Business Partner – Emerging Technology & Talent

Alberta Innovates; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Inclusive workplace

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Alberta Innovates in Edmonton, located at Edmonton Research Park, is seeking a Business Partner – Emerging Technology & Talent on a full-time, 1-year term with a hybrid work model. You will lead project and program management, stakeholder engagement, and process improvements to advance Alberta's innovation priorities.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of program/project management experience, with strong analytical, strategic thinking, and diplomatic communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably in the public sector, innovation, research, or technology-focused environment.
• Proven experience in implementing and execution of collaborative projects.
• Experience in working in/with government and industry in a wide range of sectors, innovative technology development, and supporting programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of ET&T calls for proposals and programs.
• Manage the proposal evaluation process, including assembling expert review panels, contracting reviewers, and providing guidance throughout the process.
• Coordinate the development and enhancement of program scope, guidelines, evaluation criteria, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in proposal evaluation activities by compiling reviews, scoring submissions, and preparing recommendation documents.
• Lead outreach, engagement, and coaching activities to support prospective applicants and enhance program accessibility.
• Support the debrief process for unsuccessful applicants and provide constructive feedback on proposal submissions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Strong communication

Diplomacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Innovation, Entrepreneurship or a related discipline

Job description

Employment Status: Full-time – Term (1 year)
Location: Edmonton, Edmonton Research Park

Work Model: Hybrid

About the Opportunity

The Business Partner – Emerging Technology & Talent position is an opportunity to be part of a professional, purpose-driven team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Most importantly, your work will contribute to meaningful outcomes that make a difference for Albertans and help shape the future of our province.

Key responsibilities in the role of Business Partner – Emerging Technology & Talent include:

Project and Portfolio Management

• Establish project funding agreements and detailed project plans in collaboration with recipients.
• Monitor project progress, manage change requests, and provide regular updates to the ET&T team and leadership.
• Review interim and final project reports to assess outcomes and compliance. Coordinate project monitoring and change management processes across the ET&T project advisor team.
• Provide portfolio-level services including data analysis, status reporting, and responding to internal and external information requests.
• Prepare program and financial reports, including quarterly updates for leadership, ensuring documentation is current and accurate.
• Support ET&T vendors by managing administrative requests and developing budget forecasts.
• Ensure funded projects align with ET&T’s mandate and meet defined objectives and deliverables.
• Participate in steering committees and maintain ongoing communication with funding recipients.

Program Management and Execution

• Lead end-to-end delivery of ET&T calls for proposals and programs.
• Manage the proposal evaluation process, including assembling expert review panels, contracting reviewers, and providing guidance throughout the process.
• Coordinate the development and enhancement of program scope, guidelines, evaluation criteria, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in proposal evaluation activities by compiling reviews, scoring submissions, and preparing recommendation documents.
• Lead outreach, engagement, and coaching activities to support prospective applicants and enhance program accessibility.
• Support the debrief process for unsuccessful applicants and provide constructive feedback on proposal submissions.

Communication and Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent ET&T at workshops, conferences, cross-ministry working groups, and other events.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders on ET&T policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Contribute to the execution of ET&T’s marketing and communication strategies.
• Ensure internal stakeholders are informed of key processes, evaluation criteria, and performance targets.

Process Effectiveness and Improvements

• Contribute to the development of tools, policies, and procedures that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ET&T programs.
• Conduct research and analysis on industry best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies to inform program design.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing enhancements to internal processes and program delivery.

What You Need to Thrive in This Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Innovation, Entrepreneurship or a related discipline.
• 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably in the public sector, innovation, research, or technology-focused environment.
• Proven experience in implementing and execution of collaborative projects.
• Experience in working in/with government and industry in a wide range of sectors, innovative technology development, and supporting programs.
• Familiar with Alberta’s innovation social, economic, environmental and technological needs and priorities.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness in navigating complex or sensitive situations.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to support evidence-based decision-making.

Who We Are

Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to support entrepreneurs and drive economic growth for the benefit of Albertans.

What We Offer

At Alberta Innovates, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your career growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance.

• Competitive compensation aligned with our internal career framework and pay structures
• Professional development and learning opportunities to help you grow and advance your career
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and every contribution matters
• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally appropriate, along with vacation and earned time off to rest, recharge and help you bring your best self to work.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $77,500 annually. Placement within the salary range will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references.

Privacy Statement

The personal information collected in the application process is for recruitment and hiring purposes only. This collection is authorized under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act.

Employment Equity

Alberta Innovates is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

This recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

If you are selected for an interview, please note that recording the interview or using AI tools or assistance during the interview is not permitted.