Call for Nominations to the Alliance Board of Directors

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) is pleased to share the call to recruit new members to the Alliance’s Board of Directors.

The application process is now open and there are vacancies to fill on the Board for election at the Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2025. Terms will be staggered and can range between one (1) and three (3) years.

The number of vacancies is determined annually, and the necessary criteria to fill vacancies have been identified through an analysis of skillsets and criteria established by the Board.

The Board is committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) as fundamental to all aspects of the Alliance’s operations. The Board encourages qualified candidates including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people, to apply for Board Director roles.

 

Board Director Vacancies

The Alliance Board of Directors plays a fundamental role in the governance of the organization. The Directors reflect the geographic and linguistic diversity of Canada as well as the complexity of the DRI ecosystem. Directors have extensive experience and expertise in DRI pillars including advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM) and research software (RS).

We are currently seeking four (4) new Directors who bring a combination of relevant experience, expertise, and perspectives aligned with the Board’s needs in the following areas:

  1. Strategic leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  2. Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) leadership.
  3. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation with strong expertise in audit, risk, financial oversight and board governance.
  4. Expertise in Research Data Management (RDM) including experience as a librarian, Chief Information Officer (CIO) or data analytics leader.

 

Application Process

For this year’s Board recruitment, the Alliance has partnered with two executive search firms: Odgers Berndtson and Perrett Laver, to support a comprehensive recruitment process.

1. Apply through Odgers Berndtson if your skills and experience align with one of the following vacancies:  

  • Strategic Leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI); or
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) leadership

Submit your application in confidence online at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30386 or to amanda.bugatto@odgersberndtson.com

2. Apply through Perrett Laver if your skills and experience align with one of the following vacancies:

  • CPA designation with strong expertise in audit, risk, financial oversight and board governance; or
  • Expertise in Research Data Management including librarian, CIO, or data analytics leadership.

Submit your application to Perrett Laver here. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email Perrett Laver at thealliance.boardmembers@perrettlaver.com and one of their Consultants will be in touch.

All applications will close on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

 

Application Timeline

1. Call for Nominations – Monday, May 5, 2025

The call for nominations will be published on the Alliance’s website and promoted across its social media channels. Additionally, Odgers Berndtson and Perrett Laver will also circulate the call for nominations through their respective platforms.

2. Nomination Submission Closure – Monday, May 26, 2025

Nominations must be submitted in line with the instructions in the application process section above. Nominations can be received until Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

3. Interview and Due diligence check – June to July 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews followed by background and reference checks.

4. Notification to successful candidates and AGM Invitation – August 2025

Successful candidates will be notified and formally invited to attend the Alliance’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where they will stand for election. The AGM is scheduled for September 23, 2025, at the Alliance’s office in Ottawa.

5. Directors Election – September 23, 2025

Final candidates will be presented to the Alliance’s Primary Members for election to the Board at the AGM.

 

Qualifications and Expected Commitment

Candidates should also ensure that they meet the following requirements:

  • Commitment to the Alliance’s vision and values and an appreciation for ARC, RDM and RS components of the digital research infrastructure strategy.
  • Strong government relations and public policy experience is an asset.
  • Previous Board or executive experience in a research-based institution is an asset.
  • Personal commitment to devote the time necessary to perform the responsibilities of a Board Director.
  • Strong communication and collaborative skills.

Expected Commitment:

  • New Director terms begin in September 2025.
  • Directors must have the ability to serve for a term between one (1) year and three (3) years.
  • Directors may be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting at the end of their term.
  • Four (4) Board meetings take place each year, with two (2) held in-person within Canada and two (2) held virtually.
  • One (1) of the in-person Board meeting is held in conjunction with the AGM usually convened in September of each year.
  • Board committees meet four (4) times each year and meetings are held virtually. Directors are expected to be members of two (2) Board committees. Ad hoc committees may be established based on the Board’s mandate.
  • Upholding fiduciary duties and representing the Alliance in community engagement and advocacy activities, as needed.
  • The Alliance Board is not renumerated, it is a volunteer position. However, directors will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in performing their duties, including travel expenses.

 

How to Apply

Please refer to the Application Process section above to determine which executive search firm to apply through, based on your area of expertise.

Candidates are required to submit their application including the attachment of your cover letter and resumé, by Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

We thank all applicants in advance, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more general information about the role and nomination process, please contact the Alliance Board Secretary at candidates@alliancecan.ca