Position SummaryThe Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Red Deer Polytechnic's campus-wide entrepreneurship initiative. The Director is accountable for the successful launch, growth, performance measurement, and long-term sustainability of the REAL (Red Deer Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Activation Lab) as a vibrant, interdisciplinary entrepreneurship ecosystem serving students across all schools, while strengthening RDP's partnerships with industry, alumni, and the Central Alberta business community.Reporting through the Donald School of Business, the Director leads REAL programming, oversees stakeholder engagement and fund development, and ensures measurable outcomes aligned to RDP's 2030 Strategic Plan. In the early years of implementation, the Director also fulfills Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) functions, directly supporting student entrepreneurs from idea generation through venture readiness.The position carries direct supervisory responsibility for designated staff, including accountability for recruitment, performance oversight, and disciplinary matters, and requires the regular application of independent judgment and managerial discretion. The core purpose of the role is to provide leadership and management, encompassing setting strategic direction, allocating resources, and enabling effective decision-making at a senior level.Position ResponsibilitiesLeadership & GovernanceProvides leadership and governance for REAL programming in Central Alberta (or Red Deer Polytechnic)Oversees daily operations of the Centre, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocationDevelops policies, processes and performance metrics to ensure program effectiveness and accountabilityPrepares reports for Governance Committee, RDP leadership and other partnersProvides effective, innovative and strategic leadership in fulfilling RDP's Mission, Vision, and Strategic Outcomes, including learning outcomesCommunity and Communication LeadershipEnsures effective communication, collaboration, consultation, and liaison between RDP and forge solid collaborative working relationshipsParticipates on internal committees as assignedProvides guidance and engagement to Marketing and Communications to investigate,



implement and maintain appropriate practices and activities to achieve REAL objectivesMarket REAL and its programs internally and to the broader communityAttends and supports events across the campus and in the communityFacilitates collaboration to produce effective promotional materialsLiaises with stakeholders, internally and externally, and related committees, councils, or working groupsPromotes a strong culture of relationship building with organizations, employers, and communities locally, regionally and globallyPartnerships & DevelopmentEstablishes and maintains relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, alumni, community organizations, economic development agencies, government, and funding bodiesIdentifies and secures external funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnershipsDevelops revenue-generating programming and services where appropriateOversees and supports fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Development & PartnershipsRepresents the institution in regional and national entrepreneurship networksDevelops collaborative initiatives that enhance the local innovation and startup ecosystemFinancial Resource ManagementManages and accountable to allocate approved budget effectivelyAssists with the preparation of the annual budget (operational and capital)Assists with developing and analyzing budgets in the REAL portfolioPrepares business cases and costing worksheets for new initiativesProgram Development & DeliveryImplements and evaluates entrepreneurship programming including networking events, seminars, bootcamps, and pitch competitionsCollaborates with RDP academic schools to promote REAL to students and integrate entrepreneurship into curriculumSupports experiential learning opportunities such as venture creation, internships, and applied projectsStudent & Entrepreneur SupportProvides and coordinates student venture support services, including mentorship, coaching and advisory resourcesSupports ideation and feasibility, applied research, and venture readinessFacilitates access to funding opportunities, including grants, competitions, and investor networksShowcases student and alumni entrepreneurial achievementsRequired QualificationsUndergraduate degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovation or a related field required.Minimum five (5)



years progressively responsible leadership experience including direct supervision of staff and/or engagement with volunteers and community stakeholdersMinimum five (5) years experience developing, analyzing and implementing complex granting budgets, contracts and operation plansExperience working with entrepreneurs and in start-ups requiredDemonstrated experience and ability to build partnerships and generate revenueProven mentorship experiencePreferred QualificationsPreferred experience in post-secondary, incubator, or applied research environmentsBenefits and Compensation InformationRed Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.*Eligibility to access the above-mentioned perks is dependent upon the EXEMPT Terms and Conditions of Employment and related RDP policies.Desired Start DateOctober 12, 2026Position End Date (if term-certain)June 30, 2027Hours of workPart-Time, Monday to Friday, as needed.Note to ApplicantRed Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity orexpression.Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.Special Instructions to ApplicantsThe start date is negotiable and will depend on the successful candidate's availability.Start date will be dependent on department needs and candidate availability.Hours of work will be dependent upon operational needs.

📌 Director, Entrepreneurship Activation Lab (Burnstick Lake)
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📍 Burnstick Lake