Employment Opportunity - Innovation Facilitator
Published on August 27, 2010
Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta (EDA) and working with the technology advisory committee and with other stakeholder groups relating to innovation. This position offers significant autonomy, variety, flexibility and opportunity to work with savvy individuals in our diverse region.
You will be supported by outstanding colleagues in administration, communications and business development. The EDA is held in high regard by its communities for leadership, measurable outcomes and award winning approaches to economic development.
This is a professional position responsible for identifying and assisting companies or individuals interested in innovation and technology advancement. The assistance may take the form of providing information on sources of funding or mentorship, introducing the client to networks relating to their field, advising sources of applied research or technical support. Share technical knowledge where appropriate . This is face to face contact and cold calls may be required. Confidentiality and a thirst for learning is mandatory.
This initiative is funded in large part by the Industry Relations Assistance Program (IRAP) and the term of funding is until March 31, 2011, with a second one year contract.
Apply in confidence to cgrover@edalliance.ca prior to September 20th , 4pm stating date of availability and wage expectation.
Qualifications
- Experience related to technology and business development.
- Awareness of Alberta and Canadian innovation strategies
- Knowledge of the SE Alberta business community
- Experience in proposal writing to offer guidance to companies
- Understanding of innovation and technology commercialization processes
- Good knowledge of some or all of the following; technology, unmanned vehicle systems, energy or manufacturing, global marketing best practices
- Experience in LEAN process would be beneficial
Principal Activities & Responsibilities
1. Develop and maintain a resource database of funding opportunities relating to technology and innovation in all sectors pertinent to Southeast Alberta.
2. Develop and maintain a database of contacts and networks relating to funding, applied research, studies, labs, education etc. Develop an effective network of contacts in innovation and technology sectors.
3. Liaise with EDA Technology committee and stakeholder committees relating to Innovation, attend and possibly organize meetings or workshops.
4. Keep abreast of innovation and technology initiatives and directions
5. Make presentations to appropriate groups regarding this assistance program.
6. Identify or follow leads for companies who may require assistance in advancing their technology related services or products with a goal of expanding or enhancing their business.
7. Identify client requirements and respond with immediacy with the resource information required.
8. Refer, research and customize responses to client needs. Arrange for support agencies to call on client when appropriate for specific assistance or presentations.
9. Provide guidance to clients on completing funding applications.
10.Provide expert advice, recommendations and periodic reports to the Executive Director and Tech Advisory committee on issues or trends.
11. Fulfill the role as the primary contact within the EDA for Technology inquiries
12. The proponent will maintain a summary of the type of assistance requested and provided.
13.support existing companies with an interest to transition to new markets
Working Conditions
Generally a forty hour week, Monday to Friday, some evening or early morning requirements and occasional out of town travel. The clients are located within a two hour radius of Medicine Hat and client contacts may be at their place of business or residence. An office and office equipment is provided. A personal vehicle and drivers license required, mileage is paid for work travel.
The Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta (EDA) is a non-profit organization funded by the City of Medicine Hat, the Towns of Bow Island and Redcliff and the Counties of Cypress and Forty Mile. The EDA provides relevant industry knowledge and support to six key sectors; alternate energy, oil and gas, agriculture, technology, tourism and advanced manufacturing. Our goal is to position Southeast Alberta as the centre for regional economic growth through collaborative partnerships, industry growth and diversification and increasing the awareness of opportunities in our region. For more information on the resources provided through the EDA visit www.edalliance.ca