Director, Renewable and Alternative Energy

Alberta Innovates (AI) is seeking a Director, Renewable and Alternative Energy to guide our programs and projects with industry to advance industry’s adoption of innovative technologies which will be of benefit to Alberta; particularly with respect to modernizing the electricity grid and developing clean heat and power technologies. The program is intended to accelerate the innovation required to catalyze Alberta’s transition to a low carbon economy.

Are you our Director, Renewable and Alternative Energy? You would be a good fit for this position if you: 

• A deep understanding of the renewable energy landscape and expertise in driving sustainable energy strategies.
• A history of successful project management in the renewable energy sector.
• Has the ability to envision and communicate a clear, inspiring vision for the organization’s renewable energy initiatives.

We are game changers. 

Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province’s research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre, and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta’s economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance the well-being of Albertans through research and innovation. 

Our subsidiary, InnoTech Alberta, offers a diversified range of scientific engineering and technological research and testing capabilities, and the facilities to support technology scale-up. Our multidisciplinary team has the depth of experience to work across all sectors, from energy to health to food and fibre. InnoTech Alberta offers you access to research talent, technical expertise, and unique facilities that can help accelerate technology development that serves both the private and public sector.

Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position: 

The Director, Renewable and Alternative Energy recommends and advises on an annual program of approximately $1.5 MM leveraged against approximately $30+ MM industry and other funding for the Clean Resources sector. The successful incumbent will be accountable for (but not limited to) the following: 

• Provide leadership on the development, evaluation and implementation of Renewable and Alternative Energy technology initiatives and strategic objectives. Gather and analyze business intelligence and industry best practices, identify trends and emerging issues. For new initiatives, prepare business cases, secure required funding, and business partnership commitments, manage project deliverables and resources, and ensure innovative policies, operational practices and technology developments are advanced.  Insert Responsibilities
• Manage Renewable and Alternative Energy programs and projects for innovators, industry, and other stakeholders to advance technology development. Champion the development and adoption of innovative technologies which will be of benefit to Alberta through guiding investments into key projects. Manage budgets and reporting activities, authorizing expenditures within budget and approved limits, explaining variances, and ensuring the timely submission of required internal and external reports and financial/regulatory documents.
• Foster collaborative relationships with governments, government ministries, universities, research organizations, industry, and stakeholders. Maintain expertise on industry best practices, emerging trends and shifts in regulatory/legislative requirements that contribute to Renewable and Alternative Energy initiatives and priorities.
• Develop relationships with internal stakeholders, peers and colleagues, to support business priorities, collaborate on innovation development initiatives, and facilitate the management of project/initiative deliverables. Provide subject matter expertise and advice to leadership/senior management on Renewable and Alternative Energy activities as required.
• Manage and monitor the progress and results of programs, projects, and initiatives within the Electricity portfolio and initiatives within Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) as required.
• Promote Alberta Innovates – Clean Resources strategic priorities at conferences and workshops.

Qualifications and skills we are looking for: 

• Master’s degree in science or engineering; extended work experience may be substituted for educational credentials, if appropriate.  Master’s degree or PhD in science or engineering preferred.
• 15+ years’ experience in Alberta’s electricity sector accountable for the management of research programs and projects, including engineering/scientific analysis.
• Familiar with Alberta’s social, economic, environmental, and technological needs and priorities.
• Ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to comprehend technical issues, interpret complex technical information; independently expands technical knowledge and skills.
• Ability to work within a group environment and effectively participate in the discussion of tasks and outcomes.
• Ability to participate in broad multi-stakeholder initiatives that deliver results.
• Creative thinking, strategic problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral), facilitation and presentation skills, and the ability to build networks among stakeholders.
• Experience in working in/with government and industry in energy technologies, emerging technologies and environmental management, including leading research projects and participating in joint industry projects.
• Experience in working with senior technical and management professionals from industry, environmental NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant Government of Alberta business planning and policy frameworks (e.g. Alberta Science and Research Authority Act, the Alberta Environmental Assessment Act, the Alberta Utilities Commission Act, Electric Utilities Act, The Electricity Statutes, Amendment Act, 2022, electricity sector regulations and policies,).

Why Alberta Innovates?  

We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business, so we offer a strong benefits package and generous vacation and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance.   

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance. All interviewees must be able to meet the requirement specified in the Physical Demand Analysis. This document will be supplied during the interview process to the successful candidate. This competition will remain open until a successful candidate is found.  

ALBERTA INNOVATES IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.