Lead, Ovin Incubators- Waterloo Region- One Year Contract

OCI leads the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative on behalf of the Government of Ontario. OVIN builds upon Ontario's position as a world-leading automotive manufacturing and supply jurisdiction in addition to the large cluster of information and communication technology companies operating in the province. Ontario's high-quality post-secondary institutions, first class talent, innovative small and medium sized enterprises, and infrastructure to support entrepreneurship ensure that the province is uniquely positioned to capture the economic opportunity of the automotive technology and smart mobility innovation space and lead the global mobility transformation.

Through resources such as research and development (R&D) funding, talent development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-based automotive and mobility companies - allowing Ontario to reinforce its position as a North American leader in transformative automotive technologies, as well as transportation and infrastructure systems.

The Opportunity: OVIN, in collaboration with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and regional stakeholders is launching automotive and mobility incubators, designed to:

• Foster a collaborative ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and scale-ups can systematically engage with industry
• Support research and the commercialization of IP through interdisciplinary projects
• Support the translation of IP and new technologies into the creation of new ventures across the province
• Provide resources and programming to support the success and viability of new ventures and regional incubation and acceleration space in the province

Reporting to the Manager, Incubators the Lead, OVIN Incubators- Waterloo Region will be the regional representative for all incubator activities, manage the day-to-operations, and play a coordinating role between all key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead is expected to assume operational responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Support the Manager on the strategic planning and design of OVIN Incubators, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Apply knowledge of research commercialization and start-up incubation/acceleration to make recommendations on program development, execution and improvements, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the incubator intake and review processes, timelines, program budgets and the day-to-day delivery of the program.
• Work collaboratively and liaise with incubator partners, including members of industry and post-secondary institutions, to ensure that key requirements are defined, and program delivery executed within the appropriate framework.
• Execute on the promotion of incubator programming, working in tandem with the key stakeholders and departments within OCI.
• Support steering committee and other stakeholder meetings.
• Support OCI/ OVIN Incubator presence at external events and functions, including delivering content at meetings, workshops, and events in support of incubator programming.
• Work cross-functionally across departments and collaboratively with other OCI staff (Business Development Operations, Programs, and MARCOM etc.).
• Manage program stewardship, including program monitoring and metrics, outcomes, and impacts for internal strategy and external reporting.
• Support Manager to identify and manage program outcomes, and work with marketing and communications teams to develop success stories.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Technology, Project Management).
• 3-5 years experience in program management, incubators, start-up/SME support or technology/IP development particularly in: automotive and mobility, research projects or technology integration.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Highly developed, interpretive and analytical skills in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Innovation, technology commercialization, or entrepreneurship program management experience; experience with automotive and mobility programs would be a strong asset.
• Occasional travel within Ontario.

Your Strengths:

In keeping with OCI's values of Collaboration, Empowerment and Leadership, Communication, Agility and Accountability, we seek candidates who are:

• Team players with highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaborate with people at all levels within the organization and externally.
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, efficient, organized and able to produce high quality work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage numerous conflicting and changing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take accountability to address obstacles and overcome barriers by identifying possible resolution options and alternatives.
• Intellectually curious about developments and trends in a sector.
• Able to demonstrate integrity and ethics in decision making and in relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Able to reflect and promote OCI's values through work with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Embody OCI's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.