National Hub Director, XPRIZE Canada Hub

Description

The President's Office invites applications for a National Hub Director. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 57 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The mandate of the XPRIZE Canada Hub is to enhance Canadian engagement and participation I the innovation activity that XPRIZE catalyzes on a global scale. The XPRIZE Foundation has identified Canada as one of its priority regions for expansion, alongside the UK and Switzerland, where new XPRIZE country hubs are being established. The XPRIZE network expansion, via country hubs, is designed to establish XPRIZE partnerships with local enterprises, academia, government agencies, and potential investors. The establishment of a Canadian XPRIZE Hub at UCalgary will drive engagement of Canadian entities in academia and the private sector and activation of networks in future XPRIZE competitions seeking innovations that address major global challenges. The activation of Canadian networks and teams in XPRIZE initiatives will have the added benefit of availing XPRIZE with thought leadership from the Canadian perspective.

Reporting jointly to the Associate Vice-President, Innovation, UCalgary, and the XPRIZE Canada Hub Oversight Committee (OC) Chair, the National Hub Director assumes a critical role in overseeing and directing the XPRIZE Canada Hub. The National Hub Director is responsible for strategizing, creating, and executing the operations of the XPRIZE Canada Hub, including fostering partnerships, expanding awareness, and ensuring alignment with XPRIZE's mission. The National Hub Director will work closely with management and performance of the XPRIZE Canada Hub, driving its growth and impact. This role is pivotal in managing the partnership between the University of Calgary and XPRIZE, fostering strategic collaborations across Canada, and ensuring efficient hub operations. Acting as the primary liaison between XPRIZE Headquarters and University of Calgary, the National Hub Director ensures alignment and operational success of the hub. This position will manage a local team of MaPS & AUPE staff members and several research fellows, to execute the Hub's mission effectively, build partnerships with Canadian entities, such as government agencies, universities, centers of innovation, investment funds, incubators and accelerators, other Private sector business, etc. The team will also play a critical role in driving community activation, organizing informative and engaging events, and positioning the Hub as a catalyst for inspiring groundbreaking solutions to global challenges.

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

• Collaborate with key leadership stakeholders, including the Associate Vice-President, Innovation (UCalgary), the XPRIZE Canada Hub OC Chair, and the XPRIZE Director of Global Hubs, to develop and execute strategic priorities that align with XPRIZE objectives and the Hub's mission.
• Establish and oversee processes and procedures for all Hub operations and activities, ensuring alignment with XPRIZE organizational standards and best practices.
• Foster strong working relationships with the OC Chair, XPRIZE Director of Global Hubs, and UCalgary Associate Vice-President, Innovation to co-create and align local activities with strategic priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Design and implement programs that drive measurable outcomes, achieving Hub KPIs and exceeding stakeholder expectations through proactive engagement and effective execution.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance recognition of the Hub and its partners, promoting XPRIZE activities and competitions across Canada, and securing financial and in-kind sponsorships to sustain and grow operations.
• Provide direction, guidance, and strategic recommendations to leaders regarding programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with XPRIZE Canada and UCalgary.
• Oversee contractual compliance, ensuring all obligations are met and reported in a timely and accurate manner.
• Lead talent management efforts, including hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, performance management, and staff transitions (including termination of staff), while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Onboard, train, and manage Hub staff in collaboration with the XPRIZE Director of Global Hubs, ensuring alignment with XPRIZE's evolving initiatives and strategic objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Canada Hub and all sponsors and partners.
• Convene and lead regular working group meetings with internal and external stakeholders to drive progress, address challenges, and align on strategic goals.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the OC, sponsors, UCalgary leadership, and stakeholders delivering actionable insights, materials, and updates to advance the Hub's mission and objectives.
• Cultivate a culture of proactive leadership by building and maintaining positive, productive relationships with stakeholders across all levels.
• Establish and cultivate high-impact partnerships with regional sponsors and stakeholders, including universities, enterprises, investors, entrepreneurs, and government agencies, ensuring alignment with the XPRIZE mission and long-term strategic objectives.
• Lead the development of strategic alliances to enhance the innovation ecosystem surrounding the Hub, fostering an environment that is conducive to creativity and collaboration.
• Spearhead stakeholder engagement initiatives to engage current stakeholders and identify and onboard new collaborators to expand the network.
• Drive regional community engagement efforts to amplify awareness, participation, and impact of the Hub's activities.
• Integrate global fundraising strategies into the Canadian market by developing localized approaches to secure diverse funding streams, cultivating relationships with potential donors.
• Champion the Canadian XPRIZE competition teams and alumni, providing strategic guidance and logistical support to enhance their global visibility and success.
• Develop and implement targeted recruitment strategies to attract Canadian teams to participate in XPRIZE global competitions, leveraging regional strengths to increase representation and promote Canadian innovation.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders to ensure mutual benefit, mitigate risks, and maximize strategic opportunities, maintaining a balanced focus on internal alignment and external impact.
• Provide operational leadership by overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of strategies, programs, and initiatives involving XPRIZE and university stakeholders, ensuring excellence and accountability across all areas of responsibility.
• Act as a regional thought leader in innovation and ecosystem development, representing the XPRIZE Canada Hub at high-profile events, forums, and discussions to enhance its reputation and strategic positioning.
• Identify and oversee the planning and execution of events that align with the Hub's mission, fostering community engagement, advancing fundraising opportunities, and promoting dialogue around the XPRIZE mission, its seven focus domains, and current and upcoming competitions.
• Lead the development and coordination of high-impact local conferences, webinars, and other activities to showcase the Hub's achievements, amplify its visibility, and strengthen its presence within the innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, international relations, a related field, or equivalent work experience. MBA or equivalent work experience is a plus.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in a management or leadership role in Canada, preferably in large programs, international partnerships, business development, or related fields, and a qualitatively high level of experience in managing people doing the same.
• Proven track record in building and managing local and regional partnerships.
• Strong leadership skills, and the proven ability to collaboratively inspire and motivate diverse teams of skilled professionals at all levels of authority.
• Experience in philanthropy, partnerships, sponsorships, B2B or other related fields.
• Experience with contract management, reporting, and business negotiations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including strong business writing and professional verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead senior-level meetings, webinars, workshops, etc.
• Demonstrated management of large and complex budgets and tracking of expenses.
• Strong project management and leadership experience.
• Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in highly fluid situations and under intense schedules and deadlines.
• Highly diplomatic, with proven crisis management experience.
• Demonstrated project development expertise in the research and/or innovation domains.

Application Deadline:  March 24, 2025

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 classified in the Management Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

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 Institutional Commitments ([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.