The Opportunity :
Reporting to the Director, Strategy & Programs - Automotive and Mobility, the Program Portfolio Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of programs within the Automotive and Mobility portfolio, with additional outward-facing program oversight responsibilities with funders and projects, including project monitoring, program administration activities, and stakeholder relations.
This role will work within existing financial and program administration processes and frameworks to ensure organizational efficiencies are maintained and / or maximized and that there is full alignment across all programs and initiatives.
Key Job Responsibilities :
- Manage and implement key program components for multiple programs including partnership and proposal support.
- Organize the external evaluations and internal executive review meetings ensuring an open and transparent process, oversee program budgets, manage the day-to-day delivery of the programs.
- Apply knowledge of funding program design to program development activities, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with funding partners to ensure that key criteria and metrics are defined; organize and chair meetings to ensure that expectations of the funding partner are addressed, and program delivery executed within the appropriate framework.
- Maintain an external and client-facing presence with industry, funders, and partners.
- Develop strategic relationships and engage with stakeholders in the ecosystem, including developing and maintaining a network of external Automotive & Mobility experts / service providers to serve as project support resources as needed.
- Represent OCI at external events and functions.
- Facilitate and present content at meetings, workshops, and events in support of the portfolio and serve as a portfolio expert resource to business development staff and industry clients.
- Monitor individual project progress by ensuring compliance with contracted reporting requirements and by regular communications, as needed (e.
g., project meetings, update calls, etc.)
- Develop an understanding of accepted portfolio management methodologies and processes and identify opportunities adopt and to continuously improve processes at OCI.
- Interface and liaise with program funders and stakeholders; work cross-functionally across departments to assemble resources;
work cooperatively and collaboratively with other OCI staff (Business Development Operations, Programs, and MARCOM etc.).
- Program stewardship, including program monitoring and provide metrics, outcomes, and impacts for internal strategy and external reporting.
- Identifies, develops and manages outcomes and works with MARCOM to develop success stories.
- Execute an engagement plan including OCI outreach; capturing academic information (i.e. Principle Investigators, grants, projects, etc.
managing review meetings and coordinating reviewers; coordinating and creating awareness of other business development activities, marketing, and outcomes.
- Develop application requirements, modify program modules requirements as needed and manage the launch timelines.
- May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
- Formal, specialized education (4-year university degree).
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience in the management or execution of programs and initiatives.
- Innovation, technology commercialization, or entrepreneurship program management experience; experience with automotive and mobility programs would be a strong asset.
- Client and stakeholder relationship management experience particularly working with senior level private and public sector representatives.
- Process oriented, with superior operational experience.
- Superior project oversight and time management skills, including executing and monitoring program activities in order to accomplish program objectives within constraints such as time, budget, and quality standards.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Program finance and budget management experience would be an asset.
- Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Consummate professional, able to represent the organization in all circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external teams.
- Proficiency with databases, web searches, with the ability to learn new software applications.
- Highly developed, interpretive and analytical skills in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Experience with and keen interest and passion in Ontario's industry-academic collaborations, student entrepreneurship;
proficient in contracts and intellectual property matter.
- Occasional overtime as required with occasional events to attend outside of normal business hours.
- Occasional travel within Ontario.
OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process