Member, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses and communities, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council strategically supports research and world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future for Canada and the world, enhancing our understanding of modern social, cultural, technological, environmental, economic, and wellness issues.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council works to achieve the greatest strategic impact for Canada through promotion of and assisting research and scholarships from the expenditure of public funds, and provides advice that ensures that public funds are allocated in a manner that maximizes research outcomes to enable a strong, vibrant research community in the social sciences and humanities; and to advise the Minister in respect of such matters relating to such research as the Minister may refer to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for its consideration.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council has a governing council consisting of the President and not more than 18 other members, whose mandate is to advise the president on strategy, risk management, performance management, and stakeholder relations. The members are distinguished representatives from the academic, not-for-profit, public, and private sectors.

Council members represent the Canadian public and rely upon their knowledge of current issues and trends in the social sciences and humanities research community to strengthen the President’s ability to lead the organization with the conviction that comes from independent advice and, with the support of Council, to confidently account to the Minister and to Parliament for the decisions made, the resources expended, and the results achieved.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A graduate degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Significant national or international experience involving strategy, risk management, performance management and / or stakeholder relations within the academic, private, not-for-profit, or public sector;


• Experience developing, implementing and managing complex, strategic initiatives within academia or other private, not-for-profit or public sector organizations; and


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a private, not-for-profit or public sector organization would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's mandate, business activities and governing legislation, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act;


• Knowledge of Canada's research community and of the post-secondary education system;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities related to social sciences and humanities research across various sectors and disciplines;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and risk management;


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;


• Ability to provide strategic guidance on how to efficiently and appropriately develop and implement activities that support the mission and strategic objectives of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and on designing and implementing appropriate near- and longer-term measures to respond to emerging and future challenges and opportunities;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other council members and stakeholders; and


• Ability to understand, interpret and evaluate financial statements and budgets and an understanding of data analysis would be considered assets.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Initiative and innovative thinking    

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• If you are appointed, you must be willing to participate in Council and committee meetings in Canada, which occur two to four times a year in person, and one to four times virtually.


• If you are appointed, you must be able to commit up to 15 days per year to Council business.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information here) will begin on September 25, 2023. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.