Director, Entrepreneurship Activation Lab (REAL)

Position Summary
The 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 Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance

• Provides leadership and governance for REAL programming in Central Alberta (or Red Deer Polytechnic)
• Oversees daily operations of the Centre, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation
• Develops policies, processes and performance metrics to ensure program effectiveness and accountability
• Prepares reports for Governance Committee, RDP leadership and other partners
• Provides effective, innovative and strategic leadership in fulfilling RDP’s Mission, Vision, and Strategic Outcomes, including learning outcomes

Community and Communication Leadership

• Ensures effective communication, collaboration, consultation, and liaison between RDP and forge solid collaborative working relationships
• Participates on internal committees as assigned
• Provides guidance and engagement to Marketing and Communications to investigate, implement and maintain appropriate practices and activities to achieve REAL objectives
• Market REAL and its programs internally and to the broader community
• Attends and supports events across the campus and in the community
• Facilitates collaboration to produce effective promotional materials
• Liaises with stakeholders, internally and externally, and related committees, councils, or working groups
• Promotes a strong culture of relationship building with organizations, employers, and communities locally, regionally and globally

Partnerships & Development

• Establishes and maintains relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, alumni, community organizations, economic development agencies, government, and funding bodies
• Identifies and secures external funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships
• Develops revenue-generating programming and services where appropriate
• Oversees and supports fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Development & Partnerships
• Represents the institution in regional and national entrepreneurship networks
• Develops collaborative initiatives that enhance the local innovation and startup ecosystem

Financial Resource Management

• Manages and accountable to allocate approved budget effectively
• Assists with the preparation of the annual budget (operational and capital)
• Assists with developing and analyzing budgets in the REAL portfolio
• Prepares business cases and costing worksheets for new initiatives

Program Development & Delivery

• Implements and evaluates entrepreneurship programming including networking events, seminars, bootcamps, and pitch competitions
• Collaborates with RDP academic schools to promote REAL to students and integrate entrepreneurship into curriculum
• Supports experiential learning opportunities such as venture creation, internships, and applied projects

Student & Entrepreneur Support

• Provides and coordinates student venture support services, including mentorship, coaching and advisory resources
• Supports ideation and feasibility, applied research, and venture readiness
• Facilitates access to funding opportunities, including grants, competitions, and investor networks
• Showcases student and alumni entrepreneurial achievements

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate 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 stakeholders
• Minimum five (5) years experience developing, analyzing and implementing complex granting budgets, contracts and operation plans
• Experience working with entrepreneurs and in start-ups required
• Demonstrated experience and ability to build partnerships and generate revenue
• Proven mentorship experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience in post-secondary, incubator, or applied research environments

Benefits and Compensation Information

Red 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 benefits is dependent upon the EXEMPT Terms and Conditions of Employment and related RDP policies.

Desired Start Date
October 12, 2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)
June 30, 2027

Hours of work
Part-Time, Monday to Friday, as needed.

Note to Applicant
Red 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 or expression.
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].
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• The 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.