Job Description
Chief Executive Officer,techNL
St. John’s, NL
Lead at the intersection of innovation and opportunity where Newfoundland and Labrador’s burgeoning tech landscapethrives.
The Organization
With a vision to become the most sought-after tech ecosystem in Canada,techNLis globally recognized for fostering a diverse, collaborative community on behalf of its members and partners. Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector already contributes more than $1.8 billion annually to the provincial economy and has grown by 24% between 2016 and 2023. We are home to the first AI unicorn in Canada and one of the largest acquisitions of a tech company in Canadian history:Verafinwasacquiredby NASDAQ for $3.6 billion in 2020. Globally competitive businesses are built here, including Kraken Robotics (public and valued at $1.4 billion). In 2025,nearly 80%of all equity funding raised in Atlantic Canada was secured by Newfoundland and Labrador-based companies, totaling $295.5 million.techNLaccelerates the growth of the tech sector in Newfoundland and Labrador through business growth services, a collective voice, and an active network of tech and tech-enabled companies.techNL’sprograms support talent development including upskilling, employment services, digital transformation, and overall ecosystem development. In collaboration with its partners,techNLis developing the technology sector as a leading contributor to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, positioned to generate $2.5 billion of economic value annually by 2030.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the driving force behindtechNL’svision, strategy, and impact. This is a rare opportunity to lead a dynamic, member‑driven organization at the heart of one of Canada’s leading technology ecosystems.With emerging priorities in artificial intelligence, cyber, and defence,techNLis seekingacollaborativeleader to buildtrusted relationshipswithmembers,industrypartners, government,post-secondaryandotherstakeholders to advance a thriving economy. Supported by a talented senior management team, the CEO will championthe interests ofmembership, strengthen advocacy efforts, andbuild on the success oftechNL’sprograms and services.With a focus on long‑term sustainability, the CEOkeeps their thumb on the pulse of the technology ecosystem, ensuringtechNLremainsstrategically relevant, and positioned for continued impact.
Key Areas of Leadership and Oversight:
A strong systems leader, the CEOdevelopsandadvancesa clear visiontoguide the organization’s long‑term directionand promotes the success of member companies.
Buildstrust and credibility while actively advocating fortechNLwith members, partners, and the broader technology ecosystem.
Serve as a spokesperson for the organization andambassador forthe sector, championinginitiativesthat enhanceNewfoundland and Labrador’s competitiveness in national and global markets.
Implements data-driven performance metrics to measure growth, program effectiveness, and overall sector impact.
AdaptstechNL’smodel to meet the evolving needs of early‑stage, scaling, and established companies through differentiated services and measurable member value.
Overseeshuman resource management, including policies,andorganizational structure,fostering a culture of open communication, engagement, and high performance.
Embedsthe principles of EDIA-AR and reconciliation intheir worktoreflecttechNL’scommitment to inclusive sector growth and Indigenous engagement.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate bringsdemonstratedsenior leadership experienceunderlined bya passionand visionfor Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology sector.This vision is underpinned by the provincial scope oftechNL,recognizing the need toenablethe participation ofentrepreneurs fromruraland remoteregions.As CEO, youwillanticipaterelevantemerging trends, challenges, and opportunities,andtranslate thatinsight into action.Withanability to inspire, this leader excels at building strong, trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.Their advanced stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills will be instrumental in advancingtechNL’svision, strategy, and organizationalobjectives.Growth‑minded and strategic, theidealcandidate has experience working closely with Boards of Directors anddemonstratesstrong organizational governanceknowledge and application. They are adept at managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and communicatingexpertly.The successful candidate presents with confidence and credibility in public and professional settings and is comfortablerepresentingthe organization with media outletsand partners.
Qualifications and Experience:
While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.
5-7 yearsof seniorleadership experience guiding strategy, growth, and organizational sustainability.
Strong knowledge of the technology sector and its role in economic development.
Experience working within innovation ecosystems alongside industry, government, post-secondary institutions, and investors.
Proven ability to build partnerships, influence stakeholders, and secure complex funding or strategic collaborations.
Experience supporting or working with technology companies and founders.
Strong organizational leadership, financial oversight, and governance experience.
Ability toanticipateemerging trends and position organizations for success in national and global technology markets.
Skills and Attributes:
Visionary and Strategic Thinker
High-Impact Relationship Builder
Strong Financial and Governance Acumen
Inspirational People Leader
To Apply
Application review will being on March 26, 2026. If you are interested in this opportunity,submit your full application package by clicking apply now below. For further information related to this search, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca
techNLis committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We will provide support and accommodations to applicants with disabilities, upon request. If you need accommodationin order toparticipateas a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.
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