Director, Aerospace Innovation, Innovate Calgary

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Description

Innovate Calgary 
CALGARY, ALBERTA 

Innovate Calgary is the technology transfer and business incubator center for the University of Calgary. As part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) portfolio, we work with University of Calgary researchers, students, and other members to bridge the gap between discovery and create economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees, combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of the University of Calgary’s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are currently accepting applications for the following position:

Director, Aerospace Innovation 

Position Overview
The Director, Aerospace Innovation will be responsible for strategic initiatives that promote the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) and strategically guide the AIH as a leading resource for startups from around the world to develop and validate their technologies. This will include establishing partnerships with existing companies and organizations in the aerospace sector, as well as connecting with other aerospace hubs from around the world. 

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Aerospace Innovation Hub, aligning with the overall goals of Innovate Calgary and the economic development objectives of the region
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the AIH
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, industry partners, educational institutions, and the broader aerospace community
  • Collaborate with industry leaders and organizations to identify opportunities for partnership to support the companies incubated in the AIH
• Program Development:
  • Design and implement innovative programs to support early-stage aerospace startups, including mentorship initiatives, accelerator programs, and access to prototyping labs
  • Regularly converse with startups to understand what the gaps are within the support ecosystem and develop programs that address those gaps
• People Leadership: 
  • Provide leadership to direct reports and stakeholders with regular communications and direction to a professional team consisting of management
  • Provide a collaborative, positive, and authentic leadership style and drive for results while collaborating across departments 
  • Establish a culture of workplace safety, ensuring a safe, secure, and compliant working environment
• Community Building:
  • Cultivate a vibrant and supportive community within the Aerospace Innovation Hub, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among startups, industry professionals, and mentors
  • Organize events, workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance the AIH’s community engagement
• Business Development
  • Actively seek out and recruit companies to join as members of the Aerospace Innovation Hub
  • Attend local events within the province and nationally to increase engagement and spread awareness of the AIH
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the budget for the Aerospace Innovation Hub, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible use of resources
  • Manage overall budget, including forecasting, reporting on variances and reasons, communicating with team members, and achieving budget/forecasted amounts
  • Maintain and oversee strategies and programs that drive operational efficiencies and process improvements
• Educational Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with educational institutions, including the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Mount Royal University, to align hub activities with educational programs and create seamless pathways for students into the aerospace industry
• Facility Management:
  • Oversee the effective utilization and maintenance of the Aerospace Innovation Hub’s facilities, ensuring a conducive environment for innovation and collaboration
• Metrics and Reporting
  • Understand and track metrics required by the funders of the Aerospace Innovation Hub
  • Liaise with funders and write progress reports as required by the funders, including all necessary metrics

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a similar role, preferably within the aerospace or technology innovation sector
• Strong understanding of the aerospace industry, including trends, technologies, and market dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across various sectors
• Experience in program development, financial management, and strategic planning
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills 
• A collaborative and innovative mindset with a passion for driving positive change

How to Apply

Your resume and cover letter should be submitted to [email protected] .
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Application Closing Date:      Open until filled.

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.