Description The Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Program Lead, Brain Economy Initiative. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) is an interdisciplinary research institute advancing brain and mental health through discovery, innovation, and translation. As part of its strategic direction, HBI is leading the development of a Brain Economy framework, integrating brain health, data/AI, human performance, and emerging evidence to drive societal well-being and economic growth.

The Program Lead, Brain Economy Initiatives reports to the Senior Manager of Innovation, Partnerships and Strategy and is responsible for leading, coordinating, and advancing multiple concurrent initiatives aligned with this strategy. The position, supported by the Department of Psychiatry, serves as a subject matter resource in the emerging Brain Economy field, applying specialized knowledge of brain and mental health, health innovation, research translation, data/AI, workforce well-being, and related policy and economic considerations to inform program design, partnerships, and strategic decision-making.

The role operates in a complex, fast-paced environment involving collaboration across academic, healthcare, industry, community, and government sectors. The incumbent is expected to remain current on emerging research, trends, technologies, policies, and leading practices relevant to the Brain Economy and to synthesize this information into actionable insights for HBI leadership, collaborators, and external partners.

Work involves managing competing priorities, coordinating and engaging stakeholders with diverse perspectives, and leading initiatives at various stages of development from concept development and early pilots through evaluation and scaled implementation. The role exercises professional judgment in assessing opportunities, identifying emerging issues, advising on program direction, and connecting scientific and technical evidence with operational and strategic priorities.

Peak periods may occur during funding cycles, program launches, major stakeholder engagements, and development of strategic initiatives. Occasional provincial or national travel may be required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Program Leadership, Coordination and Implementation

- Lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Brain Economy-related initiatives and projects
- Lead the advancement of initiatives aligned with HBI's Brain Economy strategy
- Apply subject matter knowledge to define program objectives, approaches, measures of success, and implementation strategies
- Track progress against timelines, deliverables, milestones, and outcomes, identifying and communicating changes, risks, and mitigation strategies as needed
- Initiate and lead the development of program materials, reports, briefing notes, presentations, implementation plans, and supporting documentation
- Lead the execution and evaluation of pilot initiatives related to brain health, data/AI, human performance, and workforce well-being
- Assess pilot and program results and provide recommendations regarding refinement, sustainability, scale-up, or future investment




- Identify interdependencies across initiatives and facilitate alignment with broader HBI and University priorities

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Plan and coordinate meetings, advisory groups, working groups, consultations, and stakeholder engagements
- Lead stakeholder engagement sessions to develop shared understanding, identify opportunities, and strengthen collaborative working relationships
- Provide substantive expertise during stakeholder discussions and support partners in understanding the evidence, opportunities, and implications associated with Brain Economy initiatives
- Build communication and collaboration across internal and external partners
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders across academic, clinical, g
- Facilitate consensus among stakeholders with differing priorities by integrating evidence, strategic objectives, and practical implementation considerations

Events, Knowledge Translation, and Thought Leadership
- Lead or manage the planning and delivery of workshops, seminars, roundtables, stakeholder meetings, and other Brain Economy-related events
- Support dissemination of program updates, reports, findings, and materials
- Translate program activities, research findings, and complex Brain Economy concepts into accessible outputs for diverse audiences
- Develop or contribute to briefing papers, discussion papers, presentations, reports, environmental scans, and other knowledge products that strengthen HBI's leadership in the Brain Economy
- Identify opportunities to disseminate emerging insights and leading practices through academic, health system, industry, government, and public-facing channels
- Support senior leaders and subject matter experts in preparing for external presentations, consultations, meetings, and strategic engagements

Budgetary responsibilities
- In coordination with the HBI office and the Department of Psychiatry, establish required budget, track budgets, reporting, and basic financial coordination
- Maintain organized records of projects, contacts, and activities
- Generate with funding-related documentation and reporting requirements as needed

Qualifications / Requirements

- Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., neuroscience, psychology, public health, health policy, or related discipline)
- Minimum 3 - 5 years of experience in program and project management within a complex environment
- Experience supporting interdisciplinary initiatives across research, healthcare, or innovation settings
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects and manage competing priorities
- Strong organizational and analytical skills
- Effective communication skills, with experience preparing reports, presentations, and briefing materials
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including academic, clinical, industry, and government partners
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard project coordination tools
- Experience in mental health, brain health, or health systems initiatives
- Familiarity with data-driven or AI-enabled projects




- Experience supporting partnerships or multi-stakeholder initiatives

Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 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 part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3

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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

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 qualified 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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

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.

📌 Program Lead, Brain Economy Initiative, The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (Calgary)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Calgary