Professor and Eyton Director, Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, Faculty of Engineering

University of Waterloo

Ranked #1 in Canada and in the top 50 engineering faculties in the world, University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering occupies a singular space in the world of technology and innovation because of our unique co-operative education program, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and our strong partnership with industry.

The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business in the Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo is searching for its next Director. Home to nearly 100 graduate students, 14 faculty members and 5 staff, this vibrant School provides a unique and innovative environment for research and learning in entrepreneurship and business. The School is a diverse academic unit with faculty in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, leadership, organizational behaviour and social innovation.

Conrad offers a graduate master’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) and Canada’s first-ever PhD in Entrepreneurship and Organization. Researchers at the Conrad School are devoted to forward-thinking work on innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization. (The School’s research strengths are summarized at https://uwaterloo.ca/conrad-school-entrepreneurship-business/research.) In addition, Conrad is highly regarded for the quality of its teaching. Each year, over 3,500 University of Waterloo students choose to take elective courses at the School. Waterloo attracts outstanding students, both domestic and international. Our faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research to develop businesses that are relevant and viable. As a result, our graduates are highly sought around the world for their exceptional abilities.

The Director will lead the School in implementing its strategic plan for education and research and will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering. This role also involves cultivating relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance Conrad’s reputation and impact. The successful candidate will have a relevant PhD degree, be appointed at the rank of tenured Professor or senior Associate Professor, and is expected to have a distinguished record of teaching, research, and service. The appointee will be a person of academic stature, with demonstrated leadership, academic, educational, and administrative credentials. The first term of office for a School Director is four years, renewable for an additional four years. Following the term(s) of appointment as Director, the appointee will assume regular faculty member duties within the School.

The University of Waterloo is a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurialism. With more than 42,000 students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. Located at the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, just west of Toronto, our researchers and students benefit from close connections with Canada's highest concentration of high-technology and manufacturing companies, as well as University of Waterloo's unique intellectual property policy which ensures your work is your property – 100% of the ideas developed at Waterloo are owned by creators. If you are entrepreneurial, Waterloo is the ideal university for you with a wide range of resources ready to support your success.

The base salary range for the position is $185,000 to $230,000. Negotiations beyond this range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

Applications and nominations should include a detailed curriculum vitae, and personal statements on administrative responsibilities held, teaching, research experience, and future vision, along with three references. The successful candidate is expected to take office by July 1, 2025, or soon afterwards. The Nominating Committee will begin to review complete applications upon receipt; however, to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 15, 2025. The Nominating Committee is committed to respecting the confidentiality of applicants. Please visit https://ofas.uwaterloo.ca to submit applications and nominations for this position.


The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives).

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Fred Zhu, Executive Officer, at fred.zhu@uwaterloo.ca.

If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact Fred Zhu, Executive Officer, at fred.zhu@uwaterloo.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.