Manager, SURGE Sandbox

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research-intensive university in Halifax is seeking a Sandbox Manager to oversee innovative programming that supports STEM students. The successful candidate will manage events, engage with stakeholders, and ensure compliant program delivery. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills along with an undergraduate degree and relevant experience. The position allows for hybrid work, fostering collaboration while accommodating flexibility.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• Approximately three years of experience in a related role.
• Experience with website maintenance and financial administration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage innovative sandbox programming and execute events.
• Engage stakeholders and develop partnership strategies.
• Oversee budget development and operational processes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal acumen

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Social media management

Team leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Housed within the Faculty of Science, SURGE is one of Nova Scotia’s innovation sandboxes funded by the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Advanced Education. SURGE trains STEM students in design thinking and innovation processes to devise creative, science and technology-based solutions to urgent problems in the world today. They offer a range of workshops, multi-week programs, and classes that provide experiential training in a range of skills desired by startups and other employers, as well as graduate and professional programs. Reporting to the Director, the Sandbox Manager will be responsible for the successful management of the sandbox, including supporting students in navigating the programs, opportunities, and content available outside of their academic studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead program and event management by designing and delivering innovative sandbox programming, planning and executing virtual and in-person events, and overseeing content development and scheduling.
• Drive stakeholder engagement through proactive relationship building with students, faculty, industry, and alumni, developing strategies to strengthen partnerships and reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage operational processes including budget development and reconciliation, vendor contracting, and KPI reporting to ensure efficient and compliant program delivery.
• Oversee recruitment and marketing initiatives by creating and executing inbound and outbound campaigns, developing promotional materials, and coordinating storytelling strategies to attract participants.
• Provide advisory support and coaching to program participants, monitor progress, and allocate resources to ensure successful outcomes.
• Utilise project management skills to assign workflows, manage interns and colleagues, and ensure timely delivery of program objectives.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, plus approximately three years’ experience in a related role (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal acumen and problem solving ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and an enthusiasm for working with and encouraging students.
• Experience with social media, website maintenance, and financial administration.
• Must be able to lead effectively and direct different cross-functional programs and projects of varied sizes and types concurrently.
• Must be able to work both independently, as well as part of a team and be proactive.

Assets

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents
  • Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Optional Documents
  • Cover Letter