Chief Data Officer

About National Research Council Canada

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*. The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities. Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Anything is possible at the National Research Council Canada, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers! As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world. At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role of a Chief Data Officer

We are looking for a forward-thinking Chief Data Officer to support our Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB). The Chief Data Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. The position reports directly to the Chief Information Officer. This senior leadership role will shape the National Research Council Canada’s enterprise data vision, ensuring that data and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities are ethical, trusted, and transformative. Through integrated governance, modern engineering practices, and partnerships, the role drives continuous improvement, research, and the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance the organization’s ability to leverage data as a strategic asset supporting its mission and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in developing and implementing enterprise-wide data and AI strategies, policies, and solutions that align with organizational goals and government standards.
• Guide and empower senior technical leaders in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of National Research Council Canada’s data and AI ecosystems.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of the organization’s data infrastructure, including data lake, data warehousing solutions and data pipelines for analytics to ensure interoperability and scalability.
• Oversee data governance, architecture, and lifecycle management for information, analytics, and AI models. Ensure data quality, reliability, and integrity through rigorous standards and ethical practices.
• Promote and enable the use of data insights and analytics to enhance program delivery and service innovation.
• Drive innovation in data utilization and AI and act as a key partner in the exploration of emerging technologies.
• Build and sustain a high-performing team of data and AI professionals, ensuring effective management of human and financial resources.
• Represent the organization in external partnerships and government-wide initiatives related to AI, data and information management.

Screening Criteria

Candidates must provide CONCRETE EXAMPLES that demonstrate how they meet the education requirement and the experience factors listed in the essential qualifications. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the requirement is met or to provide a listing of current responsibilities.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in information management, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related discipline.
• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) is considered an an asset.

Experience

• Recent* and significant** experience in data management, governance, and strategy within a large or complex organization.
• Recent* and significant** experience leading enterprise-level data engineering, data architecture, and data operations.
• Recent* and significant** leadership experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams and large-scale data initiatives.
• Significant** experience successfully implementing enterprise data frameworks, architecture, and analytics solutions.
• Experience delivering or leading AI and automation solutions for process improvement, quality, or innovation initiatives.
• Experience in the management of human and financial resources.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms, AI integration, and open data programs.

* Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last five years.** Significant experience is defined as having the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of various, complex related activities which would have been acquired over a period of five to ten years or more.

Condition of Employment

Secret clearance. A thorough security clearance process will be applied. For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC. Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, National Research Council Canada may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of enterprise data architecture and platforms, data modelling, metadata management, and data integration.
• Knowledge of AI technologies, data governance, analytics, and FAIR data principles.
• Knowledge and expertise in leveraging data and AI to transform business operations and service delivery.
• Ability to develop and implement a strategic vision for organizational data infrastructure and AI enablement.
• Ability to lead the design and delivery of interoperable, scalable data solutions that align with organizational goals.
• Ability and capacity to foster innovation, manage organizational change, and build collaborative partnerships and consensus among diverse partners.
• Ability to lead enterprise-wide initiatives involving multiple parties and complex data work.

Behavioural Competencies

• Inspirational leadership (Level 4)
• Strategic outlook & alignment (Level 4)
• Drive for results and efficiency (Level 4)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 4)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 4)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 4)
• Financial Management (Level 4)

Compensation

From $153,444 to $184,059 per annum. National Research Council Canada employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the National Research Council Canada was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Key skills/competency

• Data Strategy
• AI Governance
• Data Architecture
• Data Engineering
• Analytics Solutions
• Ethical AI
• Cloud Platforms
• Metadata Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Resource Management