Board of Governors

It is the only bilingual research-intensive university in Canada, the largest French-English university in the world and an institution open to the languages and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and the entire world. These three pillars allow it to provide its students and employees with an environment that is linguistically, culturally and academically open and diverse.

The University of Ottawa – among the top five research universities in Canada, is a centre of power, leadership and transformation in the heart of the national capital of a G7 country, in a bilingual city at the intersection of scholarship, commerce and public policy. It is just steps away from Canada’s major democratic institutions. It benefits from a global network of embassies, internationally renowned hospitals and national research agencies, a major arts sector and a flourishing business community. The University also boasts a continually expanding campus at Kanata North, the country’s largest technology park.

This crossroads of science, commerce and politics drives its some 50,000 students and over 6,000 professors and support staff to always aim higher, to spur innovation and transform society. Together, its researchers attract more than $500 million in research revenue annually.

Board of Governors

The University is also accountable to a range of stakeholders, including students, professors and support staff, alumni, government and granting agencies, and the general public. Established under the University of Ottawa Act, 1965, the Board of Governors directs and supervises the management of University affairs and has all the necessary powers to do so.

Members of the Board contribute to the University’s strategic direction and serve on one or more of its committees, based on their expertise and interests.

Members of the Board of Governors are appointed for three-year terms, renewable twice, and serve on a voluntary basis. The Board generally meets seven to eight times per year. Members must also allocate time to prepare for meetings and participate in committee activities.

Desired Expertise

The University of Ottawa’s Board of Governors is seeking individuals recognized for their leadership and expertise in strategic areas who can contribute to advancing the University’s mission.

The Board’s membership reflects a diverse range of competencies, including law; finance, accounting, and audit; investment and pension plan management; and real estate, infrastructure, and major projects. The Board is currently seeking, more specifically, individuals with expertise in the following areas:

• Government relations;
• Innovation and research commercialization;
• Information technology and artificial intelligence;
• Inclusion, diversity, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;
• Human resources and human capital development;
• Philanthropy and fundraising; and
• Security and defense.

Personal Attributes

Members of the University of Ottawa’s Board of Governors contribute to the strategic governance of a large and complex institution. Accordingly, the individuals sought will be distinguished by their integrity, sound judgment, commitment to collective interest, and ability to analyze complex issues and participate in high-level strategic discussions. They will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, openness to diverse perspectives, the courage to express their views, and a deep respect for the principles of good governance.

Appointees must also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, an ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders whose interests may vary, and a sustained commitment to the University’s mission and values. They understand the importance of confidentiality, fiduciary responsibility, and the distinct role of the Board of Governors in relation to the University administration. Finally, given the University of Ottawa’s bilingual character, a good understanding of both French and English, orally and in writing, is required.

A Committed, Inclusive Workplace

The University of Ottawa is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive composition of its Board of Governors. It values a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities and seeks to promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusion within its governance bodies. This diversity enriches discussions, supports informed decision-making, and advances the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and service to the community.

The University of Ottawa and Boyden are committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and will make every effort to accommodate candidates’ individual needs. Accommodations are available upon request. All accommodation requests will remain confidential and will have no impact on the assessment of a candidate’s application. If you are selected to participate in the selection process, please contact Marie-Hélène Gaudreault at mgaudreault@boyden.com to indicate the nature of any accommodations you may require to ensure your full and equitable participation.

To apply

This initiative is intended to establish a diverse pool of highly qualified individuals who may be considered for future appointments to the Board of Governors. Although there is no immediate need associated with each of the profiles being sought, the University wishes to identify prospective candidates now so that it can respond effectively to renewal needs as they arise over the medium term.

Interested individuals are invited to submit their resume and any other relevant documents no later than midnight on October 12 to mgaudreault@boyden.com, indicating the position title in the subject line of their email.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

AI-assisted tools may be used to support the review of applications.