Associate Director, Leadership Development Research

Overview

The Leadership Development Research Group provides decision-makers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors with knowledge and insights on key issues, trends and current practices in leadership development. This newly created position provides an excellent opportunity to shape the program and research agenda of this knowledge area. This is a full-time permanent position and is located in Ottawa.

Reporting to the Vice President, Leadership and Human Resources Research, the ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with a strong drive to succeed and a passion for excellence. In-depth knowledge in the area of leadership development including associated functions of human resources development, adult learning, training, organizational development and talent management. There will be a strong link to the work and programming of the Conference Board’s Niagara Institute division.

Characteristics

The Associate Director will demonstrate creativity, foresight and mature judgment. A strategic thinker with excellent oral and advanced written communication skills, the Associate Director speaks with authority and depth of expertise in the area of leadership development and associated knowledge areas.

This position requires a high-energy person with a combination of strong subject-matter expertise, management and business acumen, business development and communication skills. The Associate Director will lead the development of a successful business in this increasingly important discipline. He/she will have the capacity to develop a knowledge-intensive business to its full potential. This senior professional will work closely with customers and other internal and external stakeholders to deliver high quality research and networking programs.

Principal Duties

• Work closely with the Vice-President and management team in providing vision and leadership in establishing the leadership development knowledge area as a stand-alone business.
• Successfully execute the strategy.
• Seek and secure new business opportunities.
• Oversee and lead core and custom research projects varying in size, scope and complexity.
• Contribute to the Board's body of knowledge by publishing briefings and reports.
• Provide leadership to executive networks and facilitate meetings and dialogue among executives from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the research department.
• Embrace the role of spokesperson for the Board speaking with authority and credibility on leadership development at conferences, seminars, roundtables and media interviews.
• Communicate effectively with senior executives.
• Anticipate customer needs and develop new products.
• Demonstrate sound financial and people management.

Skills & Qualifications

• A Masters degree in business or a related HR discipline.
• Extensive experience in the area of leadership development including broad understanding of contemporary literature and theory.
• Experience in needs assessment, program design and delivery specifically related to leadership development.
• A good working knowledge of associated functional areas of organization development, training, talent management and adult learning.
• 10+ years of practical experience in the relevant organizational performance fields in a consulting or professional, customer-oriented environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Demonstrated success at the development and delivery of strategic goals and objectives as well as leveraging financial resources to meet goals and objectives.
• Proven success at business development including the capacity not only to maintain but to grow a successful business.
• Proven success at managing a team of professional staff.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and quickly - advanced writing skills are essential and published work would be a definite asset.
• Ability to communicate research findings to audiences of senior practitioners along with the capability of providing specialized advisory services.
• Experience with managing complex projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in the use of computers in an MS Office environment.
• Familiarity with the needs and issues of the private and public sector community.
• An extensive network of contacts with thought leaders and key national and international peer organizations.
• Availability to travel within in Canada is required.
• Bilingualism would be a definite asset.

We thank all candidates who wish to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.