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction, and Response Network, is a not-for-profit network with a 12-year history of supporting leading-edge science and is the only ocean-related research and development (R&D) organization, outside of the Government of Canada, with national reach across multiple sectors, regions, languages, activities, and disciplines. We connect top researchers across Canada with trainees, partners, and communities to address the challenges and opportunities of the changing marine environment. Established under the Networks of Centers of Excellence program, MEOPAR has funded more than 130 research projects at 32 Canadian universities, training more than 2800 highly qualified personnel connected with hundreds of non-academic partners.

With newly announced funding of $38.1M for 2024-2029 from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Strategic Science Fund, MEOPAR now seeks to broaden the scope of our research, training, and knowledge mobilization activities. MEOPAR’s reimagined organization will advance Canada’s scientific capacity to anticipate and respond to climate change and technological challenges, enhancing the resilience of ocean-connected communities and expanding the opportunities of a sustainable Blue Economy while protecting marine biodiversity.

This enhanced strategic focus will allow MEOPAR to expand beyond academic-led research, supporting community and Indigenous-led science. MEOPAR’s priorities also provide a mandate for science, technology, and innovation aligned with core federal responsibilities and focus areas. Key national strategies like the Blue Economy Strategy (Fisheries & Oceans Canada), the Ocean Protection Plan (Transport Canada), Climate Science 2050 (Environment and Climate Change Canada), Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission will chart a new course for a coordinated Canadian approach to ocean research and science. 

To contribute to the growth and development of MEOPAR, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Director to help us advance our priorities and deepen our national and international impact on ocean-related research and development.

The Executive Director leads:

• the strategic implementation and development of MEOPAR’s scientific strategy;
• the establishment of partnerships, networks, and corporate relationships across disciplines and sectors to ensure national support of activities;
• the successful management and operations of MEOPAR; and
• works closely with the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Scientific Directors to provide leadership and direction on the Network’s administration and business functions.

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization powered by a creative, enthusiastic, collaborative, pan-Canadian team. MEOPAR has a strong national presence, and the Executive Director will be instrumental in coordinating large and significant initiatives while strengthening and mobilizing the knowledge, infrastructure, and human capacity required to execute its priorities.

The Executive Director will build meaningful relationships to promote marine science and help Canada address climate change and sustainable development priorities. Some of the key deliverables under the Strategic Science Fund include:

• Advancing ocean scientific capability and broadening access to knowledge;
• Developing improved tools, techniques, and strategies for ocean and coastal observation, prediction, and information sharing;
• Increasing economic opportunity, coastal community resilience, and marine ecosystem protection in the face of climate and technological change through end-user-driven science and novel collaborative opportunities;
• Improving access to and use of major ocean research infrastructure;
• Diversifying, developing, and broadening deployment of Canada’s ocean-related research and innovation talent.

Experience and Qualifications

The Executive Director will have a graduate degree or significant experience in a related field (e.g. Earth Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Oceanography, etc.) and strong experience developing and supporting research networks, collaborations, and partnerships, preferably in academic, or public-sector settings. A good understanding and preferably experience with federal government departments and funding structures is desired to implement actions addressing federal priorities.

The Executive Director demonstrates exemplary managerial and organizational skills and possesses a strong ability to work cooperatively and collegially with scientists and researchers in academia as well as with MEOPAR’s partners and key audiences, including federal departments and agencies, provincial and territorial governments, ocean-connected communities, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-governmental organizations, ocean experts and Canadian researchers, and Maritime industries. Experience working in various regions of Canada is an asset, as is bilingualism in English and French. MEOPAR is committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and welcomes applications from leaders who are committed to these principles.

If you are passionate about leading the development of an exciting and innovative program in ocean science as well as mobilizing actors from different sectors to address marine environmental issues, we encourage you to apply.  MEOPAR offers a flexible work environment with offices currently in Halifax (NS), Rimouski (QC), Calgary (AB), and a planned future office in British Columbia. This position will be compensated with a competitive salary that is in line with the federal government’s executive salary scale.