Description
CDL-Rockies, based out of the Haskayne School of Business is currently seeking a Full-time Fixed Term Operations and Engagement Specialist for approximately 12 months (based on length of parental leave), with the possibility of extension.
This position normally works Monday to Friday, 8:30A.M. to 4:30 P.M, 7 hours per day (35 hours per week), although extended or alternative hours (evenings and weekends) will be required based on the needs of the role.
Based out of the Haskayne School of Business, the Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies (CDL-Rockies) is a not-for-profit organization that operates three mentorship-based programs, Nurture, CDL and Haskayne ScaleUp, designed to help deep-science and -technology ventures at different stages, accelerate their speed of commercialization. Housed within the Haskayne School of Business, CDL-Rockies attracts some of the world top innovators, investors, partners and business leaders through its programs.
This is a maternity leave.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Stakeholder Engagement
- Supports the Director, Stakeholder Engagement in the stakeholder engagement strategic planning process and documentation
- Provides operational oversight on executing stakeholder engagement plans and activities including partner engagement activations such as annual or quarterly meetings, external events, etc.
- Supports onboarding, and maintaining satisfaction for all of CDL Rockies key stakeholder groups including mentors and partners
- Identifies potential impediments or frictions for various partnership opportunities or activaties and how these can be overcome
- Evaluate event and engagement activities and recommend strategies to grow CDL-Rockies' presence and influence in Calgary and across the prairies
- Fosters development of staff, team building, and mentorship
- Manages CDL summer students, starting in May to September, with the possibility of contract extensions
Operations Management
- Ensure key operational milestones for the organization are met
- Plans, coordinates, organizes and leads the execution of all operational activities related to CDL-Rockies programs, including CDL sessions, Haskaye ScaleUp intensives, Nurture workshops, ancillary engagement events including but not limited to dinners, socials and community events, delegating responsibilities and collaborating with team members as needed
- Manages operations and event budgets (ranging from $5,000 to +$70,000) and expenses related to CDL-Rockies programs and engagement activities such as session operations, merchandise and promotional products, etc.
- Maintain CDL team operating procedures and recommend new procedures that increase the efficiency of day-to-day operations
- Oversee inventory management practices and improve them when necessary
Ensure operations are in compliance with University policies and reflective of CDL Global standard operating procedures related to CDL session delivery - Develops and improves synergies between CDL-Rockies operations, other CDL sites, and CDL-Global, including coaching and collaborating with partner teams at other sites and with the CDL-Global
- This role would require not only becoming intimately familiar with the CDL model but also creating the SOPs, improving training, identifying lessons learned, and implementing best practices
Event Management
- Manage CDL event planning and execution procedures, evaluate and develop efficiencies as needed; train team members as needed
- Plans, manages and leads the execution of key CDL-Rockies events and programs including CDL sessions, Haskayne ScaleUp Intensives, dinners, social and community events
- Propose and manage operations and event budget expenses related to key CDL-Rockies events and programs
- Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and university business units as required
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A University degree is required; a Master's degree in business administration, communications or a related field is preferred
- A minimum of 10 years of work experience related to operational planning, event and partnership management, and vendor management is strongly preferred
- A minimum of 7 years of work experience in the non-profit sector, alumni relations, partnership relations, or stakeholder relations is required
- Previous experience managing project and/or event budgets in excess of $75,000 is required
- Previous experience working in a post-secondary educational setting or a large, complex organization focused on customer service and/or client satisfaction is required
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in event planning and project coordination is required
- Advanced skills and knowledge of planning and communications technologies (i.e. Slack, AirTable, Salesforce, Marketo) required
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and excellent listening skills
- Strong interpersonal skills are required for the purpose of strategic operational planning
- Ability to handle ambiguity and work effectively in a large, complex, dynamic, and sophisticated organization
- Demonstrated professionalism, tact, and maturity in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion
- Must be self-motivated, proactive, energetic and goal-oriented
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously; strong organization and problem-so
- Knowledge of University culture and operating procedures is an asset
- Work experience working with start-ups, technology companies, or venture capital is an asset. Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office applications is essential
Application Deadline: July 13, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
