Specialist, Growth Lead (AEiR)

Description

The Hunter Hub in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Specialist, Growth Lead (AEiR). This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Created with a transformational gift from the Hunter Family Foundation in 2017, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is the University of Calgary community innovation hub with a vision to improve lives and economies through entrepreneurial thinking. The Hunter Hub contributes directly to the University of Calgary's strategic vision to be Canada's most entrepreneurial university through innovation activities such as experiential learning initiatives and entrepreneurship courses, competitions, events and programs.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Programs and Events of the Hunter Hub under direction from the Academic Director as a member of the Hunter Hub programming team and working across all innovation organizations and faculties of the University, the Growth Lead Specialist will help create, coordinate, communicate and deliver successful, innovative community outreach and engagement activities and programs in entrepreneurial thinking and innovation that reach a large, broad and diverse audience of faculty, staff, postdoc fellows and students across the University and beyond.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Develop personas and formulate outreach strategies to reach a diversity of students, faculty and postdoc fellows from different disciplines and backgrounds to engage in our interdisciplinary programming and build our community.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies designed to increase participation in the AEiR program. 
• Identify growth opportunities through various forms of community engagement, partnerships, and collaborations. 
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and external partners to actively promote the AEiR program. 
• Coordinate outreach efforts, including the creation of promotional materials, presentations, and event support. 
• Plan and facilitate a variety of events that align with the goals and objectives of the AEiR program including workshops, webinars, seminars, and other promotional activities.
• Manage logistical aspects of event coordination, including scheduling, communication with participants, and vendor relations.
• Collaborate with the AEiR and Hunter Hub teams to ensure that events are not only aligned with the program's mission but also strategically timed and designed to attract maximum participation from key audiences.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of growth strategies through the use of key performance indicators (KPIs). Analyze the data gathered from these indicators to make informed adjustments to ongoing strategies.
• Provide timely reports and updates to the AEiR leadership on progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement feedback loop from participants and stakeholders to continuously improve the quality and impact of the AEiR program's events and initiatives.
• Creating and delivering compelling presentations, promotional materials, and content aimed at promoting entrepreneurial thinking and innovation across the university community. 
• Develop learning resources, presentations, and content for workshops, webinars, and events. 
• Collaborate with Hunter Hub communications team and other university stakeholders to develop high-quality content for the program's marketing and outreach initiatives. 
• Ensure all communication efforts are aligned with the university's brand and the AEiR program's objectives, and support efforts to raise the program's profile within both the university and the broader innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Masters degree or higher in Engineering, Science, or a related field. 
• No professional designation required.
• Minimum 1 to 3 years of demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives, particularly in an academic or research-driven environment.
• Extensive experience working within dynamic, interdisciplinary teams, ideally in environments that cater to a wide range of stakeholders, including faculty, students, and industry partners.
• Experience working with diverse cohorts of innovators from technical, arts, or humanities domains.
• Strong organizational skills are essential, with demonstrated expertise in project management, event coordination, and facilitation of workshops or presentations.
• Experience in managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while delivering high-quality results. 
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, setting clear objectives, and executing plans that meet or exceed established goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively to a wide range of audiences. 
• Proven track record of building and maintaining collaborative relationships across a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement practices, fostering connections that drive participation and collaboration, both within the university and in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Superior interpersonal skills, with a focus on professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Ability to negotiate, solve problems, and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to manage communications and project documentation. 

Application Deadline:  October 4, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.