About Memorial University
Memorial University is the largest university in Atlantic Canada and the province’s only university, serving nearly 18,000 students across diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. The university plays a central role in education, research, and innovation, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic life of Newfoundland and Labrador.
About the Student Design Hub (SDH)
The Student Design Hub (SDH) is part of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) and serves as a cornerstone of Memorial’s innovation ecosystem. SDH supports students from all disciplines through an inclusive, interdisciplinary program designed to bring bold, impactful ideas to life.
Mission: Foster creative builders
Vision: Develop a diverse, internationally recognised network of student innovators
Key highlights:
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Supports up to 500 students annually with mentorship, funding, training, and equipment
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SDH-supported teams have raised over $2M for project execution
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15 active student teams currently engage in robotics, autonomous systems, rocketry, biomedical technologies, and more
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Consistently achieve top-tier results at global competitions
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Serves as a training ground for future leaders, founders, and innovators
About the Role
The Director of SDH provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a hands-on, student-focused innovation environment. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, FEAS, the Director ensures students have the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to succeed.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead strategic expansion and entrepreneurship initiatives
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Design, assess, and supervise SDH programs, applied research, and activities
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Mentor and guide student teams in prototyping, project management, product development, and fundraising
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Collaborate with faculty departments and related units to strengthen support for student innovators
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Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, HR, staff supervision (3 employees), purchasing, and policy compliance
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Lead fundraising initiatives and prepare grant proposals
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Analyse engagement data and communicate SDH impact to inform strategy
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Build and maintain partnerships with industry, alumni, funding partners, and advisory boards
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Represent SDH at competitions, conferences, and events locally, nationally, and internationally
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Perform other duties as required to support SDH growth
Qualifications
Ideal candidates will bring:
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5–8 years of progressive leadership experience in technical, innovation, or entrepreneurial environments
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Bachelor of Engineering degree with P.Eng designation; Master’s degree or equivalent experience is an asset
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Experience in entrepreneurship, project/product management, grant writing, fundraising, and stakeholder management
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Experience in staff management and mentorship
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Ability to guide students through technical aspects of engineering design and prototyping
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Familiarity with university or post-secondary environments is preferred
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Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills
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Capacity to perform effectively under pressure in diverse academic contexts
Salary
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Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Application Process
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Deadline: 9 December 2025, 5:00 p.m. NST
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Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada (preference given)
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Equity & Diversity: Memorial University encourages applications from women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Indigenous peoples, racialized and Black persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals with diverse gender identities
For questions regarding equity accommodations during the application process: equity@mun.ca
For questions regarding recruitment processes: recruitment@mun.ca
Why This Role Matters
This is a unique leadership opportunity to:
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Shape the next generation of student innovators and leaders
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Lead a high-impact, globally competitive innovation hub
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Foster entrepreneurship, creativity, and applied research in a vibrant academic environment
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Connect with industry partners, funding agencies, and global innovation networks
Official Link
