Associate Director, Operations, Social Innovation Hub, Innovate Calgary

Position Description

Innovate Calgary:
Innovate Calgary is the technology transfer and business incubator center for the University of Calgary. As part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) portfolio, we work with University of Calgary researchers, students, and other members to bridge the gap between discovery and create economic and societal impact.
We provide a unique environment for employees, combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of the University of Calgary’s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About the Social Innovation Hub:
The Social Innovation Hub connects social entrepreneurs and changemakers with community-led programming, cross-sectoral networks, coaching, and mentorship. It provides access to capital and space to help launch and grow successful social enterprises. We are a passionate and creative team committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

The Role:
Reporting to the Director, Social Innovation Hub, the Associate Director, Operations will lead the execution of SIH administrative, financial, and operational implementation and support the team toward success. This role is integral to empowering staff to develop a strong relational-based approach to entrepreneurial support, with an increasing number of entrepreneurs seeking support. Success in this role includes working alongside a strong team to deliver purpose-driven programs and supports, and demonstrating leadership to build and implement relevant policies, processes, and new initiatives as relevant. 

Who You Are: 

• Passionate about social impact, social entrepreneurship, and social innovation 
• Enthusiasm for the launch, development, and management of new programs, accelerators, and other entrepreneurial initiatives 
• High level of accountability, strong follow through, excited to work with SIH team to high performance
• A team player who enjoys a changing environment with multiple projects on the go  
• Highly communicative and organized   
• Strong community orientation and knowledge of the startup ecosystem
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Committed to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• A unique blend of passion for working in a creative, ambiguous space and strong enthusiasm for process, data, and detail-orientation

Key Accountabilities: 

• Supporting the implementation and success of the Social Innovation Hub at Innovate Calgary 
• Supporting the development of the annual operational plan, overseeing day-to-day operations for a portfolio of programs, and managing deliverables and budgets 
• Manages strategic partnerships and key relationships, including Resident Program Partners
• Provides stewardship of resources, grant management, and reporting
• Creates processes and accountability systems for strategic initiatives and programs
• Coordinates and leads evaluation and data collection initiatives 
• Primary and secondary research to inform strategy and new initiatives
• Liaises with other innovation hub teams to build repeatable, scalable processes
• Provides support on program and strategic initiative development 
• Supports team in program coordination as necessary

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• 7-10 years experience in a related field: innovation center delivery, project management in an adjacent field, operations, or space management in an adjacent field 
• Demonstrated skills in program management functions, including developing work plans, managing budgets, conducting reporting
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams
• Strong project planning skills, including problem-solving, administration, and accountability
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritize workload, and multi-task
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Strong attention to detail and data-driven
• Experienced user of project management software, including SalesForce, Asana, GSuite, and Hubspot
• Copywriting or grant writing experience is an asset

How to Apply:
Your resume and cover letter can be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to address the role of Associate Director, Operations, Social Innovation Hub in the subject.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Application Closing Date: 
Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis, with final applications accepted by:  End of Day, February 10, 2023.
 

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.