About the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC)
The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) is a Regional Innovation Network (RINs) funded by Alberta Innovates.
RINs are community-based providers who work closely with Technology Development Advisors (TDAs) and regional innovation support agencies to help local, early-stage technology and knowledge-based businesses innovate and grow, diversifying the economy and helping build a strong entrepreneurial culture in Alberta.
The purpose of the CIC is to accelerate the success of ventures by fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic support, addressing ecosystem needs, and guiding the development of innovation-driven entrepreneurs across Calgary and broader Alberta. Our vision is a thriving, inclusive, and globally recognized innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth, promotes diversity and fosters sustainable entrepreneurial success in the Calgary region. A one-page overview of the CIC’s purpose, vision, values, and strategic priorities can be found here.
The CIC is looking for a full-time Executive Director (ED) to start immediately
General Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Ecosystem Advocacy
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Serve as an ambassador for CIC, engaging with startups, ecosystem partners, funders, and the broader community.
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Represent CIC at Alberta Innovation Network (AIN) meetings, sharing progress, insights, and best practices.
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Work collaboratively with the CIC Board to shape and execute the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic roadmap.
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Advocate for CIC and the Calgary innovation ecosystem within the public and private sectors, fostering support for innovation-driven ventures.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
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Act as acentral point of contact for CIC stakeholders, gathering insights, facilitating open dialogue, and integrating feedback to refine programming.
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Build and nurture strong relationships with funders, ecosystem partners, and granting agencies to align objectives and ensure sustainable funding.
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Lead community engagement initiatives to strengthen partnerships and amplify the collective impact of member organizations.
Board & Governance Support
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Collaborate with the Board Chair to organize and facilitate monthly board and committee meetings.
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Provide documentation and updates to the board, ensuring alignment with CIC’s goals and funder expectations.
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Oversee governance practices, succession planning, and leadership continuity for the board and committees.
Program Development & Execution
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Oversee the design and implementation of CIC programs, ensuring alignment with member organizations’ needs and Alberta Innovates' goals.
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Facilitate the delivery of impactful initiatives, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and prioritize outcomes.
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Work with program delivery partners to monitor trends, track ecosystem impacts, and adapt programming to emerging opportunities.
Financial Management & Reporting
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Manage CIC’s budget, oversee financial reporting, and ensure compliance with funder policies.
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Prepare comprehensive reports, capturing metrics, success stories, and performance outcomes for funders and stakeholders.
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Identify and activate diverse funding streams to support CIC’s initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability.
Team Leadership & Coordination
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Supervise and mentor the Program Coordinator, ensuring alignment with CIC’s mission and efficient program execution.
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Provide mentorship, resources, and support to enhance team contributions to CIC projects and initiatives.
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Oversee task prioritization, goal-setting, and progress monitoring to achieve program objectives.
Profile
Below we detail the profile of the Interim ED:
Key Competencies & Attributes
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Strategic Leadership: Ability to drive organizational continuity while aligning programs with CIC’s mission and vision.
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Stakeholder Relations: Proficiency in building partnerships with funders, granting agencies, and ecosystem partners.
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Governance Expertise: Skilled in board facilitation and operational best practices.
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Data & Reporting Expertise: Delivering impactful reports, capturing success stories, and aligning with funder requirements.
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Collaboration & Inclusivity: Committed to fostering diversity, accessibility, and accountability in all initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
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Proven leadership within innovation ecosystems, non-profits, or grant-funded organizations.
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Demonstrated ability to manage grant-funded programs and develop strategic funding proposals.
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Experience supervising teams and delivering stakeholder engagement activities.
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Strong financial oversight skills and a background in governance.
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Degree in business administration, public policy, or a related field. Advanced certifications in governance or finance are assets.
Education
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Degree in business administration, public policy, innovation management, or a related field.
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Advanced degrees or certifications in governance or finance are an asset.
Application Form
Priority Responsibilities
Funding & Resource Mobilization
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Developathree-year grant proposal for Alberta Innovates, aligned with regional economic objectives and measurable outcomes.
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Activate research initiatives with member organizations to gather insights and substantiate funding proposals.
Ecosystem Integration & Collaboration
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Strengthen cross-collaboration among member organizations to provide cohesive support for startups and scale-ups.
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Leverage shared knowledge and best practices to address gaps and foster ecosystem growth.
Data-Driven Decision Making
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Implement tools for comprehensive data collection and analysis to inform strategy and reporting.
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Highlight trends and growth opportunities in quarterly and annual reports.
Enhanced Accountability & Governance
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Refine reporting frameworks to ensure financial transparency and program accountability.
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Foster a culture of accountability and alignment with benchmarks within the organization.
Community Engagement
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Organize the annual CIC “Get to Know You Day” to foster input and communication among stakeholders.
Accountabilities
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The Executive Director reports directly to the CIC Board of Directors.
Term & Compensation
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This is a one-year, full-time contract, extendable by agreement. Compensation to be determined based on qualifications. Travel and pre-authorized expenses will be reimbursed as per funder policies.
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Compensation: The salary for this position will be determined based on qualifications and experience, with a range of $100,000 to $130,000. Eligible travel and expenses incurred in the execution of duties, pre-authorized by the Board, will be reimbursed as per funder policies
