Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) drives the development of Ontario’s economy by helping create new jobs, products, services, technologies, and businesses. In partnership with industry, OCI co-invests to commercialize innovation originating in the province’s publicly funded colleges, universities, and research hospitals. We also support and invest in early-stage projects, where the probability of commercial success and potential total return on innovation are substantial. Another expanding focus for OCI is the development of the next generation of innovators through our entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across Ontario. OCI’s efforts are focused on sectors of the economy with the greatest potential to drive Ontario’s future prosperity and global competitiveness: energy and environment (including water); advanced manufacturing; advanced health technologies; and information, communications technologies, and digital media. A trusted partner of government in program delivery, we are committed to advancing a whole-of-government approach as a means of streamlining funding application processes for companies and entrepreneurs.

OVIN (Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network), led by OCI, is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative to support the future of the automotive and mobility sector. Through innovative programming, business and technical supports, and testing and demonstration sites, the OVIN initiative is driving the commercialization of advanced technologies, cultivating the capacity of a province-wide network to drive future mobility solutions and addressing the evolving needs of Ontario's automotive and mobility sector's workforce.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Strategy & Programs - Automotive and Mobility, the Program Portfolio Manager in this contract role 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:

Lead the delivery, review, and continuous improvement of OVIN’s communications strategy, including the development of communication assets, such as press releases, briefing documents, social media posts, speaker notes and keynote presentations.
Engage stakeholders in the creation and execution of industry-leading events and education opportunities (conferences, meetups, workshops, panels, hackathons, best practices, etc.).
Working in with the OCI Marcom team, manage the development of creative assets, marketing collateral, promotional videos, and other relevant products.
Working with Strategic Programs and Workforce Planning and Talent Strategy teams, support the planning, design, development, and deployment of promotion of programs, partnership opportunities and strategic initiatives.
Engage, develop, and maintain strong networks with stakeholders in the automotive and mobility sector, including individual and corporate contacts, post-secondary institutions, research partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
Foster and identify partnership opportunities with industry to benefit OCI and the ventures we support including automotive and mobility industry organizations and government bodies.
Identify conferences, speaking, media, and publication opportunities to promote and address the needs of our stakeholders and promote the OVIN/OCI brand.
Keep abreast of industry and/or domain knowledge and activities, including current events, breakthroughs, trends, regulatory issues and key contacts and possess a solid understanding of the global industry to support thought leadership.
Provide regular updates to senior leadership, communicating opportunities and escalating risks when appropriate.
Interface and liaise with stakeholders; work cross-functionally across departments to assemble resources and ensure the successful delivery of projects
Identify, develop and manage outcomes, and work with the OCI Marcom team to develop, communicate and publish success stories.
Other related duties as assigned, with occasional requirements to attend events outside of normal business hours, and occasional travel within Ontario.

Skills and Competencies:

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.

This role is being recruited to fill a current vacancy.

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.

Ontario Centre of Innovation jobs

Program Portfolio Manager, Auto & Mobility- 9 month contract

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