Associate Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT); Calgary; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian educational institution in Calgary is seeking an Associate Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to shape its ecosystem. This role focuses on connecting various stakeholders, driving strategic programs, and fostering an inclusive culture. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in entrepreneurship along with strong relationship-building skills. SAIT offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, aiming to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Benefits

4 Weeks Vacation

14 Flex Days per year

Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in entrepreneurship or related fields.
• Knowledge of incubators, accelerators, and venture capital.
• Proven success in managing venture support programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programming for various stakeholders.
• Support Commercialization & Venture Development through structured pathways.
• Drive Strategic Alignment & Growth with roadmaps and KPI management.
• Strengthen Partnerships & Engagement across various organizations.
• Foster Inclusive Impact in programs.

Skills

Leadership in entrepreneurship

Strategic thinking

Data interpretation for decisions

Excellent communication

Relationship-building

Inclusive impact mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

At SAIT’s School of Business, we deliver cutting-edge programs that inspire learners and leaders to take action and get results. We are one of the largest business schools in Western Canada, with a strong focus on industry-driven programs delivered by faculty who are experts in the field. We’re recognized by CEO World Magazine’s Best Business Schools in the World as the highest ranking Business School in Canada in 2024. Students and instructors benefit from our unique applied education model — working collaboratively with each other and industry.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about driving innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs? SAIT’s School of Business is seeking a visionary leader to shape and grow our entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. As the Associate Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, you’ll play a pivotal role in connecting students, faculty, alumni, and research teams with the tools, resources, and networks needed to launch and scale ventures and social enterprises.

This is your opportunity to lead strategic programming that bridges applied research and commercialization, while fostering a culture of innovation across disciplines. If you thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy building partnerships, and have a track record of turning ideas into impact, we want to hear from you.

The Role

• Lead Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programming for students, faculty, and alumni, promoting entrepreneurship as a cross-disciplinary skillset.
• Support Commercialization & Venture Development by guiding research innovations through structured pathways, building industry and investor partnerships, and delivering mentorship, workshops, and pitch experiences.
• Drive Strategic Alignment & Growth by developing roadmaps, tracking KPIs, managing budgets, and securing funding through grants, sponsorships, and proposals.
• Strengthen Partnerships & Engagement across the institution, regional innovation centers, incubators, and accelerators, while representing SAIT at key events.
• Foster Inclusive Impact by ensuring programs are accessible, outcome-driven, and celebrating entrepreneurial success stories.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology or related field; a Master’s is preferred
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in entrepreneurship, start-up ecosystems, social innovation, or research commercialization
• Knowledge of incubators, accelerators, venture capital, and commercialization pathways is required
• Proven success in developing and managing venture support programs
• Strategic thinker with strong implementation skills
• Ability to interpret data to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate program impact
• Excellent communicator with the ability to engage academic and industry audiences
• Skilled relationship-builder and cross-sector collaborator
• Entrepreneurial mindset grounded in inclusion, innovation and impact

Job classification: Associate Director

Salary range: $140,000 - 160,000

Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

# of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Posting closing date: 4:00PM, October 3rd

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers. Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

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