Innovation Program Coordinator, New Ventures, Innovate Calgary

Description

Innovation Program Coordinator, New Ventures
Temporary - Ends December 31, 2030

INNOVATE CALGARY
Calgary, Alberta

Innovate Calgary is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary, supporting the University, its members and partners bridge the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of Calgary¿s and UCalgary¿s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

We are currently accepting applications for the following position:

Innovation Program Coordinator, New Ventures
(Full-Time and Onsite)

Reporting to the Senior Director, New Ventures, the Innovation Program Coordinator (IPC) will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and delivery of the Lab2Market (L2M) program at the University of Calgary. The IPC plays a pivotal role in advancing Canada¿s research commercialization agenda through strong program operations, stakeholder engagement, recruitment, and continuous improvement. This role works closely with the pan-Canadian L2M network, including an informal reporting line to the Alberta L2M Program Director at the University of Alberta, and requires collaborative coordination across a distributed team. This is a temporary employment opportunity, ending on December 31, 2030.

This role sits within a collaborative, values-driven team that supports entrepreneurial researchers and contributes to the broader innovation strategy of Innovate Calgary. Beyond program delivery, the Innovation Program Coordinator is expected to actively participate in shared team activities, contribute to a positive and healthy micro-culture, and engage thoughtfully in discussions that shape our work.

We value integrity, initiative, and sound judgment. This is an ideal role for someone who is energized by meaningful collaboration, contributes constructively to team dynamics, and is ready to take ownership of their lane while remaining attuned to the collective mission.  This role is focused on operational program delivery and does not include any direct reports.

About Lab2Market

Lab2Market is a national suite of programs that supports STEM researchers¿graduate students, postdocs, and their faculty advisors¿in exploring and commercializing their innovations. Spanning four core streams¿Discover, Validate, Launch, and Build¿the program provides structured, progressive support to researchers at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Through tailored coaching, facilitated learning, and a connected ecosystem, participants develop entrepreneurial skills and translate their research into market-driven ventures.

The L2M program has secured NSERC funding through 2030, providing a stable runway for long-term impact. Key outcomes include:

• Advancing commercialization of breakthrough technologies, products, and services
• Accelerating the creation and growth of science-based startups and spinouts
• Strengthening Alberta's innovation ecosystem through talent development and venture support
• Fostering a culture of innovation and impact within the University of Calgary community

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations & Delivery

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, budgets, timelines, and outcome tracking
• Manage application intake, selection, and award processes, in alignment with Mitacs and internal criteria
• Coordinate course delivery, including oversight of facilitators and guest experts
• Host and moderate program sessions, webinars, and community events
• Provide direct support and light coaching to participating teams, identifying and triaging needs
• Capture data and interactions in Airtable, Salesforce and SharePoint, ensuring high-quality records and reporting
• Ensure compliance with program standards, funding agreements, and data-sharing protocols
• Proactively identify and escalate risks related to program delivery, team dynamics, or stakeholder alignment

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with stakeholders, including University faculties, the TTO, Mitacs, and partner universities
• Recruit, onboard, and manage external mentors and facilitators; provide context and support
• Coordinate closely with the Alberta and national L2M teams to ensure program alignment and knowledge sharing
• Represent L2M Calgary in national and regional working groups as required

Marketing & Recruitment

• Co-develop and implement recruitment strategies in partnership with Innovate Calgary's Marketing team
• Promote the program across campus and to research and innovation communities
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across channels in coordination with the national L2M team
• Build a robust applicant pipeline and nurture prospective teams toward full participation

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze program performance, capturing both quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback
• Prepare internal and external reports, presentations, and success stories for funders and partners
• Identify areas for program evolution and improvement based on participant and stakeholder input
• Contribute to strategic discussions about the long-term development of the L2M program

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in project and client relationship management
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills¿both written and verbal
• Diplomacy and tact in managing competing expectations, feedback, and ambiguity
• Ability to independently lead projects while coordinating with distributed teams
• Experience using Salesforce, Airtable, and Microsoft 365 suite
• Experience and an understanding of the innovation ecosystem is preferred
• Legally authorized to work in Canada (i.e., Canadian Citizen, Canadian Permanent Resident status, valid open work permit)

How to Apply

Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject "Innovation Program Coordinator, L2M"

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

Application Closing Date:  July 18, 2025

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.