Job Description

About Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is Calgary's college with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students. We launch our students by preparing them for in-demand jobs through high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance our graduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts, social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolve our students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling.
Proud to be named one of Canada's Top 50 research colleges, our applied research focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation. Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary's first esports arena, and the Bears varsity team, Bow Valley College is celebrating 60 years of student success. Learn more about the opportunities we create at .
Position Summary
Bow Valley College is seeking an innovative and collaborative Manager, Applied Research (Entertainment Arts) to lead the development and delivery of cutting-edge research initiatives within the Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN).
Reporting to the Dean, Research and Innovation, this leadership role is central to advancing creative and technological innovation through applied research, with a focus on emerging digital arts technologies. The Manager will play a key role in driving research projects that leverage recent funding from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) and support the establishment of the DEN --a world-class facility fostering applied research, business incubation, and training in areas such as virtual production, 3D animation, game development, augmented and virtual reality, and motion capture.
The Manager will oversee the design, implementation, and management of applied research projects, working closely with faculty, learners, and industry partners to deliver impactful results. This includes proposal writing, funding acquisition, partnership development, regulatory compliance, and budget oversight. The successful candidate will build strong connections between academic programming and research initiatives, integrate applied research into curriculum design, and ensure that learners gain meaningful hands-on experience through paid internships, course-based research, and work-integrated learning opportunities. The Manager will also foster a dynamic and inclusive research environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and ethical practices.
In addition to leading applied research within the DEN, the Manager will cultivate partnerships with industry, community organizations, and government to expand research opportunities and enhance Bow Valley College's reputation as a leader in applied innovation. The role includes managing a team of professionals, overseeing quality assurance and risk management processes, and supporting the professional growth and performance of staff. The Manager will promote interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge transfer, and community engagement through presentations, events, and research dissemination activities.
Qualifications: A master's degree in digital design, game design, or a related field is required (PhD preferred), along with a minimum of three years of experience in a post-secondary environment, ideally within applied research. Candidates should possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, a proven ability to manage budgets and complex projects, and a passion for fostering innovation in digital arts and creative technologies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, experience leading diverse teams, and a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within research environments.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead transformative research initiatives at the intersection of technology, creativity, and community impact--helping shape the future of applied research and creative innovation at Bow Valley College.
If your education was received internationally we will require you provide an international education assessment through IQAS, WES, or one of the other nationally designated organizations upon hire.
Closing Date: November 20, 2025
This opening is a temporary (exempt) position, with an anticipated conclusion in December, 2028. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check.
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

Skills Required