Regional Ip Counselor

Springboard Atlantic is a member-based organization, supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and our 19 University and College members throughout Atlantic Canada. We work to grow the region's economy by encouraging collaboration among academia, industry, and government and by helping innovators bring great ideas to market.

Springboard Atlantic is launching the Atlantic Intellectual Property (IP) Initiative designed to improve IP understanding, capacity and management among start-ups and Business Incubators and Accelerators (BAIs). This 3+ year initiative is a partnership of BAIs across Atlantic Canada and will be delivered by Springboard in coordination with the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the PEI BioAlliance - Emergence, Invest Nova Scotia and Genesis in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is supported through Government of Canada's ElevateIP program and will provide support for IP awareness & training, strategy development, and funding for IP protection.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

Regional IP Counselors are a key component to the Atlantic IP Initiative's local program delivery. These positions will have responsibility for local IP training, helping BAI start-up clients' access the IP programs and services, and providing IP advice and support for both BAI mentors/coaches, as well as the startups.

Springboard Atlantic is looking for three (3) Regional IP Counsellors for approximately 3-year terms.

Reporting to the Project Director, you will participate in all aspects of the Initiative to help ensure that the goals and objectives of each program are met. In this role you will:

- Work with BAIs and ecosystem partners to facilitate, attend and/or contribute to IP Awareness Program events (virtually or in person) throughout the region.
- Train, mentor, and support regional business accelerator and incubator staff, to build awareness and education on the role and importance of IP in the startup ecosystem.
- Advise and monitor program activities for each participating startup.
- Follow up on client activities, reporting and surveying of program outcomes.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant sectors.
- Experience and success in providing awareness, training, and client facing service within areas of intellectual property, commercialization, or related supports.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication (written, verbal and digital) skills who are comfortable presenting and speaking in public and working together in a team.

Assets include:

- Familiarity with the region's BAIs, business enabling organizations, and the startup community.
- Experience engaging under-represented groups in educational, innovation or commercialization-based activities.
- Bilingual (French/English): Desired but not imperative.
- Additional skills and experience in the areas of intellectual property, communications, and/or project management would be strong assets.

This senior position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Position will remain open until filled.