About Toronto Metropolitan
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.
TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.
In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our .
The team
DMZ is a world-leading startup incubator based at Toronto Metropolitan University that equips the next generation of tech entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build, launch and scale highly impactful startups. By providing connections to customers, coaching, capital and a community, DMZ’s customized approach helps innovators reach the next milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – whatever that might be. Through its award-winning programming, DMZ has helped more than 80+ startups raise $2.69 billion in capital and create 5,000+ jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with globally-accessible programming, DMZ has a widely-recognized international presence with offices in Vietnam, India and the U.S., and partnerships across North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
The Opportunity
The Program Specialist will act as a lead hand in facilitating the development, implementation, management and evaluation of DMZ programming including the Black Innovation Program, to reach successful outcomes. You will also design, develop and deliver relevant resources and tools to facilitate successful startup services programs at DMZ as well as monitor and assess the progress of DMZ programs and framework in accordance with the program work plan.
Responsibilities will also include but are not limited to :
Plans, implements and monitors the complete lifecycle of the core DMZ programs, processes and procedures :
- Participates in the assessment of applicants to ensure fit withDMZ’s overall vision, goals and objectives.
- Prepares and delivers presentations for new company orientations.
- Monitors and assesses the progress of clients from application to graduation.
- Guides and coaches entrepreneurs and staff in determining and accessing relevant and beneficial resources for startups in DMZ programs, including peer to peer sessions, mentorship matching, metrics and reporting.
- Initiates independent program evaluation and continuous improvement strategies.
- Implements best practices in maintaining good client relationships and effective program coordination.
- Maintains communication with key stakeholders to promote and to update on the progress of DMZ programs and services, discuss challenges, and recommend solutions.
- Conducts information sessions to promote DMZ programs and application process to interested entrepreneurs. Acts as the first point of contact for prospective clients as well as external influencers.
Conceptualizes, plans and implements innovative programming for startup groups :
Develops a system for regular feedback and idea exchange and generation with startup groups.Identifies and validates current, emerging and unique needs of startup groups, and assesses alignment with the overall goal and objectives of DMZ and consistency with DMZ’s overall mission, vision and values.Conducts relevant industry research to identify trends and needs for DMZ programs, including environmental scans and needs assessment; identifies current and emerging markets and areas of opportunity to be leveraged by emerging technologies.In consultation with the Manager, identifies, recommends and develops new or customized programs based on appropriateness and value to entrepreneurs to ensure long-term operation of the program.Evaluates effectiveness of programs to achieve desired and expected outcome for the entrepreneurs and / or external stakeholders.Provides ongoing support to the startup companies :
Works with the startup company in developing a high level business plan that takes into consideration target market and identifying business challenges and gaps within go-to-market plan.Conducts regular meetings with the entrepreneurs to understand their needs or challenges especially at different phases of their team lifecycle; provides advice and recommends interventions or resources to address their respective needs.Advises companies on sales techniques, customer acquisitions, and business best practices to effectively grow and scale their businesses.Assesses team progress vis-à-vis goals, and makes recommendations on the best course of action or new terms for startup teams.Leads various DMZ projects :
Works with the Manager and DMZ management to define the goals and objectives of projects that focus on scaling and growing startups.Defines project plans, approach, timelines, deliverables, evaluation methods, and required as well as available resources including staffing needs.Assigns and coordinates the work of staff involved in the special projects to ensure project deliverables are met.Acts as a mentor to the team of student staff and Programs Assistants to enhance their understanding of specialized business processes and practices.Leads meetings and discussions with relevant team members pertaining to specific projects, or topics and issues related to DMZ programs.Conducts research and presents findings to the Manager and to DMZ senior management team for decision making.Facilitates the administrative processes for DMZ programs :
Supports the writing of reports and proposals.Processes and maintains effective recordkeeping of membership agreements and progress reports.Develops manuals to cover all aspects of DMZ programs that a startup company undergoes.Qualifications
To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications :
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Media or a related discipline.At least four (4) years of relevant experience working in the startup ecosystem, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs related to entrepreneurship with the following requirements : Experience with the Ontario and Canadian innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems with lived experience with Black Entrepreneurs as an asset, including, incubators, accelerators, public and private funders, and support organizations .Relevant experience mentoring and advising startups / entrepreneurs.Excellent understanding the startup ecosystem, culture and terminology to be successfully qualified for this position.Demonstrated effectiveness in conceptualizing, planning and implementing innovative programming for start-upsDemonstrated ability to work with and build relationships with multi-sectoral stakeholders.Problem solving, decision making, negotiation and consensus building skills.Strong flexibility and time management skills to allow efficient management of DMZ’s Programs.Excellent communication and public speaking skills to share the vision of DMZ with and build the support of various stakeholders, and to facilitate participant assessment and liaise with key stakeholders to promote the program.Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively deal with various stakeholders.Strong flexibility and time management skills to allow efficient management of tight start-up and delivery scheduleProven research skills to conduct environmental scans and needs assessments, identify trends and modify program directions as indicated.Ability to effectively write curricular materials, reports and proposals.Demonstrated effectiveness in community / organizational development and capacity building initiatives.Up-to-date knowledge of current economic development issues, and in-depth understanding of emerging markets and areas of opportunity to be leveraged by emerging technologies.Ability to handle high pressure / high velocity environments.Computer skills, web skills.Creativity, imagination, innovation and teaching facilitation.