Executive Director, Startup Programs & Innovation Partnerships

Closing Date

November 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Position Overview

J Herbert Smith Centre (JHSC) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture development among founders, researchers, and students. This position will lead the development and execution of programs designed to support startups through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and capital formation initiatives, enhancing the startup, innovation, and partnership ecosystem within and beyond UNB.

What we offer

• Full‑time, 3‑year term
• Fredericton, on campus
• Standard work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:15AM–4:30PM (36.25hours per week)
• Salary range: $104,794–$142,823 per annum

Your focus

• Develop and manage accelerator, incubator, and venture studio initiatives tailored to support startups and founders.
• Establish strategic goals, timelines, policies, and performance metrics for startup support programs.
• Support the program manager in customizing programming content to address common founder pain points, including market validation, fundraising, product development, and go‑to‑market strategies.
• Integrate workshops, expert mentorship, and external engagements into the program delivery model.
• Recruit members/participants (startups) to the accelerator programs.
• Act as the lead in the Global startup ecosystem for the JHSC.
• Recommend improvements and iterate on program design based on feedback and results.
• Develop and manage pre‑ and post‑program initiatives.
• Supervise program staff (Program Manager, Operations Coordinator, and other staff as required).
• Assure the programs' financial sustainability through securing, managing, and allocating the necessary funding.
• Collaborate in the selection of managers and other staff.
• Offer one‑on‑one and group coaching to startup founders and students, helping them navigate business strategy, fundraising, operations, and growth challenges.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for startups throughout their development cycle, from ideation through acquisition or scale‑up.
• Assist founders in refining pitches, preparing for investor meetings, and pursuing public or private funding sources.
• Track progress and provide post‑program support to ensure long‑term venture success.
• Provide input into investment decisions, evaluations, and opportunity assessments aligned with program goals.
• Support capital formation efforts by preparing due diligence materials and investor‑facing documentation.
• Analyze data to measure program outcomes, participant satisfaction, and long‑term venture performance.
• Direct opportunities for founders to meet with other founders and investors inside and outside Canada for possible investment.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with corporations, venture capital firms, angel networks, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaborations that enable funding, pilot projects, mentorship opportunities, and talent pipelines.
• Represent the program and institution in external engagements, including conferences, panels, and networking events.
• Seek sponsorships or co‑investment partnerships that expand the reach and impact of the program.
• Prepare, submit, and manage the appropriate applications and reports for external/government funding and the relationships with these partners.
• Oversee budget planning and expenditure.
• Expand the network beyond Atlantic and Central Canada through connections and prior relationships.
• Build a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem by engaging diverse stakeholders, including under‑represented founders, community partners, and global networks.
• Host recruitment events, demo days, pitch competitions, and startup showcases to promote visibility and collaboration.
• Support the development of outreach materials, campaigns, and digital content to attract applicants, mentors, and investors.
• Collaborate with academic and public institutions to enhance regional innovation capacity.
• Coordinate the work to be performed in different regions and departments, in alignment with the overall strategy.

What you bring

• Master's degree in business, innovation, entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• Four or more years of experience in venture support, leadership, and innovation management; experience managing staff, teams, personnel, or founders.
• Experience managing relationships with venture capital partners/peers, corporate partners, angel investors/networks, and startup accelerators—deep connections outside the Atlantic Region preferred.
• Successful startup/venture founder or co‑founder with documented exits (acquisitions), including participation in negotiations.
• Experience supporting companies or initiatives within marginalized communities and/or initiatives focused on positive social impact.
• Track record of securing and executing corporate partnerships with well‑known companies across multiple sectors.
• Demonstrated success in supporting founders in securing capital, with a track record of at least $80million CAD in capital raised.
• Mentoring experience with startup founders.
• Additional strengths: Certified Scrum Master or Product Owner considered an asset.
• Public speaking and facilitation experience.
• Written and spoken competence in English is required.

Commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion

The University of New Brunswick is 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, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.