Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship

Job Description This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA). In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $63,090 to $105,189. This position has a term length of 2 years. Location: This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton. The Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Technology Incubator is an early-stage, objectives-based technology incubator. ICE connects seed-stage ventures with vital mentorship and product development resources. We help ventures achieve initial product‑market fit while they are building effective venture teams, identifying customers, generating and refining business plans, and developing minimum viable products (MVPs) that will meet customer requirements. Housed within the Faculty of Engineering, the ICE Technology Incubator provides experiential learning opportunities that augment the University’s product makerspaces and existing entrepreneurship curriculum courses. ICE supports undergraduate and graduate students in Engineering and across the university, staff (postdoctoral fellows, trust research staff, and academic staff), and recent alumni. We help them learn about technology development, commercialization, and launching new start‑ups and social ventures. The ICE Program Operations Lead manages the daily operations of ICE. This role works closely with the Director (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship) and academic teaching staff assigned to ICE for‑credit courses. The Lead reports to the Operations Manager, Faculty of Engineering, and collaborates with all Faculty of Engineering staff across disciplines and operational units, including the Associate Dean, Experiential Learning and Professional Education portfolio. Responsibilities In collaboration with the ICE Executive-in-Residence, recruit and engage a diverse, interdisciplinary group of early-stage ventures into the ICE Innovator program. Develop, deliver, and continuously improve a series of curricular and co‑curricular program offerings to educate and inspire current and prospective students, including the Explorer program and for-credit courses. In collaboration with the ICE Executive-in-Residence, coordinate all mentorship activities for ICE Incubator programs, including the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing support of mentors. Identify, communicate, and nurture new strategic partners and funding resources for venture development from government, corporate, and philanthropic sources. Manage the ICE marketing strategy and coordinate the development of all promotional materials, channels, and online presence with the University and Faculty communications teams. Expand the Incubator's network within the University of Alberta innovation ecosystem, external communities, and regional industries. Develop and maintain an entrepreneur relationship management system to enhance engagement between students, partners, and mentors. Build and maintain strong partnerships with other university innovation hubs (e.g., eHUB, Health Hub, Science Innovation Center, and the VP Innovation and Enterprise) to align efforts and programming. Supervise ICE operational staff (including part-time staff and co-op students) and manage the physical facility space, access, and conditions of use. Adjudicate funding available to ventures through the ICE Incubator programs and execute financial reporting in conjunction with the Finance Partner. Oversee all event planning, procurement, and operations of the ICE Incubator, ensuring adherence to university policies and procedures. Qualifications Education: A relevant post-secondary degree (e.g., Business, Engineering, Science, Management, or a related field). A Master's degree or advanced certification is an asset. Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in program management, operations, or related roles, preferably within a technology incubator, accelerator, start-up, or academic innovation environment. Demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship development, mentoring, or venture coaching. Proven experience in supervising staff, managing facilities/operations, and handling administrative procedures. Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to confidently present to diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, industry partners, and donors). Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and maintaining strategic partnerships and securing resources (e.g., funding, corporate support) for startup ventures. Experience with budget management, financial reporting, and the ability to judiciously steward resources and adjudicate funding applications. A strong understanding of the technology start-up lifecycle, venture creation, and innovation ecosystems. Familiarity with the engineering and technology fields, particularly as they relate to scalable student and faculty start-ups. Application Instructions Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter. Please include in your cover letter the following: "How would you contribute to a culture of trust, effectiveness, and innovation in the Faculty of Engineering?" About Us The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators – making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l’université à postuler. About The Team The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It f osters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well‑being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape. #J-18808-Ljbffr