Senior Advisor, Intellectual Property (IP) Alberta

Job summary

The Senior Advisor provides strategic analysis and expert advice on intellectual property initiatives to support innovation and commercialization outcomes. They lead complex projects, develop business cases, and build relationships with stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.

Job details

Employment Status: Full-time – Term (24 months) Location: Edmonton or Calgary Work Model: Hybrid About the Opportunity IP Alberta is a new provincial office being stood up within Alberta Innovates to build Alberta's intellectual property awareness, protection and commercialization capacity. As Senior Advisor, you will work as the right hand to the VP, IP Alberta through this start-up phase: turning direction into coordinated action, keeping multiple priorities moving, and listening closely to the innovation ecosystem as the office takes shape. The Senior Advisor, IP Alberta is an opportunity to be part of a professional, purpose-driven team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Most importantly, your work will contribute to meaningful outcomes that make a difference for Albertans and help shape the future of our province. Key responsibilities in the role of Senior Advisor, IP Alberta include: Work closely with the VP, IP Alberta to translate direction into clear plans, coordinate concurrent workstreams, and keep priorities, decisions and risks on track. Lead and support complex projects and initiatives that advance IP Alberta's priorities and strengthen intellectual property capacity across the province. Build and maintain effective relationships with government, post-secondary institutions, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders, listening closely to understand their needs, perspectives and ideas. Facilitate stakeholder engagement activities, workshops, and discussions to gather input, build alignment, and support the successful implementation of IP initiatives. Research, assess, and translate emerging trends, leading practices, stakeholder feedback, and performance data into practical, creative recommendations and business solutions. Collaborate with internal teams to integrate intellectual property considerations, performance measures, and best practices across programs, services, and operations. Develop business cases, reports, briefing materials, dashboards, and recommendations to support decision-making and organizational priorities. Monitor and evaluate program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to the development of operational processes, governance frameworks, and reporting mechanisms. Support the advancement of partnerships and collaborative initiatives that enhance intellectual property awareness, commercialization outcomes, and economic impact in Alberta. Provide strategic analysis and advice on intellectual property initiatives, programs, policies, and opportunities that support innovation and commercialization outcomes. What You Need to Thrive in This Role Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences or Business Administration or equivalent demonstrated experience. 10 years of progressively responsible experience in organizational transformation, enterprise integration, strategy execution, program/portfolio management, or building new programs or functions. Experience working in the field of innovation, with a working knowledge of intellectual property concepts. Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional change initiatives, working with ambiguity. Strong facilitation, problem-solving and analytical skills. Experience working with executive leadership teams in dynamic or complex changing environments. Strong project management skills with a proven ability to coordinate multiple concurrent workstreams and cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority. Intellectual Property related credentials, project management certification, iCD are considered assets. Be naturally curious and relationship-focused: a strong listener who seeks out different perspectives, thinks creatively beyond established approaches, and translates complex information into practical solutions. This role will require at least 20% travel time with potentially more in the first year. Who We Are Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to support entrepreneurs and drive economic growth for the benefit of Albertans. InnoTech Alberta is Alberta's leading research and technology organization providing innovative solutions to global challenges facing industry, business and the public sector. With world-class researchers, leading-edge facilities, and strategic investments, InnoTech paves the path of innovation that grows Alberta's economy. What We Offer At Alberta Innovates, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your career growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Competitive compensation aligned with our internal career framework and pay structures Comprehensive health, dental, and pension benefits to support you and your family Professional development and learning opportunities to help you grow and advance your career A collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and every contribution matters Flexible work arrangements, where operationally appropriate, along with vacation and earned time off to rest, recharge and help you bring your best self to work The minimum starting salary for this position is $145,000 annually. Placement within the salary range will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity How to Apply Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter prior to the application deadline of October 18, 2026. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references. Privacy Statement The personal information collected in the application process is for recruitment and hiring purposes only. This collection is authorized under section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act. Employment Equity Alberta Innovates is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Additional Information This recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. If you are selected for an interview, please note that recording the interview or using AI tools or assistance during the interview is not permitted.

What you’ll do

The Senior Advisor provides strategic analysis and expert advice on intellectual property initiatives to support innovation and commercialization outcomes. They lead complex projects, develop business cases, and build relationships with stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.

Requirements

Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences, or Business Administration and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy execution or program management. Experience in the field of innovation or intellectual property is required, along with strong project management and facilitation skills.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Pension benefits
• Professional development
• Vacation
• Earned time off

Listed skills

• Change Management · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Policy development · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Performance Monitoring · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic analysis
• Intellectual property
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Business case development
• Change management
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving
• Innovation
• Commercialization
• Policy development
• Relationship management
• Performance monitoring
• Governance frameworks
• Cross-functional leadership
• Employment Equity
• Strategic Analysis
• Organizational Transformation
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Business Solutions
• Accountability
• Curiosity
• Enterprise Integration
• Project Management Certification
• Analytical Skills
• Research
• Business Administration
• Dashboard
• Investments
• Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Economics
• Economic Growth
• Equities
• Governance
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Operations
• Outcomes Research
• Portfolio Management
• Strategy Execution
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Security Clearance

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Science & Research
• Management & Leadership
• Consulting
• Engineering
• Intellectual Property Specialist
• Strategic Planner / Analyst
• Management and Organization Analysts
• General and Operations Managers