Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Summary:
The director is responsible for launching, leading, and growing a central, research-informed hub that connects and advances entrepreneurial initiatives across the university and within the broader provincial ecosystem. This role oversees the strategic management, design, and delivery of innovative programming and initiatives that foster entrepreneurial creativity, community-building, and knowledge-sharing.
In addition to leading high-impact initiatives, the director stewards financial and operational resources to support long-term sustainability and collaborates with advancement offices to cultivate philanthropic support. Through strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and external representation, the director enhances the Centre’s visibility, credibility, and long-term sustainability.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leads the development and execution of the Centre’s strategic plan through consultative planning, alignment with college priorities, and measurable implementation
Establishes the Centre as the university’s hub for entrepreneurship and a key contributor to the provincial and national entrepreneurial ecosystem by convening partners and delivering signature programs
Designs, implements, and evaluates high-impact curricular, co-curricular, and non-academic programs that foster creativity, community, and knowledge sharing
Manages financial activities through budget planning, reconciliation, and risk mitigation
Optimizes human, financial, and technological resources to achieve strategic goals and support long-term sustainability
Partners with advancement offices to participate in cultivating philanthropic support
Promotes and supports entrepreneurship research by engaging faculty and mobilizing knowledge across education, industry, and government to bridge research, practice, and policy
Delivers programs and activities that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive through continuous evaluation and learner feedback
Builds and maintains strong relationships through engagement, collaboration, and responsive communication with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to faculty, students, staff, industry, investors, incubators, accelerators, and government
Represents the Centre in media, forums, and strategic collaborations to build visibility and credibility
Expands impact across the university and in the community by collaborating with external organizations
Manages a team of direct reports through effective supervision, coaching, and performance management
Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment, and models these behaviours across the institution
Builds and leads diverse teams, champions inclusive leadership, and values different perspectives
Engages in and supports the understanding and growth of employees with the frameworks, initiatives and activities relating to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement
Sets and achieves actionable goals in alignment with Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks; addresses systemic inequities affecting underrepresented equity groups
Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred
Minimum of seven years’ experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, or business development
Minimum of three years’ experience in people leadership and managing budgets in complex organizations
Experience working in higher education or academic entrepreneurship is an asset
Demonstrated ability to build relationships across campus, industry, government, and community partners and sustain multi-sector partnerships
Strong understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurship models, including innovation, venture creation, and ecosystem development
Familiarity with the Saskatchewan business and innovation landscape is an asset
Demonstrated success in securing funding and philanthropic support
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate multi-year strategic plans, translating vision into actionable initiatives while navigating complex organizational environments
Demonstrated ability influence decision-making at institutional and community levels
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including media and public speaking
Ability to interpret, integrate, and apply entrepreneurship research into practice and policy
The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.
Department: Edwards School of Business
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $87,266.00 - 145,353.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Managerial
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 10/22/2025
Closing Date: 11/4/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
