Innovation Program Manager, New Ventures, Innovate Calgary

Description

Innovation Program Manager, New Ventures

INNOVATE CALGARY

Calgary, Alberta

Innovate Calgary is the technology transfer and business incubator center for the University of Calgary. As part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) portfolio, we work with University of Calgary researchers, students, and other members to bridge the gap between discovery and create economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees, combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of the University of Calgary¿s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are currently accepting applications for the following position:

Innovation Program Manager, New Ventures

(Full-Time and Onsite)

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Director, New Ventures, the Innovation Program Manager (IPM) will have a mainly external-facing role, liaising between founders and external providers. They will work closely with founders to ensure they receive the supports needed and ensure that the programs available add value to founders' professional and business development. The IPM will take initiative and work collaboratively in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholders. 

At Innovate Calgary, we play a crucial role in facilitating the transformation of University of Calgary's research into commercial opportunities. In essence, we align ourselves with the dynamic pace of startups, navigating both swift and potentially faster trajectories. To excel in this position, the IPM should be well-versed in managing stakeholder relations and conflict and possess a structured and streamlined work approach. Additionally, a well-developed emotional intelligence is essential, coupled with self-motivation, reliability (consistently aligning words with actions), and sound judgment (ability to consider diverse perspectives and anticipate risks). Adherence to the highest standards of professionalism expected by Innovate Calgary and the University of Calgary is paramount in all aspects of their responsibilities.

Some programs in their portfolio:

Expert Advisor Program (EAP)

The Expert Advisor Program matches founders of early-stage startup companies with seasoned experts to help them achieve their business goals. Advisors on the roster have deep expertise in diverse areas, and their experiences and successes help founders avoid common pitfalls and streamline their path to success. 

Specifically, but not exclusively, the IPM will have enough business understanding to speak with early-stage founders, understand the next steps to their business success and liaise their connections with the right expert advisors (EAs). They will develop an understanding of the expertise of the EAs enrolled in the program and build strong relationships with them, while also onboarding and offboarding them from the program. While this role involves mainly interpersonal relations and the assessment of business needs primarily managed by written communication, routine tasks such as monitoring EA time and invoicing, and managing databases and information are also required. The IPM is also responsible for advocating for founders and organizing engagement moments between them and EAs. 

Venture Backbone (VB)

We partnered with a growing collection of organizations to help founders run their businesses without breaking the bank. The IPM manages these partnerships to ensure successful operation of the program.

Specifically, but not exclusively, the IPM will liaise with colleagues and founders to understand their needs; perform market analysis of potential partners and run due diligence on them; negotiate deals; help clients secure the appropriate resources and skills to grow their businesses; and promote the program and its growth and enrichment.

Responsibilities and areas of focus:

Internal facing:

• Work collaboratively with the Director to create and maintain a program management plan, budget, timeline, and deliverables
• Monitor program performance, report and communicate program progress and status
• Continuously register and organize communications and relevant information on Salesforce, a shared email inbox and SharePoint
• Evaluate, identify, develop, and execute opportunities for continuous improvement of existing programs to meet needs within a changing business environment
• Work with and organize unstructured data and manage concurrent workstreams
• Prepare materials, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Adhere to and ensure compliance with standards of procedure

External facing:

• Nurture relationships with stakeholders based on trust, integrity, commitment, accountability, and delivery
• Engage with founders to gain an understanding of the business's challenges and opportunities and work closely with them in addressing them and identifying the most appropriate EA¿s to assist them
• Proactively lead change management activities with impacted users regarding new tools, upcoming changes, and product releases
• Ensure compliance with agreements and standards of procedure
• Attend events on occasional evenings and weekends or travel (locally and nationally) to promote the programs, the Organization and recruit new members

Qualifications:

• At least 5 to 7 years of demonstrated experience in project and client relationship management
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both in verbal and written formats
• Ability to effectively manage conflict and expectations with diplomacy, tact and kindness, while adhering to program standards and requirements
• Perform administrative and routine tasks with high attention to detail (e.g. input contracts into DocuSign, revise and run invoices, analyse time sheets¿)
• Ability to manage all end-to-end aspects of programs in an independent and self-motivated way
• Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Experience with Salesforce (build and generate reports, work with objects, optimize data collection) and Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Forms)
• Be legally able and authorized to work in Canada

How to Apply

If you¿re motivated to work in the innovation ecosystem, you can apply by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject ¿Innovation Program Manager, New Ventures¿

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Application Closing Date: December 13, 2024

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.