DIRECTOR, STUDENT DESIGN HUB

DIRECTOR, STUDENT DESIGN HUB (BAND LEVEL 11)

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

(Contractual Position to August 31, 2030)

The University will consider applications from qualified permanent staff who may be interested in a secondment, subject to departmental approval

This position is funded through an external grant

BACKGROUND

Memorial University is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada. As the province's only university, Memorial plays an integral role in the education and cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 18,000 students.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS)’s Student Design Hub (SDH) is a cornerstone of Memorial’s innovation ecosystem. It serves students from every discipline through an inclusive, interdisciplinary program designed to help them bring bold, impactful ideas to life.

The mission of the SDH is to foster creative builders, and its vision is to develop and sustain a diverse and internationally recognized network of student innovators.

Each year, the SDH provides up to 500 students with training, mentorship, funding, equipment, space, community and connections. Student-led teams supported through the SDH consistently achieve top-tier results at global competitions in robotics, autonomous systems, rocketry, biomedical technologies and more. Since its inception in 2021, SDH-supported teams have collectively raised over $2M to execute their projects. The SDH currently supports 15 active teams and plays a central role in cultivating the next generation of leaders, founders and innovators for Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology and innovation sectors.

We are seeking a dynamic, creative leader driven by the opportunity to accelerate the development of student innovators at Memorial. The ideal candidate brings a genuine commitment to the SDH’s mission and vision, as well as the energy to help shape its next stage of growth.

DUTIES

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, FEAS, the Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a vibrant, hands‑on learning environment. This role ensures that students have the inspiration, mentorship, technical guidance, and resources required to succeed.

The Director will set and execute the long‑term vision and strategy of the SDH, aligned with the faculty’s academic and research priorities, ensuring a strong connection to the broader provincial innovation ecosystem. Key responsibilities include:

- Leading the implementation of the SDH’s expansion and entrepreneurship strategy

- Designing, assessing and supervising the implementation of all SDH programs, activities and applied research

- Supporting the development of highly qualified professionals, and fostering the growth and success of student teams

- Providing guidance in protype development, project management, product development, fundraising, and professional skill‑building

- Mentoring student teams and individuals

- Collaborating closely with all departments and related units (e.g., Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship) within the faculty to strengthen support for student teams, leveraging faculty expertise and laboratory facilities

- Managing day‑to‑day operations including budgeting, purchasing, HR, staff oversight and direct supervision to three employees and policy compliance

- Leading fundraising initiatives and writing grant proposals

- Analyzing engagement data and communicating the SDH’s impact to inform strategy and demonstrate return on investment

- Building and maintaining partnerships with funding partners, the SDH Advisory Board, industry, alumni and external stakeholders

- Representing the SDH on provincial, national and international stages at competitions, conferences and events

- Performing other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring:

- 5-8 years of progressive leadership experience in technical, innovation or entrepreneurial environments

- Bachelor of Engineering degree with Professional Engineering designation (P. Eng.); Master’s degree or equivalent experience considered an asset

- Experience in entrepreneurship, project/product management, fundraising, grant writing, safety program oversight, and stakeholder/partnership management

- Experience managing and developing staff

- Demonstrated ability to mentor others through technical aspects of engineering design and prototyping

- Familiarity with university or post‑secondary environments is an asset

- Proactive organizational mindset with strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities

- Capacity to perform effectively under pressure in diverse academic contexts

SALARY Commensurate with qualifications and experience

CLOSING DATE December 9, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. NST

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, p reference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; 2SLGBTQIA+ people; persons whose gender identity or gender expression is nonbinary or otherwise not cisgender; Indigenous peoples; racialized people; black persons; and persons with disabilities. Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment.

If there is anything we can do to ensure your full participation during the application process, please contact equity@mun.ca directly and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

The personal information requested in your application is collected under the authority of the Memorial University Act (RSNL 1990 c M-7) for the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates; assessing applicant qualifications; and maintaining records pertaining to the administration of employment with Memorial University of Newfoundland.

If you are a successful candidate, this information will form part of your permanent employment record and will be used for other activities related to the employment process. This information may be disclosed to government departments and agencies as legally required; and to third party service providers, as necessary to administer programs and activities.

If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of the information on this form, please contact MyHR, Department of Human Resources, at recruitment@mun.ca.

Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.

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

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