Job Description

The (CHRIM) is the research division of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM) and the first facility in the prairie provinces dedicated to pediatric research.
CHRIM brings together over 500 researchers, clinicians, and trainees working collectively to advance child and maternal health. Fostering world-class research, CHRIM creates a unique environment where collaboration sparks innovation and accelerates the translation of research into clinical practice and public policy. This multidisciplinary model makes CHRIM a leader in child health research and training, with work spanning areas such as diabetes, respiratory health, developmental origins of health and disease, vaccines, obesity, kidney disease, pharmacology, autism, emergency medicine, oral health, youth mental health, rare hereditary disorders, cancer and more.
Research at CHRIM supports - Biology of Breathing (BoB), DREAM, ENRRICH, PRIME, PROMISE, and REACH - that address urgent child health challenges from respiratory disease and diabetes to neurodevelopment, oncology, mental health, and acute care. In addition to these themes, there are many other collaborative research programs at CHRIM, fostering a multidisciplinary environment where clinicians and scientists work side by side to accelerate discovery, translation, and impact.
Equally important, CHRIM invests in the next generation of child health researchers. Affiliated with the University of Manitoba, the Institute supports graduate and postdoctoral trainees through mentorship, workshops, networking, and professional development led by the Trainee Career Development Group. Initiatives such as the Emergent Biosolutions Trainee Development Award further enhance career readiness and prepare future leaders in child health research.
By bringing together a wide range of disciplines, CHRIM fosters a collaborative and innovative environment that advances discovery while offering hope to children and families through the pursuit of medical breakthroughs and cures.
The Opportunity CHRIM is entering its next chapter with strong momentum across its research programs and is seeking a visionary and strategically focused Chief Executive Officer & Scientific Director. The new leader will elevate CHRIM's national profile, ensure strong and sustainable business operations to support research excellence, and advance the translation of discoveries into clinical practice and policy.
Reporting to the CHRIM Board of Directors, the CEO will set direction and drive execution of the Institute's strategic plan; steward relationships with key partners including the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba; and represent CHRIM locally, nationally, and internationally. The CEO will work closely with CHRIM's Scientific Council to align organizational priorities with scientific strategy, performance equity and reconciliation.
This is an exceptional mandate for a leader who can inspire accomplished, independent researchers; bring clarity and momentum to a complex, multi-stakeholder environment; and serve as the public face of a "hidden gem" ready to step into greater visibility and influence.
CHRIM values diverse perspectives and is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in all aspects of its work. Candidates with lived experience of Indigeneity, marginalized racialization, or other equity-deserving identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Demonstrated practical experience in the application of EDIA principles is required.
Key Responsibilities Vision & Strategy

• Work in close partnership with the Board, management and senior scientific leaders to develop and execute CHRIM's vision and strategic plan, integrating scientific priorities with organizational sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term impact.
• Translate strategy into clear business plans with measurable outcomes; monitor progress, remove barriers, and report results to the Board.
• Champion knowledge mobilization - positioning CHRIM's science for uptake in clinical practice and informing public policy in partnership with CHFM, government, and health-system leaders.

Organizational & Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership cultivating a collaborative, high-trust culture committed to equity and reconciliation that empowers talented experts and aligns their work with the Institute's mission.
• Ensure strong operational systems across finance, HR, IT, and facilities; oversee budgeting, performance management, risk, and compliance.
• Maintain effective organizational structures and processes that enable multidisciplinary research and outstanding service to investigators

Scientific & Academic Leadership

• Partner closely with the Scientific Council and research leads to guide research direction, performance, and collaboration; ensure organizational support accelerates scientific impact.
• Promote a collegial, collaborative, equitable culture - creating conditions where great science thrives.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as an ambassador for CHRIM; build strategic relationships with government, academia, health-system partners, donors, and peer institutes.
• Champion and operationalize initiatives that advance health equity, reduce child and family poverty, and address systemic racism, by advocating for and implementing policies, partnerships, and research priorities that drive meaningful, long-term change.
• Collaborate with CHFM on storytelling, tours, events, and recognition to elevate CHRIM's profile.
• Advance policy influence by connecting CHRIM discoveries to public priorities; communicate the value of child health research to diverse audiences.

Governance & Board Relations

• Provide timely, strategic advice, analysis, and reporting to the Board and its committees; ensure effective governance and accountability.
• Propose annual objectives and institute-level performance metrics; support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement

Experience & Background

• Experience within a research institute or comparable environment, with a proven understanding of the research enterprise through a medical/clinical, scientific, or broader R&D lens.
• Progressive executive leadership in research, healthcare, academia, or a comparably complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational development, and change leadership - translating vision into disciplined execution.
• Natural ability to lead expert teams and engage senior scientists and clinicians with credibility and collaboration.
• Strong business acumen (finance, HR, operations, space/facility planning, risk/governance); non-profit experience an asset.
• Track record of experience in building partnerships with universities, foundations, governments, and health-system stakeholders.

How to Apply To submit your candidacy for this leadership opportunity, please email your resume in confidence to Annette Kohut, Senior Associate, Executive Search at or Karin Pooley, VP, Executive Search at .

Skills Required