Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator

Communitech helps tech companies start, grow, and succeed in Waterloo Region.

We’re building a tech ecosystem that’s proudly local, globally ambitious and powered by community.

Since 1997, Communitech has brought community and tech together to build Canada’s most vibrant innovation ecosystem. We connect local startups and scale-ups to the support they need to grow, compete and lead.

Today, that means helping trusted AI solutions reach the market, turning bold ideas into valuable IP, expanding peer and advisory networks for founders, and uniting voices through the Waterloo Tech Coalition to take on the issues that matter most.

Our goal is to keep Waterloo Region the most connected, collaborative, and resilient tech hub in the country.

We’re looking to grow our team with passionate people – people who believe in our mission and who are willing to do what it takes to help our founders succeed. If you like to work collaboratively, get s#!t done and be a champion for Canadian tech, we want to hear from you. Wonder what it’s like to work at Communitech? Learn more at.

Communitech is based in downtown Kitchener, Ontario. We work in-office five days a week because great things happen when we're together — creating space for deeper collaboration and stronger relationships with each other and the ecosystem we support.

The Role

Reporting to a Senior Program Manager, the Program Coordinator will oversee the successful development, implementation and execution of products and services related to the Elevate IP Program, a federally funded initiative to ensure more equitable access to:

• IP protection awareness, promotion and information

• IP strategy mentorship and coaching

• Funding the development and implementation of IP strategies

The program will support startups by building ecosystem IP capacity (e.g education and awareness) and funding projects that undertake strategic IP protection and advancement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a transparent application process to help startups acquire IP and implement strategies that are integral to their IP growth strategy, including processes to enable funding through online applications

• Organize intake information and recommendations of coaches, mentors and other experts, to help the Senior Program Manager determine a startup’s eligibility for funding support based on technology readiness, sector and other factors

• Support decision-making, budgeting and forecasting through data processing and analysis

• Manage a portfolio of startups through the application process including meetings with advisors or professional service providers to review legal options and prepare for IP protection

• Coordinate the assignment of startups with appropriate advisors or professional services to review legal options and prepare for IP protection

• Communicate program acceptance to startups, including: program information; co-investment commitment; disbursement of funds, schedule and information, and funding program agreement(s)

• Working with the Senior Program Manager and Finance team, coordinate and track all agreements, contracts, funding support/disbursements, vendor relationships and program schedules

• Support the program team in all aspects of service delivery, including database updates; communications; meeting coordination; intake, application and funding processes; and metrics reporting.

• Represent, support and be involved in other Communitech events as required

• Other duties as assigned. All duties subject to change.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of relevant professional experience

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into insights

• Proficiency in spreadsheet tools (Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel) for data processing, reporting, and analysis

• Proven ability to responsibly use generative AI tools to streamline workflows and increase productivity; alternatively, possess strong academic exposure to AI with a demonstrated eagerness to learn and apply these tools ethically in a professional setting

• Demonstrated passion for delivering exceptional customer service

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain relationships

• Interest in cutting-edge technology and its practical application for founders and early-stage teams

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail

• Proactive, results-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership

• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Compensation

The annual base salary for this role is $50,000. This is a contract, full-time position from June 1, 2026 (or hire date) to March 31, 2027.