CIFAR is a Canadian-based global research organization that convenes extraordinary minds to address the most important questions facing science and humanity.
By supporting long-term interdisciplinary collaboration, CIFAR provides researchers with an unparalleled environment of trust, transparency and knowledge sharing. Our time-tested model inspires new directions of inquiry, accelerates discovery and yields breakthroughs across borders and academic disciplines. Through knowledge mobilization, we are catalysts for change in industry, government and society. CIFAR’s community of fellows includes 20 Nobel laureates and more than 400 researchers from 20 countries. In 2017, the Government of Canada appointed CIFAR to develop and lead the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the world's first national AI strategy.
CIFAR is generously supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.
This is an on-site position based at the CIFAR office in the MaRS Discovery District, offering a highly collaborative environment where teams work together in person every day.
About CIFAR
The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) is a globally influential research organization proudly based in Canada. We mobilize the world’s most brilliant people across disciplines and at all career stages to advance transformative knowledge and solve humanity’s biggest problems, together.
For more information please visit our website.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a strategic, systems-minded Chief of Staff to support the CSOO and help drive the execution of CIFAR’s strategy. This is a high-impact role at the centre of the organization—ideal for someone who excels at connecting people and processes, improving how work gets done, and enabling teams to succeed.
In this role, you will coordinate strategic priorities, strengthen cross-departmental alignment, modernize systems and planning rhythms, support governance and Board reporting, and help shape an inclusive, high-performing culture. You will also oversee key executive support functions for the CSOO, including complex scheduling, meeting preparation, briefings, and follow-through on decisions.
This role also provides operational leadership for the CSOO portfolio, supervising the Receptionist and ensuring smooth office operations, space planning, and vendor coordination. These responsibilities sit with the Chief of Staff to maintain coherence and consistency across the portfolio and support an environment where staff and visitors can do their best work.
For those who thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment and enjoy bringing clarity and strategic focus to complex work, this role offers the opportunity to influence how CIFAR operates—today and in the years ahead.
Key Responsibilities & Impact:
Strategic Alignment & Execution
- Drive coordination of CIFAR’s integrated management system and 3-Year Implementation Plan.
- Turn data into action by supporting CIFAR Scorecard reporting, dashboards, and performance indicators.
- Surface insights, risks, and opportunities that help leadership make better decisions.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration
- Connect teams across Finance, Research, PCAIS, IT, People & Culture, Advancement, Public Relations & Government, and Communications.
- Support improvements in researcher-focused administration and organizational processes.
- Represent the CSOO in internal meetings and ensure clear follow-through.
Governance & Executive Support
- Prepare integrated Board and Committee materials, including Scorecard and Risk Registry updates.
- Manage the CSOO’s executive administration, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and full management of travel and logistics, including booking, itinerary planning, and related arrangements.
Digital & AI-Enabled Modernization
- Support CRM improvements, digital modernization, and data governance work.
- Help champion AI tools and automated workflows that boost productivity and reduce manual effort.
Office Operations & People Leadership
- Supervise the Receptionist and support a smooth, welcoming office environment.
- Coordinate space planning, office systems, and vendor relationships.
- Model CIFAR’s 4Cs: Collaboration, Curiosity, Courage, and Clarity.
About You
You’re a proactive problem-solver who thrives in complex, dynamic environments. You bring strong judgment, clear communication, and a talent for keeping people and projects aligned.
You have:
- 5-7 years’ experience in strategy, operations, or program management
- Experience supporting senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- Strong planning and communication skills
- Comfort working with metrics, dashboards, and digital tools
- Experience navigating change and improving processes
- A people-first approach and commitment to inclusion
Experience in research, nonprofit, or public-sector organizations is an asset.
What We Offer
At CIFAR, we strive to create a workplace where people feel supported, included, and able to do their best work. Our team members benefit from
- Comprehensive wellness and benefits - extended health coverage, mental health supports, a defined benefit pension, 4 weeks’ vacation, and “CIFAR Days” (days off with pay) throughout the year.
- Opportunities for learning and growth - supported by professional development resources.
- An inclusive, collaborative culture - grounded in our 4Cs (Collaboration, Curiosity, Courage, and Clarity), where diverse perspectives are valued and ideas are encouraged.
Apply:
Qualified applicants are invited to apply by Friday, December 19, 2025. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
CIFAR is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from multiple backgrounds, perspectives and experiences is integral to advancing excellence and increasing the impact of our organization. Our leadership, staff and volunteers strive to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and, in turn, an environment that will give our diverse global community of researchers the support to successfully address the most important questions facing science and humanity. Ensuring that every person feels valued and welcome, regardless of age, education, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, and other attributes is vital to achieving our mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of our society who face systemic barriers and biases, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority/racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of marginalized gender identity communities, and persons with disabilities. Applicants may confidentially self-identify at the time of application.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - CIFAR is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email hrteam@cifar.ca and include the term ‘Accessibility’ in the Subject Line, or call 416-971-4251. Please provide your name, preferred contact method, and a detailed description of the nature of any accommodation that you may require. Please include any materials or processes that may be used to ensure your equal participation.
CIFAR frequently communicates in both official languages and our preference is to hire employees who are fluent in both English and French where possible. Other languages are also considered an asset. For a French version of the job posting, please visit www.cifar.ca.
CIFAR is supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec as well as international partner organizations, individuals, foundations, and corporations.
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