Corporate & Policy Lead

**Who we are**:
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a new provincial agency that will serve as a go-to resource for Intellectual Property (IP) expertise to help researchers and companies maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the global market.

Location: This is a remote-first opportunity within Ontario. We have offices in both Kitchener and Toronto where the team meets on an occasional basis (monthly) or as needed.

**Responsibilities**:
The Corporate & Policy Lead will manage IPON's corporate affairs under the direction and supervision of the agency's Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, including leading key operational and administrative activities on behalf of the agency. The position will require knowledge of Ontario government policies and directives. The Corporate & Policy Lead will contribute to the delivery of results in a fast-changing work environment, and to an engaged, diverse, accessible, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

**Corporate governance and compliance**
- Ensure IPON's compliance with MCU policy direction (e.g., Letter of Direction), applicable government policies and directives (e.g., Agencies and Appointments Directive, Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive), and other agency governance instruments (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding, Delegation of Financial and Human Resource Delegation Authority, by-laws).
- Provide agency accountability/compliance expertise and advice to IPON senior management in response to issues and risks to achieving the mandate, and evidence-based recommendations for change.
- Contribute to and lead, where required, the development of IPON's business plans, annual reports, quarterly reports, and other reports that may be required to ensure agency accountability.
- Maintain and update IPON senior management on the agency's internal compliance tools (e.g., Compliance Tracker, Procurement Tracker).
- Manage IPON's relationship with the Compliance and Policy Agency Forum network, which is a peer-to-peer community of practice designed to support agency accountability and compliance.
- Coordination with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (IPON's reporting ministry) on policy/reporting and operational matters.
- Develop and update IPON's corporate policies, as required.

**Agency operationalization**
- Collaborate with IPON's communications/programs/service delivery teams to support their operational needs and requirements.
- Advise IPON's CEO and senior management on staff compliance with the Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive, including reviewing actual travel-related expenses for reimbursement. This also includes non-travel-related staff expenses.
- Support the on-boarding of new agency staff and senior executives.

**Project manage corporate deliverables
- Co-lead key procurement projects for IPON in collaboration with agency staff (e.g., business cases, Invitation to Quote, contracts with successful bidders).
- Lead the development of IPON's risk management framework and ongoing reporting requirements.
- Support Senior Director, Corporate Affairs with preparations for Board meetings, as needed.
- Act as a liaison with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (IPON's reporting ministry) for privacy, recordkeeping, and freedom of information (FOI) related matters.

**Qualifications**:

- 4+ years of experience in the area of corporate governance, agency compliance, or as a policy advisor in the public sector
- Completion of a postsecondary degree (e.g., business management, public policy and administration, political science) - or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
- Strong understanding of Ontario government policies and directives and in-depth knowledge of legislation, business principles and best practices related to corporate governance
- Strong project coordination and organizational skills, including managing a number of items simultaneously and still delivering on results
- Strong political acumen and understanding of Ontario's political system, government mandates and government structure
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for the transfer of information to inform and influence executives and communicate effectively at all levels of an organization
- Knowledge of government decision-making processes, standards, systems, and protocols
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, respond to shifting requirements and business obstacles, and achieve practical solutions
- Experience with start-up agencies or government funded groups is an asset

**Sounds like you? Join our growing team today**

If you require any assistance or accommodation alternatives during the recruitment process, please contact us at hr[at]ip-ontario.ca
- Une version française est disponible sur demande._