Job Description

Description

The

XPRIZE Canada Hub

under the

President's Office

invites applications for a

Operations Manager

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 3 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


The XPRIZE Canada Hub is a national initiative based at the University of Calgary that connects innovators, partners, and communities to solve humanitys greatest challenges. As Operations Manager, youll play a pivotal role in shaping a world-class platform for Canadian innovation and collaboration.


Reporting to the XPRIZE Canada Hub National Hub Director, the Operations Manager will drive the Hubs operations by managing systems, workflows, budgets, and reporting; supporting the National Hub Director with materials, documentation, and stakeholder updates; and ensuring compliance with funding and university requirements. They will coordinate events and programs, oversee logistics, and engage partners, teams, and alumni to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. The role also manages the development of standard operating procedures and efficiency improvements to ensure timely delivery, tracking and submission of KPIs to XPRIZE HQ.


The Operations Manager will live at the intersection of operations and innovation ensuring smooth delivery of day-to-day functions while also helping shape how Canada engages with global innovation challenges. This role is critical for translating strategic vision into effective implementation by managing timelines, internal coordination, project tracking, logistics, budget operations, reporting, and partner engagement support.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Serve as the key point of contact for the Canada Hub with internal university units. Maintain strong working relationships with the National Hub Director, Oversight Committee (OC), XPRIZE Director of Global Hubs, and UCalgary's Associate Vice-President (Innovation) to co-create and align local activities with the Hubs' strategic priorities and KPIs. Regularly provide updates, materials, and insights to the National Hub Director, OC, sponsors and stakeholders at UCalgary to support operations and advance the strategic mission. Administer programs that would drive measurable outcomes by meeting Hub Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and proactively engaging with stakeholders to deliver on goals. Work with the National Hub Director to onboard, train, and support hub staff, ensuring alignment with XPRIZE's latest initiatives. Convene and lead regular Hub working group meetings with appropriate stakeholders. Create and Strengthen Regional Partnerships and Ecosystems. Amplify Hub activities through community engagement and events. Support organization of events to promote the Hub's mission, engage communities, advance fundraising opportunities, foster dialogue, and drive engagement around the XPRIZE mission, its seven focus domains, and current and upcoming competitions. Plan local conferences, webinars, and other events to showcase Hub achievements and increase visibility. Responsible for hiring, training, performance management and development, and disciplinary action up to and including termination of staff. Provide proactive quality leadership by developing and maintaining positive working relationships.

Qualifications / Requirements:

A post-secondary degree in Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field is an asset. We also welcome applicants with equivalent experience in operations, management, innovation, or ecosystem building. Significant experience (5+ years) in operations, project management or program management, preferably in Canada. Management or leadership experience in Canada, with a track record of leading teams, budgets, and complex projects in universities, startups, nonprofits, or related fields. Proven track record in operational management with organizational skills and demonstrated success in managing complex workflows and multiple priorities. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams at all levels of authority. Experience with contract management, reporting, and business negotiations. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including strong business writing and professional verbal communication skills Ability to lead senior-level meetings, webinars, workshops, etc. Demonstrated management of budgets and tracking of expenses. Strong project management and leadership experience. Ability to thrive and think creatively and calmly in highly fluid situations and under intense schedules and deadlines. Highly diplomatic, with proven experience in crisis management. Demonstrated project development expertise in the research and/or innovation domains.

Application Deadline:

September 23, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.


This position is classified in the

Management Career Band, Level 2

of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments

(

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.