Executive Director

Established in 2002, Homewood Research Institute (HRI) is an independent national charity dedicated to conducting research that transforms mental health and substance use health outcomes. Guided by its vision, "No life held back or cut short by mental illness or substance use issues", HRI generates and mobilizes evidence that improves care, informs policy, and advances better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Canada. HRI is distinguished by its ability to conduct applied research in real-world treatment settings through its longstanding partnership with Homewood Health, a Canadian leader in mental health and addiction treatment, while collaborating with a growing network of university, healthcare, and community partners. This unique model enables HRI to accelerate the translation of research into practice and positions the institute at the intersection of research, mental health care, and health system improvement.

It is in this context that HRI welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Executive Director, commencing September 2027, or soon thereafter.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead HRI through the next stage of development and build upon its record of research excellence, collaboration, and impact. The Executive Director’s success will be measured by building HRI’s national relationships and influence, growing funding and strategic partnerships, developing HRI’s next five-year strategic plan, and providing shared oversight of HRI’s governance and financial health. To achieve these goals, the Executive Director will work in collaboration with the HRI team of 12 staff; 19 affiliated and collaborating scientists; more than 30 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research trainees; and its partners, including Homewood Health and McMaster University. They will build trusting and productive partnerships across the research, healthcare, government, philanthropy, academic and charitable sectors. As a spokesperson for HRI, the Executive Director will advance HRI’s work and impact through expanding partnerships across Canada and globally, securing donations and grants, engaging with partners and stakeholders, and through the promoting and advocacy of research and publications. This is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation and help shape the next chapter of a nationally recognized organization advancing applied mental health and substance use health research.

The above mandate for the Executive Director requires candidates to hold both senior leadership experience and expertise in mental health care, clinical research, health services research, or a closely related field. As the Board is committed to ensuring HRI's work remains grounded in patient needs and focused on improving outcomes, candidates who are clinician-scientists or leaders with substantial clinical experience would be particularly attractive. An earned advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant mental health, clinical, scientific, or research discipline is required. Candidates’ experience should include leading strategic planning, organizational growth, and securing philanthropic support, grant funding, and strategic partnerships to expand the organization’s reach and impact across Canada. Leadership of the team and organization will require candidates to draw upon relevant executive skills: mentoring a team of staff and scientists; financial and budgetary acumen, including experience co-managing large and complex budgets; enhancing organizational visibility through promoting research and academic outputs; and acting as a spokesperson on both a national and global stage. Ideally, candidates should also understand governance best practices and have experience working with a voluntary board of a charitable organization. As HRI’s next leader, candidates must also have a genuine commitment to Anti-Oppression, Equity, and Inclusion (AOEI) principles and a track record of fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed, respected, and integrated into decision-making.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca).

Hours: This is a 0.8 FTE opportunity (approximately four days per week), allowing the successful candidate to maintain weekly clinical/research hours.

Term: Initial appointment of five years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.

Location: Hybrid position based in Guelph, Ontario, with regular on-site presence of approximately two days per week. Periodic travel will be required for stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Compensation: Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership success.

Benefits: HRI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, paid personal days, and other applicable benefits. Benefit arrangements may be tailored based on the nature of the appointment and full-time equivalency (FTE) status.

HRI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Accommodations are available upon request (jane@griffithgroup.ca) for candidates participating in all aspects of the hiring process.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

Reason for posting: Upcoming vacancy.

Use of AI: Griffith Group Executive Search does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.