Executive Director, Startup Programs & Innovation Partnerships

Closing Date: March 6 2026 at 4:00 PM

J Herbert Smith Centre

The University of New Brunswicks (UNB) J Herbert Smith Centre (JHSC) supports entrepreneurship innovation and venture development among founders researchers and students. Broadly speaking this position will lead the development and execution of programs designed to support startups through mentorship strategic partnerships and capital formation initiatives. The role will be responsible for enhancing the startup innovation and partnerships ecosystem within and beyond UNB.

WHAT WE OFFER

Full-time 3-year Term Fredericton Location On Campus

Standard Work Hours: Mon - Fri 8.15 am - 4:30 pm 36.25 hours per week

Salary Range: $133769 - $182313 per annum

YOUR FOCUS

Reporting to the Chair the ideal candidate will be a startup founder/co-founder with a strong background in venture capital investment fundraising entrepreneurship exiting companies management and startup ecosystem building along with experience mentoring startups and securing strategic partnerships across public private and academic sectors.

Position summary:

• Develop and manage accelerator incubator and venture studio initiatives tailored to support startups and founders.
• Establish strategic goals/objectives 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 other staff as required).
• Assure the programs financial sustainability through securing managing/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 the opportunity 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 to go beyond Atlantic and Central Canada through connections and prior relationships.
• Build a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem by engaging diverse stakeholders including underrepresented 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

• 8 or more years of relevant professional experience:
  • in venture support leadership and innovation management.
  • as a manager responsible for overseeing staff teams personnel or founders.
  • in managing relationships with Venture Capital partners/peers corporate partners angel investors/networks and startup accelerators (deep connections outside of the Atlantic Region is preferred).
• 4 or more years of demonstrated experience:
  • as a successful startup/venture founder/co-founder with documented exits (acquisitions) being part of the negotiations.
  • in supporting companies/initiatives within marginalized communities and/or initiatives focused on positive social impact.
  • securing and executing corporate partnerships with widely-known companies in different sectors.
  • in supporting founders in securing capital with a significant track record ($90 million CAD and above).
  • in mentoring startups founders.

Additional Strengths:

• Certified Scrum Master / Product Owner is considered an asset(demonstrate the candidates ability to lead agile iterative processe which is essential for managing fast-paced startup programs coordinating cross-functional teams and delivering innovation initiatives efficiently and adaptively)
• Exceptional strategic planning communication and public speaking abilities.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage complex multi-source budgets.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity manage risk and lead through change.