Director, Quantum City, VP Research

Position Overview

The Administration Office within VP Research invites applications for a Senior Consultant, Quantum City. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Scientific Director for Quantum City this position is responsible for planning, direction and implementation of Quantum City's organizational, administrative, and financial, communication, service delivery and stakeholder partnership (industry, academia, government and other) activities. The role demands vision and senior level leadership and a proven track record in transforming the strategic positioning of complex organizations. The incumbent will possess the experience and expertise to solve complex problems of broad impact, including both developing strategy and effectively implementing it.

The Quantum City Centre of Excellence is an alliance between the University of Calgary, the City of Calgary, the information technology services company Mphasis and the Province of Alberta. The goal is to accelerate the development of a vibrant quantum ecosystem. The Senior Consultant will manage quantum activities at the University of Calgary, collaborate with the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta to bring companies to Calgary, establish partnerships, training and collaborative R&D; lead on funding proposals and reporting, institute project-management mechanisms for critical projects; develop effective branding and marketing; create and maintain an annual budget; and cooperate with other University employees. This position is accountable for making the Quantum City partnership work and leading the Quantum City Centre of Excellence in fulfilling its mandate and key performance indicators.

The position plays a critical role in engaging industry, government and university stakeholders in the planning and development of new quantum science and technology training programs, collaborative research and technology development activities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and innovation supports. The Senior Consultant, Quantum City will take on a key role in meeting objectives, leading a team of specialists pursuing actions and monitoring indicators that enable swift progress towards growth of the Centre.

Position Description

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

The role requires innovative thinking and thoughtful attention to academic engagement for the successful and sustained implementation of the Quantum City. The Senior Consultant also coordinates the development of future program growth including new multidisciplinary offerings. Specific duties include:

Senior Leadership

• Envision management of the future and provide insights into how the Quantum City Centre for Excellence can strategically position itself for prominence in this field over the long term.
• Conduct strategic planning (including growth and capital planning), based on analysis of global marketplace conditions and trends.
• Engage University of Calgary, City of Calgary, Province of Alberta and industry partners to create an aligned vision for the institute's implementation targets.
• Engage with and report to the Quantum Scientific, Sector Development and Training Programs Advisory Committees, including on matters related to strategy, governance, fiscal performance and key performance indicators.
• Tactfully and diplomatically guides teams of academic, management, and support staff through the design, planning and implementation process of new programs.
• Lead the growth and development of Quantum City so that a nimble and results-orientated entrepreneurial organizational culture emerges.

Program Implementation and Operations

• Prepares and executes marketing, communications and recruitment strategies recommending program adjustments to ensure sustainability.
• Provides expert recommendations to faculty related to program design ensuring consistency of a student-centric experience across all programming.
• Develops and writes new programs and funding proposals for approval by the University of Calgary and its partners as appropriate.
• Engages and collaborates with a wider network of University departments applying insights gained across a variety of programs, maximizing partnership opportunities, and reviewing best practices.

Industry Relations and Business Development

• Build relationships with industry (both technology developers/distributors and technology end-users) to attract them to the Centre.
• Develop fee-for-service offerings (e.g., technology piloting and demonstration services).
• Lead business development related to these offerings and secure fee-for-service projects, enabling fiscal sustainability.
• Collaborate with industry partners to bridge entrepreneurship, technology and science.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering or other technical area
• Graduate degree in business administration (MBA) or equivalent or a relevant technical field (e.g., Quantum Science and Technology)
• 5-10 years of experience in business leadership; with a proven track record in ecosystem development, building self-directed business units, or establishing entrepreneurial ventures
• Knowledge of deep technology including its challenges and drivers; knowing key players is an asset
• Extensive experience in providing direction and leadership to a team of staff
• Excellent understanding of, and commitment to, the academic environment and need for innovation
• Strong knowledge across a breadth of other disciplines, including environmental management and compliance, risk management, technology de-risking, innovation and entrepreneurship is an asset
• Demonstrated success as a strategic collaborator, facilitator, negotiator or mediator
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with all stakeholders
• Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative, and judgment on a wide range of issues
• Proven ability to develop strategy and clearly communicate vision
• A combination of education and experience will be considered in meeting the qualifications for this position

Application Deadline:  December 15, 2021

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.

Additional Information

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

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.