Program Director AquaEntrepreneur

Program Director – AquaEntrepreneur / Directeur·trice du programme Aquaentrepreneur AquaAction is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Director to lead the AquaEntrepreneur Program. This role will oversee strategic development, partnerships, program delivery, and growth across Canada and the United States. We’re looking for a mission‑driven leader to help scale AquaAction’s proven innovation model across North America. The ideal candidate combines a strong background in innovation program management, stakeholder engagement, and entrepreneurship, with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and economic impact. Employment Terms Job type: Full‑time (40 hours/week) Start date: January 2026 Location: Montreal, Canada – Hybrid (remote and in‑person) Travel: ~5%; occasional U.S. travel (Detroit/Great Lakes) Key Responsibilities Program Management Oversee all aspects of program design, recruitment and delivery including cohort selection, mentorship, pilot facilitation, and impact measurement. Manage program budgets, timelines, and performance metrics. Ensure that program outcomes meet funder expectations and advance AquaAction’s mission. Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a multi‑year strategy to scale the AquaEntrepreneur Program, currently focused on Quebec, across Canada and the United States. Quebec will remain a key hub for this program. Lead program expansion into new regions, industries, and cross‑border partnerships, including the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence basins. Identify opportunities for collaboration and co‑investment with federal, provincial, state, and private partners. Partnership Development Cultivate and manage relationships with municipalities, utilities, corporations, accelerators, and investors across North America. Collaborate with academic institutions, research networks, and innovation ecosystems to support entrepreneurs in securing pilot projects and connecting talent with technology opportunities. Represent AquaAction and AquaEntrepreneur at conferences, public events and policy forums in both Canada and the U.S. Team Leadership and Collaboration Supervise program staff, consultants, and mentors. Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing culture aligned with AquaAction’s values. Work closely with communications, fundraising, and operations teams to amplify program visibility and impact. Qualifications 7+ years of experience in program leadership, innovation management, or business development; ideally in the cleantech, water, or sustainability sectors. Proven experience in ecosystem building, public‑private partnerships, or accelerator/incubator leadership. Strong understanding of municipal governance and industry landscape for water innovation in both Canada and the U.S. Excellent stakeholder management, public speaking, and strategic communication skills. Bilingualism (English and French) is a strong asset; experience working in bilingual or international environments is preferred. Degree in business, engineering, environmental science, or related discipline; Master’s preferred. Key Attributes Visionary leader with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative spirit. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate ideas into actionable results. Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and the future of water. Excited by the challenge of scaling a high‑impact program across borders. Able to balance vision with execution in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. Impact and Success Metrics Expansion of the AquaEntrepreneur Program across Canada and the United States. Number of startups supported and pilots launched annually. Number and diversity of partnerships (municipal, industrial, academic). Measurable environmental and economic impact of supported technologies. Growth in funding and program reach across both countries. Application Process To formally apply, please use the application portal linked here, ensuring your submission includes both a cover letter and CV. Applications must be received by December 12th, end of day, and we only accept submissions made through this official portal. https://aquaaction.org/en/careers/program-director-aquaentrepreneur #J-18808-Ljbffr