Director Education Innovation

Description:

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is presently seeking candidates for the following position: Director Education Innovation

Term: Permanent

Location: Toronto, ON

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF CORPORATE DIRECTORS (ICD)

Established in 1981, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is a not-for-profit, member-based organization representing Canadian directors and boards across the for-profit, not-for-profit, Crown sectors, and Credit Union sectors.

As Canada’s largest director community, the ICD creates forums for dialogue, hosts networking opportunities and provides access to world-class resources for more than 18,000 members across a network of 11 Chapters. Members who successfully complete the ICD-Rotman Director Education Program (DEP) and ICD-led examination process earn the highly recognized ICD.D designation.

ICD members provide board oversight across all sectors of the economy and institutions that impact the lives of virtually every Canadian. Learn more at icd.ca.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking to build our team and bring the vision for Education to life. We are looking for someone to help us stay ahead of the curve as executive education continues to evolve. We will be looking at innovation as though we are operating five to ten years in the future with all the implications that entails including how technology, our landscape and learning itself will change.

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Education, this new role will oversee key initiatives that are mapped directly to the organization’s strategic priorities and contribute to business growth. Moving beyond learning channels of delivery, we are looking to create new ways to engage, develop and support directors along their journey with ICD over the long term. We are looking for someone who knows how to lead the process of identifying, evaluating and prioritizing new ideas, opportunities and translating these into directly market ready solutions, seeing them beyond implementation to measurable change in KPIs, growth and revenue.

You have a strong background in innovation approaches, commercialization, product management and understand the infrastructure that is needed to do this at scale within a small medium enterprise. You understand how to take a concept and break it down to tangible components, steps and plans that are actionable and well understood. We are also looking for someone to provide guidance and enable the organization as this new skill set is introduced, including doing proof-of-concept work.

Key accountabilities:

• Lead the development of new business lines, including end-to-end product management, creation and implementation of supporting processes and infrastructure (e.g., legal contracts, templates), and defining market positioning to support growth and long-term success.
• Champion the application of innovation methodologies, including design thinking, to drive creative problem-solving, enhance customer experience, and inform strategic decision-making across initiatives.
• Engage directly with clients to identify opportunities, co-develop new business lines, and lead the delivery of impactful programs and services that align with client needs and strategic objectives.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions with senior leadership and the board, guiding high-level discussions to align organizational priorities, set direction, and drive decision-making.
• Translate complex strategies into clear, actionable plans and roadmaps, ensuring alignment across teams and driving effective execution toward organizational goals
• Take ownership of our custom education portfolio at ICD including growing the existing business line and identifying new opportunities for ICD. You will be responsible for all aspects of this program including pricing, contract negotiation, development and delivery.
• Accountable for achieving KPIs and targets, including revenue generation and outcomes.
• Working with the VP, Education ensure that our programs and the education portfolio deliver on ICD’s value proposition and strategic plan.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years experience in innovation or product management, experience with learning and development or technology preferred
• Undergraduate degree in relevant field required. Masters degree in a relevant field preferred
• Strong skills in contract negotiation, vendor management, and partnership cultivation.
• Knowledge of design thinking, lean, innovation tools and techniques
• Deep knowledge of innovation principles, strategy design and implementation
• Demonstrated ability to implement strategic initiatives from the vision through to actionable projects and measures.
• 5 years working directly with instructional design principles and relevant technology preferred
• Demonstrated ability to fully implement new programs in a complex, multistakeholder environment.
• Deep experience establishing new lines of business to market and achieving metrics and goals
• Experience in leading innovation planning sessions and frameworks with Senior Management teams, directors and stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience to manage multiple related projects.
• 5 years working directly with clients on custom learning solutions, from writing proposals through to delivery of the final product, ideally with revenue responsibility or targets.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with senior directors and executives.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize multiple priorities.