Description
The XPRIZE Canada Hub under the President's Office invites applications for a Partnerships Manager, XPRIZE Canada Hub. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months(based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The XPRIZE Canada Hub, based at the University of Calgary, is a national initiative that connects innovators, partners, and communities to solve humanity's greatest challenges. The Partnerships Manager will lead the development and growth of the partnership ecosystem that allows the Hub to deliver on its mandate ¿ growing the pipeline of Canadian teams competing in XPRIZE competitions, connecting teams to the resources, expertise, validation, commercialization and deployment pathways they need to succeed, and developing strategic corporate, philanthropic and ecosystem partnerships that advance the Hub's impact and long-term sustainability.
As Partnerships, you will be one of the Hub's primary external-facing connectors building a strong national prospect pipeline and developing high-value, multifaceted partnerships across universities, industry, government, investors, funders and the broader innovation ecosystem. You will broker the pilot, mentorship, market access and deployment pathways that move Canadian teams from prospective competitors through competition and toward real-world impact. You will also identify and develop sponsorship and funding opportunities for Hub initiatives, programming and strategic priorities. Working in close alignment with XPRIZE Global and Hub colleagues, you will help identify where partnerships can create the greatest shared value for Canadian innovators, partners and the broader XPRIZE ecosystem.
This position reports to the National Hub Director. Hybrid or remote working arrangements may be considered.
This position normally works Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M, 7 hours per day (35 hours per week), although extended or alternative hours (evenings and weekends) and travel will be required based on the needs of the XPRIZE Canada Hub. This position is required to maintain complete confidentiality regarding all business matters and to exercise a high degree of professionalism in the execution of their duties.
Learn more at: https://io.ucalgary.ca/xprizehub AND https://xprize.ca/
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
-
Lead the development and execution of the XPRIZE Canada Hub's partnership and prospect strategy, building a strong pipeline of high-value opportunities aligned with the Hub's priorities and goals through 2029.
-
Identify, develop and lead negotiations for high-value, multifaceted strategic partnerships with corporations, governments, investors, universities, ecosystem organizations and philanthropic partners that deliver lasting value for Canadian teams, Hub initiatives and the broader XPRIZE ecosystem across funding, technical and in-kind resources, market access, commercialization.
-
Manage and grow key partner relationships following agreement, ensuring commitments are activated, partners remain engaged, and partnerships deliver measurable value for both the Hub and its partners.
-
Oversee the Hub's partnership portfolio, assessing the strength, value and coverage of the partner network to identify gaps and priorities for future partnership development.
-
Build new strategic relationships with universities, industry, government, investors, and ecosystem organizations that extend the Hub's national reach and create new pathways and resources for Canadian innovators.
-
Develop and execute partnership agreements and MOUs that turn relationships into formal, lasting commitments, working with working relevant legal and governance teams.
-
Connect competing and alumni teams to the commercialization and deployment partners that move breakthrough technologies into the real world testing sites, pilot hosts, industry adopters, investors, technical experts and mentors.
-
Build and manage a corporate sponsorship and business development pipeline that supports the Hub's fundraising strategy, securing sponsorship and other financial or in-kind support for priority Hub programs, events and initiatives.
-
Design and execute engagement plans that drive awareness, visibility, and national alignment around XPRIZE priorities including sponsorships, co-investments, and collaborative programs.
-
Represent the Hub at national conferences, summits, and sector events, building visibility, developing strategic relationships, and generating high-value partnership leads.
-
Report on partnership and business development progress to the Oversight Committee, funders, and XPRIZE Global, using partnership data and outcomes to demonstrate value and inform future priorities.
-
Connect partnership work to recruitment, programming and team support, ensuring partner opportunities translate into tangible value across the Hub's activities.
Qualifications / Requirements:
-
Post-secondary degree in a relevant field; a master's degree or equivalent senior experience in business development, partnerships, innovation or venture development is an asset.
-
Minimum of 5-7 years in strategic partnerships, business development, innovation, venture development, corporate sponsorship, or related roles, ideally with experience developing relationships across sectors or organizational boundaries.
-
Proven, independent track record identifying, developing, negotiating and securing high-value partnerships, including financial, in-kind, strategic or programmatic contributions.
-
Demonstrated success building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships with universities, industry, government, funders, investors, and/or innovation ecosystem organizations.
-
Experience with CRM or pipeline-tracking tools, including prospect identification and qualification, pipeline management, relationship tracking, and reporting against partnership goals.
-
Experience participating in trade shows and conferences, including scouting, networking, and speaking engagements, is preferred.
-
Exceptional relationship management and negotiation skills, with excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to develop compelling partnership proposals and engage senior external stakeholders.
-
Ability to identify opportunities, navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, design solutions, and make decisions in fast-paced and evolving contexts.
-
Demonstrated ability to understand the needs and incentives of different partners and structure opportunities that create clear, reciprocal value.
-
Leadership experience, including supervision, coaching, and development of staff or volunteers in collaborative environments is an asset.
-
Familiarity with prize competitions, accelerators, commercialization or venture-support programs, milestone-based innovation programs, or ecosystem convening platforms is an asset.
-
Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and improvement-oriented mindset, comfortable with evolving priorities on a small, fast-moving team.
-
Willingness to travel domestically, with occasional international travel, as required.
Application Deadline: September 22, 2026
Applications should include a cover letter with their resume and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The project budget for this role is between $97,860 and $120,000, and the final salary will be determined based on experience.
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 and Professional Career Band, Level P4 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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
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.
