Director, Startups

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Director, Startups & Scaleups

As Director, Startups & Scaleups, you will be at the forefront of driving programming efforts for AI commercialization, supporting both small
- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as managing relationships with related AI ecosystem stakeholders. This role requires an agile approach to ecosystem development, partner management, and team leadership, particularly within the context of Vector's FastLane program.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Ecosystem Development**:
Organize and lead AI commercialization sessions, which are aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth in the Vector community of researchers.

Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with AI and broader innovation ecosystem partners, including venture capitalists, Intellectual Property Ontario, incubators, accelerators, and other relevant entities.

Collaborate with internal and external partners to expand Vector's reach and impact within the startup and scaleup community.

**Bronze Sponsors Management**:
Develop and implement account plans that maximize Bronze-level industry sponsor satisfaction and engagement.

Manage all aspects of the Bronze-level industry sponsor relationships, including onboarding and continuous engagement.

Design and deliver outstanding industry sponsor experiences, capturing and reporting on program outcomes.

**FastLane Program Management**:
Oversee and develop the FastLane team, ensuring high team performance, effective program delivery, and outstanding program results.

Continuously evolve the Vector FastLane program to meet the evolving needs of AI startups and scaleups.

Oversee grant reporting and maintain compliance with public funding requirements, including corporate reporting.

Systematically capture and report on program outcomes, using data to drive year-over-year program improvements and articulate impacts.

KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

The Industry Innovation team reports on its various metrics and achieves it targets as approved by Vector's President & CEO and Board of Directors;
Internal and external stakeholder feedback, including FastLane companies, is such that Vector's Industry Innovation team provides high quality service, support, and impactful data/resources as required; and

Stakeholder feedback is such that Vector's programs and offerings are valuable and help to improve and inform various internal processes.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

**Experience and Expertise**:
Holds, at minimum, a university degree.

4+ years of experience in a leadership role within the startup/scaleup ecosystem, preferably in a publicly-funded program management or innovation ecosystem development capacity.

Extensive knowledge of the local startup community, including key stakeholders, funding sources, and support programs.

Expertise in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with AI and broader innovation ecosystem partners, including venture capitalists, incubators, accelerators, and other AI ecosystem players.

**Leadership and Relationship Management**:
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences.

Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a collaborative environment and high-performing team.

Track record of successfully managing complex relationships and partnerships, including with industry sponsors and public funding bodies.

**Program Management and Reporting**:
Hands-on experience with grant management, including compliance, reporting, and impact / outcome measurement.

Proficiency in data analysis and using data-driven insights to inform program improvements and demonstrate impact.

Ability to continuously evolve programs to meet the changing needs of tech sector startups and scaleups.

**Personal Attributes**:
Passion for supporting the growth and success of startups and scaleups, with a deep understanding of their challenges and needs.

Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a track record of identifying and addressing issues before they arise.

A team player with strong problem-solving and analytical skills, coupled with a strategic and innovative approach.