This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at Enterprise Square.

Reporting to the Director, Innovation & Partnerships, the Start-Up Specialist is an integral member of the Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization, and Partnership team within the Office of the Vice-President International, Innovation and Enterprise (VPIIE).

The team supports programs, services, and events across the University of Alberta’s colleges, faculties, and student community that foster innovation, knowledge mobilization, and strategic partnerships.
The Start-Up Specialist plays a key role in supporting the development of new spin-off companies and

startups emerging from research and innovation activities at the University of Alberta. Acting as the primary point of contact for researchers, graduate students, and other members of the university community, the role connects aspiring entrepreneurs with appropriate internal and external resources to support venture creation and growth.

The position also promotes entrepreneurship through targeted programming and events that showcase pathways to commercialization, while developing clear and accessible guides and frameworks for innovators. In addition, the Start-Up Specialist supports external partnerships with innovation ecosystems and helps increase awareness of entrepreneurial resources available to the University of Alberta community.

The Vice-President - International and Enterprise leads the University of Alberta’s global engagement and enterprise development strategy, advancing international partnerships and promoting the university’s role as a globally connected institution. This portfolio supports the university’s efforts to expand its global reach and amplify its economic and societal contributions.

Through international recruitment, research collaboration, global academic partnerships, and innovation-focused enterprise development, the portfolio plays a key role in aligning external opportunities with institutional goals. It also supports strategic initiatives that strengthen the university’s reputation and financial sustainability.

By integrating global perspectives and entrepreneurial thinking, the Vice-President - International and Enterprise helps position the University of Alberta as a leader in international education, research impact, and strategic innovation.

1. Support for Inventors and Entrepreneurs (30%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for spin-off and startup inquiries
• Build and maintain relationships with researchers and inventors interested in commercialization
• Act as a trusted advisor, guiding individuals through early-stage commercialization pathways
• Collaborate with external ecosystem partners, including business incubators and accelerators, to support startup development, programming alignment, and venture support pathways.
• Develop strong understanding of university and external innovation ecosystems
• Develop and maintain comprehensive inventories of innovation and startup support resources

1. Events & Entrepreneurship Programming (30%)

• In collaboration with the Director, Innovation & Partnerships and VPIIE colleagues, plan, coordinate, and deliver events that promote innovation and entrepreneurship
• Develop promotional materials and outreach strategies for events
• Showcase commercialization pathways and innovation resources to internal and external audiences

1. Development of Startup Pathways & Resources (30%)

• Design and maintain clear commercialization pathways for different types of innovations
• Develop guides and tools to support researchers and entrepreneurs navigating commercialization processes
• Engage with funding agencies (e.g., Alberta Innovates, Mitacs, PrairiesCan) to maintain awareness of funding opportunities and support alignment with startup and spin-off needs.
• Ensure materials reflect current processes, policies, and available resources

1. Administrative & Representational Duties (10%)

• Prepare reports on innovation and startup activity within the University

• Represent the University of Alberta at internal and external innovation and entrepreneurship events

• Develop presentation materials and contribute to briefings and communications

• Participate in special projects and other related duties as required

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Commerce, Science, or related field; Master’s degree (MSc or MBA) considered an asset

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with startups or entrepreneurial ventures

• Strong understanding of startup development and/or commercialization processes

• Familiarity with the University of Alberta and/or post-secondary innovation ecosystems

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with attention to detail
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package*.*

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.