Director, Agri-food and Natural Resources

Helping Shape Canada’s Genomics Mission-Driven Impact

Genome Canada is seeking a Mission Director, Agri-food & Natural Resources to play a leadership role in shaping and stewarding mission-driven priorities that support a healthier, more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Canada.

The Mission Director leads the coordination and advancement of these priorities across agriculture and food systems, natural resources, and related areas, in alignment with the organization’s mandate and strategic objectives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy, partnerships, and strategy, helping align people, partners, and investments so the broader system delivers impact none of us could achieve alone.

Genome Canada’s Mission Directors translate Genome Canada’s priorities into clear missions that mobilize programs, partnerships, data, and investments across the Canadian genomics ecosystem. Mission Directors provide leadership through influence, aligning functions, Genome Centres, and external partners to support effective mission execution and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Design, Strategy, and Stewardship

• Lead the design, evolution, and stewardship of a Genome Canada–led mission spanning across the agriculture, food, and natural resources portfolio, in partnership with internal teams, Genome Centres and governance bodies.
• Conduct horizon scanning and analysis to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to mission priorities.
• Provide insight and advice to inform mission focus, positioning, and investment decisions.
• Translate mission strategy into implementable programs and partnership approaches, working collaboratively with Program Delivery, Communications, Finance, Governance and other functions.
• Monitor mission progress and external developments, advising senior management and governance bodies.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Engagement

• Develop and steward strategic partnerships across academia, industry, government, Indigenous partners, Genome Centres, and international organizations.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement planning to strengthen collaboration across this ecosystem.
• Provide analysis and briefing support to advance collaboration with federal, provincial and international partners.

• Work in close partnership with Indigenous partners and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) functions to ensure mission approaches align with reconciliation principles, inclusive innovation, and responsible research and innovation.

• Represent Genome Canada in relevant national and international forums.

Enterprise Coordination and Leadership

• Provide enterprise‑wide leadership within a matrix operating model, enabling alignment across missions, functions, and partners, and supporting effective sequencing and execution of priorities.
• Contribute to organizational planning and priority
• Prepare briefings and materials for senior management, the Board, and external partners related to mission strategy and progress.

What You Bring

• Strategic and systems thinking with the ability to link mission, execution, and impact.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with sound judgment in complex environments.
• Proven ability to build and sustain multi‑sector partnerships.
• Strong facilitation, influence, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders and Boards.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in life sciences, public policy, business, or a related field focused on strategy, innovation, systems leadership or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior experience in strategy, partnerships, program development.
• Extensive experience in engaging partners and advancing collaboration across public, private, academic, and Indigenous sectors, with a strong track record of fostering collaboration and advancing shared priorities.
• Highly effective communicator with the ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact to diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead in a matrix structure and experience working in a federated model is an asset.
• Knowledge of Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem, including Genome Canada’s mandate and the role of Genome Centres.
• Experience working with Indigenous partners and/or applying IDEA or inclusive innovation frameworks is considered a strong asset.
• Fluency in English is required; French is a strong asset.

Why Join Genome Canada?

Working at Genome Canada means being part of a team guided by values of impact, agility, inclusiveness, community‑building, and integrity. We offer a collaborative and flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and a pension package, including a performance bonus and health care spending account
• A collaborative, inclusive, and hybrid work environment

Application Process

We will be accepting applications until May 29, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Genome Canada is committed to creating an inclusive environment and building a team that reflects diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

We value diversity and recognize that experience comes in many forms and skills are transferable. We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every requirement listed.