Principal

Founded by Jane Griffith, Griffith Group provides exceptional retained executive search services to its valued clients. Focused on senior level recruitment, our search team partners with not-for-profit, academic, broader public organizations and private sector companies across Canada and the US to support them with their executive search needs. Griffith Group is deeply rooted in the values of integrity, professionalism, and empowered innovation. As recognized experts in recruitment, Griffith Group Executive Search is named on Hunt Scanlon Media’s “2022 Top 60 Canadian Recruiters,” and “2021 Top 50 Higher Education Recruiters” rankings. We are also the only wholly owned Canadian search firm named to the “2022 HR/Diversity Power 65”.
We are committed to supporting, championing, and advancing Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the workplace as we engage in identifying top-tier candidates for institutions across the country. We are signatories of the BlackNorth Initiative, the Federal Government’s 50-30 Challenge, and are members of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business and of the Canada’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). Additionally, Griffith Group has been accredited as a Rainbow Registered business, an accreditation that ensures that all of our practices are welcoming, accepting, and celebratory of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
It is within this context that Griffith Group Executive Search is seeking a senior executive search professional to join the team as Principal.
Reporting to and working in close collaboration with Jane Griffith, the Principal is responsible for managing all aspects of the recruitment process across all senior level searches. Griffith Group’s Principals are not responsible for revenue generation activities, as this work is led and managed by the firm’s Partners. Instead, the Principal will manage all aspects of the search, including but not limited to, name generation research, writing advertisements and briefs, and all candidate outreach, identification and recruitment activities. They will conduct both screening and in-depth candidate interviews and bring relevant previous experience interacting with senior executives on behalf of their firm. The Principal will be involved with client meetings and will serve as the lead contact for searches when the Partner involved on the search is unavailable.
As the ideal candidate you have a minimum of seven (7) years experience working at a retainer-based executive search firm. You are adept at managing multiple searches simultaneously and can manage competing search timelines and with shifting priorities. You are a strong and sophisticated communicator with exceptional writing and editing skills, which can be seen through your high level of attention to detail. Your tenure working on senior level searches has enabled you to have a high level of judgment and the ability to show discretion in managing confidential information. As a proven recruiter, you are adept at conducting interviews and assessing talent, presenting information at client meetings, and navigating with grace and skill all interactions with clients and candidates, whether they be good news updates or providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates. Candidates must possess experience and comfort in ensuring recruitment practices are equitable and inclusive to all candidates, and particularly to equity-deserving candidates. Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, and a graduate level degree would be considered an asset. Proficiency in both French and English would also be considered an asset but is not required.
Griffith Group prides itself on its excellence and a culture that is team focused, inclusive, innovative, and fast paced. There is a strong and engaged commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion across the firm; candidates must have interest in contributing to and continuing this commitment. Only candidates who meet the required position experience, will work towards the collective success of the firm, contribute to Griffith Group’s culture, and build collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues will be selected for interviews.
To express interest in this opportunity please apply in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca).
Griffith Group welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President

Brock University is located on the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. This Territory is covered by the One Dish One Spoon Wampum Agreement and the Upper Canada Treaties. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working with Indigenous peoples, and strive to honour and support the Indigenous peoples on whose Traditional Territory Brock is located. Brock’s commitment to Reconciliation and Decolonization is one of four strategic priorities of Brock’s 2018-2025 Strategic Plan. Brock believes that a diverse and welcoming learning community is built upon the foundation of exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni. This requires that Brock be attractive and welcoming to people of all identities and accepting of the unique histories and experiences of Indigenous people within the Canadian state.
Following an international search, Dr. Lesley Rigg, a highly accomplished academic leader, research scientist and professor, was appointed Brock’s President and Vice-Chancellor on November 1, 2022 and leads an institution long recognized for its commitment to student excellence and experience, and which continues to be ranked highly among its peers across Canada.
It is within this context that Brock welcomes nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President (“Executive Director”).
Reporting to the President & Vice-Chancellor, and as a member of the senior administration, the Executive Director provides strategic oversight, leadership and direction in the Office of the President and supports its efforts to continue to advance the University. Working in partnership with the President, the Executive Director will be accountable for providing strategic administrative leadership and advising on projects to ensure that the Office of the President is effective in achieving its goals, while enabling the President to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The Executive Director will work with various stakeholders across the University and its broader community to bring the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan to life, continuing to improve Brock’s ability to support students, increase inclusion and to build a strong institutional reputation. In addition, the Executive Director will take a key leadership role in developing the University’s next institutional strategic plan, helping to chart Brock University’s path forward. As well, the Executive Director will work closely with the senior team to further strategic initiatives and special projects, and resolve complex issues that have been elevated to the Office of the President. Finally, the Executive Director will support the work of the President and Vice-Presidents, acting in a leadership capacity in managing the Office of the President, and when appropriate, acting on behalf of the President.
As the ideal candidate, you have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Canadian post-secondary sector and a proven record of excellence in administrative leadership within a complex public-funded organization/institution. You have experience in academic and university governance and knowledge of university strategic planning processes. You have demonstrated leadership abilities and experience, coupled with a strong appreciation for collegiality and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders to advance a shared mission and the University’s priorities. You have experience in leading broad and complex change initiatives and in writing proposals and coordinating major projects/initiatives. You are highly organized, have exceptional communication skills, superb attention to detail, and the ability to keep focused on Brock’s mission and vision. You have a proactive approach, a high level of confidentiality and discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with changing levels of urgency. You can leverage opportunities, identify and address challenges to support the mission of the University, and demonstrate a strong strategic and creative vision for Brock’s academic future. A graduate degree is required.
To apply for, or explore, the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President opportunity with Brock University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).
About Brock University – Located in the historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a modern university in a safe, community-minded city, with beautiful natural surroundings. With 19,000 students, 5,000 faculty and staff, an operating budget of around $360 million, and more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in seven diverse Faculties, Brock offers an academic experience that’s second to none. Brock is a comprehensive university known for its excellence in teaching and learning, positive student experience, and strong university-community engagement. Brock is home to a community of highly regarded researchers who are improving society by undertaking impactful and significant research.
Brock University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Brock University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact sam@griffithgroup.ca.

Controller

Queen’s is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Ne Yonterihwayenhstahkwa’kó:wa nene Yonontí:yo akáowenk tká:yen tsi niyohwentsyà:ke tsi nón:we ne Rotinonhsyón:ni táhnon ne Ratirón:taks thatinákere
Gichii Ogiimaa Ikwe gichii-gakina’amaadii’igamig owedi ayaamagad Anishinaabeg idash Naadaweg gaa dan’akiyaad
One of Canada’s leading universities, Queen’s has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, research, student experience, student leadership, and engaged alumni. Home to over 27,000 students, Queen’s boasts an undergraduate graduation rate of 93 per cent, diverse learning opportunities, a broad range of students’ services and supports, unmistakable school spirit, and a tight-knit global network of 159,000 alumni in 153 countries. Graduates from Queen’s University are part of an international community of lifelong learners and accomplished leaders. Queen’s University is highly ranked in Canada for student experience, taking an inclusive approach, and offering learning beyond the classroom; this experience includes a variety of student clubs, as well as a robust international exchange program with more than 220 partners. Queen’s has also made a formal commitment to the health and wellness of students, staff and faculty by joining universities from around the world in adopting the “Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges”. Queen’s also became a signatory to the “Scarborough Charter On Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion” in Canadian Higher Education, committing Queen’s to implementation of the Charter’s various action items and to full accountability to a sector network of signatory institutions.
It is within this context that Queen’s University is embarking on a search for its next Controller.
Reporting to the Associate Vice-Principal (Finance & Administration), the Controller is the chief accountant in the University and is responsible for ensuring that both the University’s internal and external financial reporting is accurate, timely, and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and/or other applicable standards. As a member of the financial leadership team, the Controller is responsible for providing operational and strategic leadership across the University. The Controller directs all activities and functional areas of Financial Services including financial reporting, banking, accounts receivable, payroll, research accounting and University financial systems. The incumbent provides broad oversight of financial accounting and compliance matters and advises and supports the Vice-Principal (Finance & Administration), Associate Vice-Principal (Finance & Administration), and the University’s leadership in efficient and effective monitoring, management, and control of the financial resources of the University. The Controller participates on various University Committees and provides reports to the Board of Trustees as required.
As a senior finance executive, the Controller partners with the VP (Finance & Administration) and AVP (Finance & Administration) to develop short and long-term strategic plans for the University to ensure that the University has a progressive, stable and secure financial landscape, providing stakeholders with services, leadership and expertise that are in alignment with the goals and priorities of the University. The Controller champions collaboration, operational efficiency, high levels of client service and transparent decision-making. The Controller is responsible for developing and maintaining internal and external financial reporting, resolving accounting and reporting issues, identifying and monitoring financial risk, and developing and maintaining strong internal controls that apply to and protect the reputation that Queen’s has built and proudly maintained over the years as one of Canada’s leading universities.
As the ideal candidate, you are a strategic but detailed orientated, dynamic and proactive finance and accounting leader with a strong technical background. You bring strong analytical problem-solving skills coupled with an ability to compile, synthesize and interpret relevant data from a wide variety of sources. Your career includes progressive management experience in a complex environment, in a collaborative and collegial manner, using highly developed relationship building, influencing, and negotiating skills to achieve results. You are adept at managing confidentiality and with ensuring adherence to standards and/or policies. You posses a client service orientation that anticipates and responds to needs and demands of clients in a manner that is tactful, diplomatic and responsive. You bring experience managing a team of people, including professional staff, and have exceptional verbal, written and presentation communication skills. Your career includes progressive accounting experience with strong knowledge of GAAP, and knowledge of NPO GAAP would be considered an asset. You are deeply committed to, and have demonstrated experience, supporting equity deserving individuals, and your values in alignment with Queen’s I-EDIA goals. Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university and a professional accounting designation such as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
To apply or explore this leadership position at Queen’s University further, please contact Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) or visit www.griffithgroup.ca/XXXX .
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
The University will provide support in its recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes an applicant’s accessibility needs into account. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please contact Jane Griffith at Jane@griffithgroup.ca and hradmin@queensu.ca . Every effort to accommodate candidates will be made in a way that is equitable and respectful of their additional professional, community, and personal responsibilities.

LGBTQ+ rainbow

Griffith Group Joins the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Griffith Group Executive Search is pleased to announce that we have become members of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), a coalition of LGBT+ businesses and entrepreneurs, allies, government liaisons, corporate members, community partners, and students of business advocating for and working towards a more inclusive Canadian economy – one connection at a time.

As a women-led firm and a member of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), our lived experience as diverse individuals permeate how we conduct executive search. As we strive to live up to our values, it is critical we continually seek to support equity-seeking communities. We believe collaboration not only helps lead to transformation, but it is a key aspect of delivering an inclusive and equitable hiring process.

We are proud to announce our membership and for the continued opportunity to help champion change.

fists meeting together

The Griffith Group Celebrates International Women’s Day

The Griffith Group is proud to be a women-led executive search firm with the unique position to disrupt the status quo by empowering our clients to appoint diverse candidates to key leadership roles.

This is how we #ChoosetoChallenge

#InternationalWomensDay