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THE ORGANIZATION
Our client, the Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development (“CONRAD”), is a network of companies, universities and government agencies assembled to facilitate collaborative research in science and technology in Alberta’s oil sands.

Formed in 1994, CONRAD encourages, initiates, and supports collaborative research in the oil sands by linking the expertise of research providers with the needs of industry. CONRAD’s goals are to:

• Improve the performance of the oil sands industry through the development of new technologies;
• Improve the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of oil sands research; and
• Assist and facilitate the development of technologies that will support the industry’s environmental activities.

The scope of research under CONRAD includes environmental research, in-situ recovery, surface mining of oil sands, bitumen extraction, and upgrading of bitumen and heavy oil. Through its focus groups and consortia, CONRAD organizes workshops and conferences to facilitate the exchange of information and promote collaborative research.

CONRAD’s membership has grown steadily since its inception. Today, there are 34 members representing industry, government, universities, and suppliers. Positioned at the leading edge of technological and environmental research, CONRAD has been utilized by government regulatory agencies to develop common standards across the industry.

THE ROLE
Key Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will manage CONRAD’s business of promoting and facilitating collaborative research in the oil sands among the members. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to set the vision and direction for CONRAD
• Execute the vision as approved by the Board
• Facilitate communications between members
• Support the chairs of the focus groups and consortia in developing the respective research programs and in working with research providers
• Work closely with the CONRAD Cooperative Tailings Consortium members to develop and implement research programs and pilots
• Organize conferences with the focus groups and consortia
• Recruit new members to the organization
• Manage membership fees
• Steward and expedite agreements among members on research funding, intellectual property, and use of information
• Hire and manage staff as required
• Manage the external communications for the organization, including media contacts, website, etc
• Attend conferences and meetings on behalf of CONRAD
• Prepare presentations, packages, etc as needed in support of the Board, Focus Groups, and Consortia
• Liaise with research providers and universities
• Interface with government, regulators, and government agencies
• Develop strategic partnerships with other industry organizations
• Expand the influence and impact of CONRAD among members and the public
• Engage with the public on issues of common interest, such as the environment, to demonstrate the progress being made in the oil sands through research and innovation.

THE INDIVIDUAL
The ideal candidate’s superb interpersonal skills, business savvy, and passion for the industry will all be brought to bear in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess the following education, attributes, and work experience:

Education

• A university degree in a related discipline

Experience

• Minimum 10-15 years work history; oil sands experience, including surface mining, shall be considered an asset
• Demonstrated ability to work with multiple parties and stakeholders to implement initiatives and achieve results
• Excellent communications skills, including public speaking and engaging with the media
• Strong network in the oil sands industry
• Superb planning and organizational abilities (meetings, conferences, events, etc)
• Experienced with contracts, including intellectual property
• Government relations
• Ability to engage and coordinate volunteers
• Experience working with a member-driven organization and/or volunteer boards
• Experience with a research environment shall be considered an asset.

ATTRACTIONS
The ideal candidate will be attracted by the opportunity to:

• Play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization
• Engage directly with leaders from industry, academia, and government
• Advance the responsible development of Canada’s oil sands.

LOCATION

• The position is located in Calgary, Alberta.
• Some travel is expected, mostly to Edmonton and Fort McMurray, with the possible travel outside the province, including Ottawa and Washington, DC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (403) 261-8080 FOR: LACHLIN MCKINNON (EXT. 380).

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