BCNET - President & Chief Executive Officer

THE ORGANIZATION:   BCNET
BCNET serves as a member-centric, not-for-profit, collaborative, shared services organization dedicated to the needs of BC's higher education and research institutions. We offer a wide array of shared solutions in high-performance networking, information and educational technology, cybersecurity, and procurements that help members reduce costs, maximize efficiencies, enhance service quality, empower digital transformation and support their mission.

BCNET’s collaborative approach to sourcing technology services and contracts helps to reduce costs, minimize duplication of efforts and generate greater efficiencies. The organization is committed to delivering service that is responsive, reliable and available, supporting its member-centric approach to providing service excellence. They offer an extensive catalogue of cost-effective technology products and services, and general/IT contracts.

Mission: Delivering exceptional value to our members by fostering collaboration, enabling secure connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity, and optimizing procurement services.

Vision:  Driving excellence in higher education and research through technology and collaborative solutions.

Values:  Innovative. Collaborative. Responsive.

To learn more, please visit BCNET’s website.

THE OPPORTUNITY:   PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy

• 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.

Member Engagement:

• 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.

Competencies and Personal Characteristics:
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.

COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. The salary hiring range for the position is $235,120 – $293,900. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

To Apply:
Please email a cover letter & resume (PDF or Word Document only) to connect@leadersinternational.com and indicate the role title in the subject line.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Julian Manchon or Greg Longster
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
1160—595 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: connect@leadersinternational.com