Program Manager, Environmental Innovation

Program Manager, Environmental Innovation

Alberta Innovates is seeking a Program Manager of Environmental Innovation who will be responsible for overseeing the management and execution of projects and initiatives within the Environmental Innovation Program. This role requires a broad range of knowledge and expertise in areas such as climate change, nature-based solutions, remediation and reclamation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable water management, industrial tailings, and environmental monitoring and modeling. 

Are you our next Program Manager of Environmental Innovation? You would be a good fit for this position if you can:

• Provide subject matter leadership and guidance, build strong relationships and ensure that all activities comply with corporate policies, technical standards and applicable legislative requirements
• Play a critical role in advancing research and innovation by supporting Alberta Innovates and the Environmental Innovation Program, through provision and oversight of program funding and services and provide expertise to post-secondary researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry.

We are game changers

Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province’s research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre, and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta’s economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance the well-being of Albertans through research and innovation.

Our subsidiary, InnoTech Alberta, offers a diversified range of scientific engineering and technological research and testing capabilities, and the facilities to support technology scale-up. Our multidisciplinary team has the depth of experience to work across all sectors, from energy to health to food and fibre. InnoTech Alberta offers you access to research talent, technical expertise, and unique facilities that can help accelerate technology development that serves both the private and public sector.

Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position:

Job Details

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Lead and support the development, evaluation, management and implementation of funded projects and technology initiatives within the Environmental Innovation Program, focusing on key areas such as climate change, water resource management and land management solutions. 

• Coache potential applicants and funding recipients on Alberta Innovates programs, application process and grant requirements.  

• Manage funded project scope, including budget oversight, reporting, and authorization of expenditures within budget and approved limits. Responsibilities include confirming project objectives are met, explaining variances, ensuring timely submission and review of reports, and financial and regulatory documents.  

• Gather and analyze business intelligence and industry best practices, to identify trends and emerging issues. Prepare business cases, support project teams in securing funding and business partnerships.  

• Leverage data science and novel digital technologies to enhance research, innovation and technology development.  

• Provide guidance, subject matter expertise and counsel to leadership/senior management and colleagues across various disciplines within the Environmental Innovation Program. This includes monitoring emerging knowledge, technology and industry trends, interpreting policies and regulatory requirements, and ensuring compliance with established protocols.
• This role facilitates clear communication of processes, resolve complex issues, and offer actionable insights and recommendations. It also involves continuously developing and maintaining subject matter expertise and advancing relevant data and digital skills. 

• Support the management of the Environmental Innovation Program by driving continuous improvement in projects and initiatives, while providing support for research, innovation, and technology development.  

• Lead knowledge transfer strategies, facilitate issues resolution, and implementation of tactics that benefit internal teams and groups.   

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver impactful innovation initiatives within Alberta Innovates and across the broader innovation ecosystem.  

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, peers and colleagues, to gain a deeper understanding of business priorities. Lead and collaborate on innovation initiatives while ensuring the successful management and delivery of project outcomes.  

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, industry peers, government and institutional representatives, and business partners. Stay up to date on industry best practices, emerging trends and changes in regulatory and legislative requirements.  

• Shares expertise and project outcomes with government through presentations, white papers, as appropriate, to help inform policy and decision making. 
• Actively contributes to Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) competitive due diligence processes, including review of proposals, and serve as a project advisor when required.  

Qualifications;

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or related field. 
• Minimum 5-years research and project management experience within relevant natural   resources or technology sectors. 

• 5-years of managerial experience. 

• Familiar with Alberta’s social, economic, environmental and technological needs and priorities.  

• Familiar with Alberta’s regulatory environment. 
• Experience working in/with government and industry, in environmental and natural resources management, or related technology development sector(s) considered an asset.
• Experience working with senior technical and management professionals from government, industry, environmental agencies and other stakeholders is considered an asset.
• Professional designation an asset

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships. 
• Excellent research and project management capabilities. 
• Strong planning and prioritization skills to effectively manage multiple tasks. 
• Exceptional communication skills, including verbal, written, listening and interpersonal abilities for clear concept and information delivery. 
• Proficiency in financial management and business case development. 
• Expertise in relationship management and coaching.  
• Skilled in facilitation and delivering engaging presentations. 

Why Alberta Innovates?

We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business so we offer a strong benefits package and generous vacation and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance.  

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance. All interviewees must be able to meet the requirement specified in the Physical Demand Analysis. This document will be supplied during the interview process to the successful candidate. This competition will remain open until a successful candidate is found.

ALBERTA INNOVATES IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.