Social Innovators in Residence Program
Social innovation is about finding creative solutions to social problems that promote positive change. It refers to the design and implementation of new solutions that imply conceptual, process, product, or organizational change, which ultimately aims to improve the welfare and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Social innovators are changemakers who strive to create solutions to these social and environmental challenges using entrepreneurial approaches. They are visionaries tackling complex and systemic challenges in a sustainable and equitable way. They are mentors inspiring the next generation of social innovators.
As we embark on our journey to foster a thriving social innovation ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador, CSCNL has launched a Social Innovators in Residence Program (SIRP), the first of its kind in NL. A Social Innovators in Residence Program typically involves bringing in individuals with expertise in social innovation and entrepreneurship to work with, coach and collaborate with organizations (e.g. not-for-profit, charity, co-operative,) in the community sector to develop and implement innovative solutions to the organizational challenges and opportunities.
We are seeking social innovators with a diversity of perspectives, different experiences, strategic foresight, empathy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a passion for social innovation to become the beacon of support for organizations looking to explore new ways of fulfilling their mission.
Features of the program include:
Ability to provide an estimated 60 hours over a twelve-month period to a variety of organizations involved with the Social Innovation Lab. Key programs include the Thriving Non-Profits and the Social Enterprise through Acquisition (SETA) programs.
An annual $3,000 honorarium will be provided to participants and will be paid on a quarterly basis contingent on ongoing engagement with organizations. This modest honorarium is in recognition of your commitment and to reduce barriers to your participation in the SIRP.
CSCNL is looking to host up to seven social innovators in residence at any one time and participants have the flexibility to withdraw from the program at any time.
Participants in the program will have the opportunity to meet with individual organizations that are part of the Social Innovation Lab to ensure there is a good match between coach and mentee.
Applicants will be informed of the status of their Expression of Interest.
Who Should Apply?
Individuals working in any sector and who meet the following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:
Changemakers working on the cutting edge of social innovation.
Visionaries tackling complex and systemic challenges in a sustainable and equitable way.
Mentors inspiring the next generation of social innovators; and
Practitioners who have an understanding, experience, and expertise in the community sector.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with interviews starting after May 10, 2024.
To apply, please complete an Expression of Interest:
CSCNL is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We foster a workplace that values all individuals irrespective of their background and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Self-identification is optional, and accommodations can be requested during recruitment and assessment processes.
It is our belief that through the Social Innovator in Residence program, organizations will have the chance to engage with inspiring leaders who are making an enduring difference in the world, fostering creativity, and promoting social change.
