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Special Programs Manager

The team

The DMZ is a world-leading startup incubator based at Toronto Metropolitan University that equips the next generation of tech entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build, launch, and scale highly impactful startups. By providing connections to customers, coaching, capital, and a community, the DMZ’s customized approach helps innovators reach the next milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – whatever that might be. Through its award-winning programming, the DMZ has helped more than 800 startups raise $2.5 billion in capital and create 5,000+ jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada with globally-accessible programming, the DMZ has a widely-recognized international presence with offices in Vietnam, India, and the U.S., and partnerships across North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The Opportunity

The Special Programs Manager manages and oversees special programs related to the priorities of the DMZ and the University, from development to implementation stage. The successful candidate will plan, execute and implement all aspects of a program within agreed budget, specifications and timelines, and manage client-team relationships. Develops new program proposals, as required.

Other Responsibilities Will Include But Are Not Limited

  • Manages, monitors and operates special programs, from planning to implementation / delivery. Defines and develops program scope and objectives, timetables and deliverables. Appropriates the necessary resources for the program, to include staffing, equipment, space and other program requirements, specific status reports, outlining anticipated issues and risks that may impact program delivery schedules and financial reporting. Reviews and negotiates contracts as needed.
  • Ensures that programs are adequately funded and that funds are expended in an appropriate manner to facilitate cash flow availability. Employs established project management practices and techniques, as well as past experience in implementing industry business systems, to ensure that program deliverables are achieved on time, within budget and to specifications.
  • Prepares and presents program updates and reports to Senior Management and to external clients as appropriate. Manages client relationships, day-to-day interactions and communications, and ensures that clients receive information in a timely manner. Coordinates and facilitates client-team meetings to ensure that client needs are understood, alternative solutions are evaluated, agreements are reached and documented, and client needs are translated into executable program plans.
  • Oversees and supervises the Programs Specialist and other project staff and their activities, including hiring, training, determining priorities and deliverables to ensure that projects are completed, on time, within budget, within quality standards and to the client’s satisfaction. Sets performance standards and identifies staff training needs. Develops the capabilities of staff to maximize their potential. Makes recommendations on the appropriate performance management of staff.
  • Works with the Senior Director and the DMZ Marketing and Communications team to coordinate internal university-wide communications to support program results dissemination and promotion of successful programs.
  • Defines and conceptualizes effective communication strategies, liaises with key contacts. Oversees content and communication tools for research programs. Develops and oversees the implementation of service information programs which help to promote funding opportunities
  • Participates in short and long-range strategic planning and conducts the necessary research to gather information relevant to the programs, for example, industry trends, issues, developments, competitive programs, potential partners and collaborators. Forecasts and provides insight on trends and identifying opportunities for increased collaboration and supports the framework with the University’s strategic directions.
  • Works with the DMZ and Zone Learning in developing networks with current and potential industry partners and other target audiences to explore program opportunities and leads. Makes presentations to external stakeholders as requested, to generate awareness and interest about the University and the program’s value proposition vis-à-vis the potential client or industry technology needs. Assists in the development and coordination of communication materials to promote programs and initiatives, for example, but not limited to, program/research success stories, events, news releases, etc. Liaises with Senior Directors to leverage existing relationships. Organizes and participates in seminars, symposiums, workshops and conferences as required.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

  • Completion of a post-secondary degree, preferably in business administration, or related discipline.
  • Minimum of five (5) years in a project leadership role, preferably in business development or managing complex projects.
  • Project leadership should include direct management of the funder / client relationship. Experience with government funding agencies highly desirable.
  • Experience with the Ontario and Canadian innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems – entrepreneurs, incubators, accelerators, public and private funders, and support organizations including best practices for training, support and development of entrepreneurs, start-ups and research commercialization.
  • Project management including financial management skills – specific training or certification.
  • Effective oral communications, project reporting and writing skills, with the ability to facilitate client and team meetings.
  • Strong presentation skills, with the ability to deliver engaging and informative presentations that clearly explain technical information to non-technical audiences and clients; Marketing and relationship-building skills.
  • Event management skills.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build and motivate teams , and inspire members to innovate while performing on budget and on schedule.
  • Strong financial and business management skills, with the ability to draft budget proposals, forecast expenses and monitor relevant research and contract accounts.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong customer service orientation.
Job Type: Full Time Paid

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Community & Startup Recruitment
Lead

The team 

The DMZ is a world-leading startup incubator based at Toronto Metropolitan University that equips the next generation of tech entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build, launch, and scale highly impactful startups. By providing connections to customers, coaching, capital, and a community, the DMZ’s customized approach helps innovators reach the next milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – whatever that might be. Through its award-winning programming, the DMZ has helped more than 800 startups raise $2.5 billion in capital and create 5,000+ jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada with globally-accessible programming, the DMZ has a widely-recognized international presence with offices in Vietnam, India, and the U.S., and partnerships across North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The Opportunity

The Community and Startup Recruitment Specialist plans, develops and administers the recruitment policies and procedures for DMZ programs to reflect the goals and objectives of the DMZ. You will also evaluate a company’s business status, model and profile to determine qualification to apply to a DMZ program. All while maintaining a direct connection with prospective startup teams and its founders, fostering relationships with current and alumni of DMZ, building new relationships with founder-focused organizations/events, and maintaining a pulse on high potential founders to strengthen the DMZ’s entrepreneur-driven environment and enhance the reputation of TMU.

Other responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Plans, implements and monitors the full recruitment cycle for DMZ programs:

  • Develops, implements and recommends recruitment policies, procedures and sourcing tools and techniques to meet DMZ program targets for enrolment.\
  • Provides direction, advice and guidance with respect to the interpretation of recruitment and acceptance policies and the status of targets during the recruitment cycle.
  • Identifies and sources companies through a data-driven approach, including info sessions/webinars, pitch competitions/demo days and conferences/meetups.
  • Maintains and leads communication to promote, to advise and to update on the progress of recruitment efforts for DMZ programs.
  • Resolves recruitment challenges with the Manager by examining feedback collected and identifying appropriate courses of action in a timely manner.

Leads the recruitment and screening process from initial meeting to acceptance:

  • Organizes screening panel members; collects feedback from panel members and DMZ staff, and coordinates business and technology due diligence.
  • Ensures the enrolment of quality companies by assessing company applications based on a thorough review of pre- and post-acceptance conditions.
  • Advises the Programs and Partnerships staff regarding applicants with exceptional qualifications or issues.
  • Researches, documents and analyzes document fraud including communication with DMZ staff for the verification of company information including funding and human resources available, financial statements and customer verifications, etc.
  • Provides detailed verbal and written advice to prospective companies regarding DMZ programs and requirements, DMZ activities, services and programs, and assists potential applicants to make educated choices in the selection of program/s.
  • Makes final recommendation of companies’ suitability for DMZ programs and makes referrals to other Zones or entrepreneurship programs and services as needed.
    Supports and/or participates in outreach activities:

Supports and/or participates in outreach activities:

  • Develops and maintains positive working relationships with prospective community partners and founder focused organizations that are strategic to pipeline development of overall programs and to create a strong partner referral network.
  • Represents the DMZ and TMU at community events both locally and globally, including conferences, tech summits and participates in public speaking engagements.
  • Presents information about the Zone Learning framework and its objectives to prospective entrepreneurs, partners and members.
  • Collaborates with the Manager and the Startup Recruitment team to research, review and provide input in building recruitment materials.
  • Advises on key messaging in recruitment material to prospective startups and entrepreneurs.

Provides ongoing support and administration to improve delivery of service:

  • Reviews and recommends changes or improvements and priorities concerning administrative policies and procedures, application processing and acceptance requirements.
  • Organizes, leads and facilitates sessions with DMZ staff to review existing practices, and to discuss and find solutions to issues of mutual concern.
  • Monitors application deadlines and adjusts document-processing workflow to meet the needs of programs.
  • Provides detailed reports to DMZ management regarding applications, offers, acceptances and withdrawals. Designs, analyzes and prepares summary reports (current and historical) relating to recruitment efforts.
  • Conducts relevant industry research to identify trends and the needs for DMZ programs. Conducts environmental scans and needs assessments, and identifies current and emerging markets and areas of opportunity to be leveraged by emerging technologies.
  • Reports insights and research to the Manager to inform the ongoing development and improvement of recruitment efforts.
  • Responsible for keeping all company records and activities up to date in the CRM system.

Assists in other day-to-day activities:

  • Assists in training new Programs and Partnerships Assistants regarding recruitment functions, policies and procedures. Provides day-to-day coaching and on-the-job training to DMZ student staff.
  • Leads special projects that may be assigned by the Manager, including assigning and coordinating the work of PnP Assistants, student staff, and other DMZ staff involved in the project.
  • Represents the DMZ and TMU at external meetings amongst other professionals within the tech ecosystem.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

  • Completion of a post-secondary degree program is required to attain the appropriate analytical, research and organizational skills needed to synthesize complex information and concepts.
  • A minimum of four (4) years or relevant work experience in a startup ecosystem, including a focus on pipeline development in a technology organization and understanding of program development.
  • Significant experience in entrepreneurship, including building and managing relationships.
Job Type: Full Time Paid

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