Health Research BC
Chief Financial & Operating Officer

As British Columbia’s health research funding agency, Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC) plays a critical role in shaping a healthier future for all British Columbians. We are committed to supporting world-class research talent and enabling evidence-based decision-making across the province. Our programs build research careers, our investments advance priority research, and our expertise accelerates the use of research evidence.

We are seeking a strategic, values-driven leader to join our executive team as Chief Financial and Operating Officer—a key role responsible for stewarding the Foundation’s financial health and driving organizational excellence across finance, information technology, and corporate services.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) is a central voice in shaping the Foundation’s strategic direction, translating long-term vision into operational plans that support innovation, accountability, and impact. As a key advisor to the Board of Directors and Finance & Audit Committee, the CFOO leads critical discussions around financial modeling, risk management, government funding, and investment strategy.

Internally, the CFOO leads a multidisciplinary team across Finance, Information Technology, and Corporate Services, fostering a culture of collaboration, high performance, and continuous improvement. This role oversees financial systems and reporting, ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards, and provides executive oversight for organizational infrastructure and planning. The CFOO also has a fiduciary duty to safeguard the organization’s resources while ensuring the most effective and efficient use of funds and staff time to support strategic goals.

As the ideal candidate, you are a seasoned financial and administrative leader with deep expertise in finance, investment strategy, and public sector funding models, capable of aligning fiscal planning with long-term organizational strategy and navigating complex funding landscapes. You bring a steady, people-centered leadership style—mentoring and growing high-performing teams across the realm of corporate services—while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning. A strong communicator and thoughtful collaborator, you engage with openness, empathy, and diplomacy, building trust across diverse partners and leading through challenging conversations with calm assurance. With high emotional intelligence and a grounded presence, you thrive in a collegial, inclusive, and mission-driven culture, contributing to a team that values kindness, respect, and purpose. Nimble and systems-minded, you are comfortable leading change, championing transformation, and identifying innovative opportunities—balancing big-picture thinking with practical execution. Your professional experience is ideally augmented by a CPA designation, and an MBA would be an asset.

This is a rare opportunity to help advance health research that strengthens health and health care for people in British Columbia, as well as their economy, for future generations.

The targeted salary range for this position is $172,800 – $216,000 annually, supplemented by a competitive total rewards package.