Program Specialist

**How to Apply**

Innovate BC is committed to having a highly-skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Location**:Vancouver (Hybrid)

**Employment Type**:Full-time; 8-month contract.

**Compensation**: $52,000 per annum (pro-rated to 8 months)

**About Innovate BC**

Innovate BC helps foster innovation in B.C. so that British Columbians in all regions of the province can benefit from a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive innovation economy. A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC funds and delivers programs that support the growth of the B.C. economy by helping companies start and scale, train talent that meets labour market needs, and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption.

**Working Environment**

Innovate BC is a team of less than 20 people. We work closely together to support the innovation and technology sector in BC. We work a hybrid of remote work and two in-office days a week.

The Programs Department delivers programs with key stakeholder groups including government, industry and technology companies. The Programs Specialist works with a team focused on programs that support hiring grants for tech companies and other activities that support the development of talent in BC’s innovation and technology sector.

**About the Opportunity**

Reporting to the Director of Programs and working with a team that may include a Programs Manager, and/or other support staff, this role provides critical support in the delivery of specific Innovate BC funding programs and participates in the design, delivery, development and evaluation of funding

The incumbent may from time to time conduct special studies and make presentations relating to the areas of responsibility.

**Major Accountabilities**
- Program Design and Delivery_
- Supports the design and development of programs that meet Innovate BC’s mandate and align with its strategic objectives.
- Administers programs ensuring that objectives and targets are met in a timely and effective manner.
- Provides advice, information and assistance to applicants and potential applicants regarding specific programs and refers to other programs and agencies.
- Tracks, monitors and audits ongoing projects including deliverables, budgets, and expenditures, to ensure compliance with policies and standards as well as project agreements.
- Reviews and approves disbursement requests and budget changes, reviews financial statements and reports.
- Develops program materials.
- Collects and analyzes data and prepares status reports for decision-making, KPI tracking, program and impact assessments and recommendations.
- Participates in program evaluations and makes recommendations for improvement including program criteria, processes and software platforms.
- Stakeholder and Community Management_
- Supports program activities through webinars, events and meetings; facilitates engagement with the broader innovation ecosystem.
- Develops knowledge and maintains awareness of ecosystem (partners, similar programs) and expertise in field of programming.
- Initiates discussions with potential partners to identify new programs and opportunities for collaboration.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other Innovate BC staff, program funders and support agencies and provides regular program information, statistics and reports.
- Attends events, conferences and workshops and initiates other promotional activities in conjunction with communications staff and other departments.
- Coordinates or supports any programs related committees (industry advisory, evaluation, reviewer) as applicable.
- Other_
- Conducts special studies, makes presentations and participates in internal and external committee work relating to the areas of responsibility.
- Performs other related duties as required.

**Qualifications**
- Post-secondary degree in business with considerable research and program administration experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of two years experience as a Programs Assistant, Programs Specialist, or related position.
- Experience working with online information management systems in an asset.
- Advanced planning, organizational, analytical and administrative skills.
- Advanced communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to direct and manage multiple activities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to make appropriate decisions regarding the progress of projects and disbursement of funds based on guidelines and standards.
- Ability to foster effective working relationships with peers, clients, funding providers, volunteers, external officials and the public.
- Proficiency in MS Office software, particularly Word and Excel.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

**Salary**: $52,000.00 per year

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