Position Description
Social Innovation Navigator
(Full-time, 2-year contract)
Innovate Calgary
CALGARY, ALBERTA
About Innovate Calgary
Innovate Calgary is the technology transfer and business incubator centre 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 Social Innovation Hub (SIH)
The Social Innovation Hub connects social entrepreneurs and changemakers with community-led programming, cross-sectoral networks, coaching, and mentorship. The SIH provides access to capital and space to help launch and grow successful social ventures. We are a passionate and creative team committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem.
About Social Innovation Initiative (SII):
The Social Innovation Initiative supports academics in mobilizing their research and transdisciplinary expertise to solve complex societal challenges. In particular, the SII serves faculty-based researchers working on solutions for positive social change in the community, community agencies developing solutions to society challenges, and UCalgary’s social innovation ecosystem to develop the infrastructure to advance social innovation.
The Role
The navigator supports the broader vision of universities, with UCalgary as a prototype, serving as effective research and development engines helping solve complex social problems. Centered by this vision, the navigator supports existing SIH and SII efforts to facilitate access and full engagement of the University’s social innovation ecosystem by community innovators and impact-oriented researchers.
The navigator will help improve existing systems by observing best practices and gaps in current services and offerings, sharing these findings, and supporting related research and knowledge-sharing efforts to scale best practices. The successful candidate thrives in navigating systems, strengthening relationships across sectors, sharing knowledge through various platforms and mediums, and has a learning and solutions-oriented mindset. They also have an interest in supporting student learning and skills-building. A lens for continuous quality improvement, the navigator will be observing and understanding the social innovation ecosystem and how it operates (e.g., its systems, resources, stakeholders, dynamics, where it is working to support innovators and recommend improvements along the way).
Key Duties:
In collaboration with the SII and SIH teams, the navigator supports social innovation projects in better leveraging the assets of the University by:
Relevant Experience/Skills:
Assets:
How to Apply
Your resume and cover letter should be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to address the role of Social Innovation Navigator.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application Closing Date: Open until filled.
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.