DEFENDS Program Manager

About the Team

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

The University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering is seeking a Program Manager for the Dual-Use Ecosystem for Future Engineering, National Defence, and Sovereignty (DEFENDS). The successful candidate will spearhead the development and execution of an Alberta-based national defence innovation ecosystem, significantly contributing to Canada's defence autonomy and economic security.

The Program Manager will translate the overarching vision of DEFENDS into actionable, mission-based project plans. You will leverage expertise in the defence and security sector to ensure the DEFENDS platform, its partnerships, and its core facilities are strategically aligned with the critical needs of organizations within the ecosystems, including the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Department of National Defence, prime contractors, original equipment manufacturers, startup ventures, and small and medium enterprises.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, Faculty of Engineering, and taking strategic direction from the Executive Director, DEFENDS, this role is instrumental in accelerating the development, prototyping, and commercialization of sovereign dual-use technologies. The role involves managing a platform with a total investment of over $120 million.

Responsibilities

The Program Manager’s broad accountabilities are essential to the success and growth of the DEFENDS ecosystem, including :

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships :

• Act as a primary liaison between the University of Alberta and key stakeholders, including government, industry, and military end-users (including the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence).
• Develop structured partnerships with other postsecondary institutions and innovation hubs in Alberta and western Canada.
• Cultivate strategic co-investment and joint commercialization efforts with Original equipment manufacturers, primes, small and medium enterprises, and startups.
• Represent DEFENDS at national and international forums to attract investment and expand the partner network.

Project and Financial Oversight :

• Manage multiple complex projects, including the development of secure testing facilities, capital matching agreements, and procurement readiness programs.
• Oversee all project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring timely completion and scope adherence.
• Facilitate the allocation and management of DEFENDS investments, monitoring financial performance against key performance indicators (job creation, company support, follow-on investment).
• Prepare regular, comprehensive reporting for internal committees (e.g., Steering, Infrastructure, Partnerships) and external government / industry partners.

Risk Management and Security :

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with intellectual property, research security, and compliance with programs like the Contract Security Program and the Controlled Goods Program.
• Develop and implement robust research security protocols and training to protect highly secure research, data, and facilities.

Supervision & Talent Management

• Serve as a direct supervisor for administrative staff positions as the DEFENDS ecosystem evolves and grows.
• Supervise and mentor a diverse, cross-functional team, ensuring high engagement, high performance, collaboration, and professional development aligned with program objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and security-conscious work environment across internal university units and external partner organizations.

Workforce Development :

• Design and execute talent development programs, including student placements, internships, and fellowships, to build the next generation of the defence workforce.
• Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners across the University of Alberta and post-secondary partner organizations to integrate defence and dual-use technology concepts into the curriculum.

Strategic Planning and Execution :

• Spearhead the phased deployment and operational readiness of the secure core facilities ensuring they meet the stringent technical and security requirements of military and industry partners.
• Develop and implement mission-driven project plans that align with national defence and economic sovereignty goals.
• Manage timelines and deliverables for facility upgrades and new construction in collaboration with Facility PIs and university infrastructure planning teams.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A university degree is required; a degree in a relevant technical or business discipline is preferred.
• Significant experience leading large-scale, complex programs involving diverse partners, ideally in a technical, defence, or research-intensive environment.
• Established background within the Canadian or allied defence and security sector.
• Strong understanding of defence procurement processes, applicable military standards, and operational requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in full-spectrum people management, including recruitment, onboarding, task delegation, coaching and mentorship, performance management, and conflict resolution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Expertise : Strong understanding of advanced dual-use technologies (e.g., microelectronics, aerospace, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing).
• Security & Compliance : Demonstrated knowledge of research security protocols and relevant federal programs, including the Contract Security Program and the Controlled Goods Program.
• Strategic Leadership & Collaboration : Ability to think strategically, apply emotional intelligence, listen actively, build consensus across diverse and high-stakes groups (government, military, industry, academia), and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Communication Skills :

• Verbal : Ability to convey complex technical and strategic concepts clearly to varied audiences, including military officials, industry leaders, and academic researchers.
• Written : Skilled in preparing clear, compelling reports, proposals, financial summaries, and strategic briefs for both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Financial Management : Experience managing substantial budgets and securing funding from public and private sources.
• Project / Program Management : Proven program management expertise; a recognized project management certification is considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

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