Entrepreneurship Advisor

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

The Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship, located within the JR Shaw School of Business at NAIT, supports student entrepreneurs across all disciplines through innovative and experiential learning opportunities.

The Entrepreneurship Advisor plays a key role in delivering the Entrepreneurship Blue Book program, which guides students from the early stages of “I have an idea” to “I am ready to launch.” This position is responsible for screening students for admission into the program, leading its delivery, and mentoring participants at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The Advisor also helps promote the program’s success both internally and externally, contributing to a strong culture of entrepreneurship at NAIT.

Working closely with the Mawji Centre Manager and Entrepreneurship Engagement Advisor, this role supports and delivers programming and initiatives that foster student innovation. This is a student-facing position that includes welcoming and assisting student walk-ins, delivering presentations, coordinating speaker sessions and workshops, and supporting Mawji Centre events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and support NAIT students pursuing or developing ventures by providing guidance and resources
• Act as a liaison between NAIT Students and Mawji Centre external mentors /experts
• Lead and meet targets of the Entrepreneurship Blue Book program, including student intake, mentoring, and recognition
• Tracks student demographics, engagement and program outcomes
• Manage student initiatives and ensure key internal and external relationships are consistently being strengthened
• Create and implement program/event strategies for the centre to meet students’ needs from across all schools (workshops, speakers, competitions, etc.)
• Promote the Mawji Centre offerings internally and externally to build awareness and engagement.
• Support administrative work plan to ensure day-to-day efficiency of the centre
• Provide general support to the Manager as needed
• Work closely with the Mawji Centre Manager and team to prepare related programs and promotions to ensure student retention.
• Adhere to all organization policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensure that they are well communicated and implemented within the team.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrates problem-solving and analytical skills to draw appropriate conclusions
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to interact with staff and the public with tact and diplomacy
• Expertise in handling confidential and sensitive communication
• Strong understanding and connection of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Edmonton
• Strong ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing priorities and short timelines
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills to draw sound conclusions
• Experience mentoring or consulting with early-stage and growth-stage businesses
• Natural relationship-builder with the ability to connect people with shared interests
• Proficient in Leanstack, business model testing, and Microsoft platforms (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Familiar with online learning platforms and tools (e.g. Brightspace, Luma, Canva, Sprout)

Qualifications:

• A diploma in business (experience equivalencies will be considered)
• 5+ years of experience supporting business startups
• Experience developing new entrepreneurial programming and courses
• Familiarity with different regulations, licensing and taxation rules affecting new businesses
• Experience with tech/disruptive companies and entrepreneurial programming.
• Knowledge of Edmonton’s startup ecosystem and funding resources.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including newcomers and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Knowledge of the post-secondary education environment is an asset.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration: $71,098.04 - $95,372.94 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification – Advisor/Specialist II).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].

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