Who We Are:

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) was established in 1987 and is a leading not-for-profit organization that works with industry, academia, and government. OCI focuses on ensuring that the people of Ontario reap the personal and economic benefits of leading-edge research underway at our publicly funded universities, colleges, and research hospitals - research that can be transformed into technologies and services that enhance quality of life and help build a globally competitive, job-creating economy in Ontario.

Specifically, OCI supports the commercialization of academic intellectual property (IP), industry-academic collaborations, and the development and adoption of emerging technologies. This includes overseeing the execution of advanced technology platforms that will equip Ontario companies to compete in a competitive global digital economy.

We also support and invest in early-stage projects where the probability of commercial success and investment return on innovation are substantial. OCI's strong expertise in de-risking innovation helps attract private investors and other funders to new ventures, bolstering their success. We also contribute to the development and retention of talent to ensure that industry has access to personnel with the most advanced skills and knowledge and that highly trained personnel find opportunities to apply their expertise in Ontario.

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 OVIN's Director, Strategy & Programs, the Manager, Incubators will be responsible for the strategy design of the OVIN Incubators as well as overseeing the team responsible for the end-to-end management of the program, including program development and intake, budget management, partner and stakeholder engagement, reporting and communications. The Manager may also support other program areas within OCI as required

Key Responsibilities

The Manager, Incubators is expected to assume responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Lead on the strategic planning and design of OVIN Incubators.
• Apply knowledge of research commercialization incubators to make recommendations on program development, execution and improvements, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop strategic relationships and engage with stakeholder in the ecosystem, including developing and maintaining a network of external automotive & mobility experts and identify incubator participants and partners to ensure a best-in-class incubator.
• Support program team on evaluation and review processes, oversee program budgets and the day-to-day delivery of the program.
• Oversee incubator programming, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Work collaboratively and liaise with incubator partners, including members of industry and post-secondary institutions, to ensure that key criteria and metrics are defined, and program delivery executed within the appropriate framework.
• Develop, manage and oversee the promotion of incubator programming, working in tandem with the key teams and departments within OCI.
• Manage and organize a steering committee and other stakeholder meetings
• Represent OCI at external events and functions.
• Facilitate and present content at meetings, workshops, and events in support of incubator programming and serve as an expert resource to business development staff and industry clients
• Work cross-functionally across departments to assemble resources; work cooperatively and collaboratively with other OCI staff (Business Development Operations, Programs, and MARCOM etc.).
• Oversee program stewardship, including program monitoring and provide metrics, outcomes, and impacts for internal strategy and external reporting.
• Identify, develop and manage outcomes, and work with marketing and communications teams to develop success stories.
• Oversee application requirements, modify program modules requirements as needed and manage the launch timelines.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Technology, Project Management).
• 5 -7 years' experience in program management, incubators, or supporting IP development and commercialization particularly in technology-related initiatives, automotive and mobility, research projects or technology integration.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. PMP designation an asset.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Demonstrated success in fostering partnerships and client and stakeholder relationship management experience particularly working with senior level private and public sector representatives.
• Experience with program evaluation and data analysis.
• Problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with databases, web searches, with the ability to learn new software applications.
• 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 overtime as required and outside of normal business hours.
• 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).

Working Conditions:

• Standard office hours
• Hybrid working environment (work from home and office environment)
• Occasional work may be required outside of normal business hours.

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.