Director Of Innovation & Noulab [University Of New Brunswick]

Closing Date: September 1, 2023 at 4:00 PM

POND-DESHPANDE CENTRE

The Pond-Deshpande Centre (PDC) at UNB supports social entrepreneurship and innovation in New Brunswick and beyond. We believe that by combining innovative ideas with deep, relevant, contextual knowledge, citizens will be able to develop sustainable solutions to complex social, environmental, and economic challenges while creating high-impact ventures that "do well & do good" in our region and the world. PDC has two key platforms: NouVentures which focuses on growing social entrepreneurship in New Brunswick and beyond; and NouLab which houses PDC's social innovation lab and manages our social and public innovation work generally.

What We Offer

Full-time | 2-Year Term | Bi-Campus | Hybrid

UNB is committed to ensuring employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance. As such, we are proud to support a hybrid work approach, which includes flexible hours and work-from-home options.

Standard Work Hours: Mon - Fri | 8:15 am - 4:30 pm | 36.25 hours per week

Salary Range: $59,643 - $77,536 per annum

YOUR FOCUS

Reporting to the Executive Director, PDC is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Innovation and NouLAB to lead and oversee all aspects of our social innovation practice, including our social innovation lab, NouLAB. The Innovation Director will play a key role in the strategic development of innovation initiatives, building and managing projects, and leading a team of innovators to develop creative solutions for complex community challenges.

• Manage a team of contractors to deliver innovation projects, as required.
• Represent NouLAB in external events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Recruit and onboard team members. Coach, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities.
• Work with the management team to build new social innovation offerings.
• Monitor and report on the progress and performance of innovation initiatives to leadership and stakeholders.
• Work with the executive director to draft project proposals and funding agreements.
• Report to project funders and advisors and act as a liaison to project partners.
• Identify and develop new opportunities to support social innovation in New Brunswick
• Create an environment that promotes creativity, experimentation, and learning.
• Manage all social innovation labs within NouLAB from conception through to evaluation.
• Support the development of the strategic vision of social innovation and NouLAB at PDC.
• Facilitate a team to deliver innovation workshops, conduct research, and develop prototypes to drive the innovation process.
• Create and collaborate with cross-functional, cross-sectoral teams to identify, design, and implement innovative projects that address complex challenges.
• Champion a human-centred approach to innovation.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community organizations, academic faculty, and industry partners.
• Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide insights, recommendations, and metrics to track the progress and impact of NouLAB initiatives.

What You Bring

• 5 years of experience in social innovation management or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business, social science, design, leadership studies, or innovation management.

Additional Strengths

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and compellingly.
• Experience in developing and managing high-performing teams.
• Familiarity with innovation methodologies, such as design thinking, systemic design, lean startup, and agile.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make data-informed decisions.
• A Master's degree is considered an asset.
• Strong social science research skills, with particular attention to qualitative methods such as interviews, ethnographies, and focus groups.
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across sectors, disciplines, and functions.
• Ability to communicate in both English and French would be considered an asset.
• Proven track record of leading successful innovation projects, from ideation to implementation.

Are you interested?

WHY CHOOSE UNB?

UNB offers a large variety of benefits for employees, including a full pension, a minimum of three weeks of vacation annually, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and dental, life, and health insurance.

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL STAFF UNION (PTSU)

This position is part of the PSAC, Local 60551 employee group and falls under the PTSU Collective Agreement.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The University of New Brunswick and PSAC/PTSU Local 60551 are committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.