Associate Director, Westshore Innovation

The Associate Director, Westshore Innovation & Startup Hub (WISH) will be a connector with community, responsible for advancing Hub's strategic priorities in a collaborative manner with Hub partners, involving industry, Westshore businesses, academic staff, students and the wider community. They will oversee a team of community hosts that will be responsible for welcoming guests, triaging requests, and facilitating the Hub's programmatic calendar. The Associate Director (WISH) will be a strong project manager across a diverse array of community and academic programming and will provide general oversight of the operational needs of the space. Responsible for ensuring the success of the Hub the Associate Director will support the Director, Community Learning Partnerhsips (CLP) in the coordination and development of medium- and long-term goals and objectives that are consistent with the university's strategic direction and our commitments to external and internal partners. Thier role will be responsible for developing and managing a budget in excess of $1million PACFICAN grant funds, with multiple cost centres, to ensure revenues and expenditures align with annual performance targets and recommend operational adjustments in response to variances.

The Associate Director (WISH) will develop and manage overall Hub business model in accordance with University's strategic goals and objectives that ensure that the Hub is a practical resource for the campus community and broader Westshore public as it relates to civic innovation, entrepreneurship and youth engagement. This role is expected to partner with leaders across the Westshore community and RRU faculty to establish an integrative strategy to ensure that the Hub is meeting the needs of the broader innovation ecosystem as it relates to the three core pillars while managing communications strategies to the Westshore community and internal and external relationships for the Hub. Fundraising will also be a key component to this role as the Associate Director (WISH) will be expected to fundraise in excess of $1,000,000. The Associate Director role links organizations and individuals with government, financiers, sponsors, investors, and customers for the implementation of innovative ideas and further develop economic growth in the community.

Job Requirements

• A master's degree in a related discipline or equivalent education and experience including in a leadership role.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience with a focus on social and environmental impact, community building, education, youth engagement, entrepreneurship and/or civic engagement.
• Previous experience in entrepreneurship and business (industry) experience along with strong skills and experience with technology and tools used in industry.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams and a range of stakeholders in a dynamic, often ambiguous environment while advancing strategic goals.
• Proactive in finding innovative solutions to complex challenges and mobilizing others towards shared goals.
• Strategic thinker who aligns priorities and operations with the goals of the University and WestShore community members and partners, linking change initiatives to practical outcomes.
• Ability to balance a demanding workload, demonstrating technical proficiency and adaptability.
• Resilient and positive in ambiguous situations, working independently or in teams with a service-oriented approach to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate project dependencies and stakeholders, lead a small team, foster engagement, and resolve conflicts professionally.
• Excellent writing skills, synthesizing complex information into clear, concise communications.
• Strong administrative abilities, including project management, budgeting, impact assessment.
• Business and financial acumen, with a high level of motivation, critical thinking, and the ability to manage shifting priorities.

Additional Assets:

• Experience in the Canadian post-secondary environment is preferred. Knowledge of Royal Roads University, its unique mandate, governance, and management structure would be an asset.
• Experience running an incubator or accelerator program is preferred.
• Intercultural awareness and international workplace experience are assets.
• Experience with incubators or startup businesses and discipline specific technology is an asset.

Competencies:

Competency

Level

Definition

Learner/Customer Focus

5

Solicits customer feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns business process with customer needs

Decision Quality

6

Ensures that people internalize policies and standards and accept full responsibility for their decisions. Confidently makes choices in the best interests of the organization, deals constructively with resistance.

Collaboration

6

Encourages coworkers and external partners to work together as a team, and makes sure they get credit for doing so. Encourages people to share their honest views, responds in a non-defensive way when they do

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

5

Provides clear messages about the business value of diversity; urges people to learn from diverse perspectives. Is sensitive to differences in norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Drives Vision and Purpose

6

Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action. For example, is a strong champion for the organization's vision; energizes people to commit to this long-term direction. Regularly and enthusiastically describes how people's efforts make a difference

Instills Trust

5

Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Climate Action

5

Influences decisions and affects positive change through interpersonal skills, collaboration and intercultural agility. Applies equity and justice principles to support participative, inclusive climate action.

Additional Information

This is a regular, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. This position has been evaluated at ME-B with a salary range of $105,292 (minimum) to $123,872 (midpoint) to $142,453 (maximum) per annum. Employment offers will normally be made between the minimum and midpoint of the range and are determined by knowledge, experience and internal equity. The University is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit package. Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

While Royal Roads University values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, you will need to be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us directly at attention: Abbi Rogers or extension 4408 so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING