Work In Tech

Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed

At Communitech, we’re all about the “F” word. Founders.

We were built by tech founders who saw the need for a community of support to help ensure the future prosperity of Canada. No other innovation hub can say that, which is pretty cool.

Established in 1997, our mission has been our guide ever since. We’re here to support the founder at every stage of their journey, providing accelerated opportunities to access talent, capital and sales.

As Canada’s tech supercharger, we help founders:

• Hire and retain the smartest, brightest and most experienced people

• Access growth financing at every stage

• Sell to the biggest customers at home and around the world

• Connect the right people at the right time – peers who have been there before, coaches who can guide them through the difficult spots and partners from all over Canada

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 https://www.communitech.ca/corporate-stuff/careers/

Communitech is a hybrid organization headquartered in downtown Kitchener, Ontario. In-person connection is important to us, so we get together regularly for special events, collaboration days and team socials, and we ask our team members to work onsite from our Kitchener facility 2-3 days/week. We are a flexible, people first environment and want to allow our people to make decisions and choices about where they work to support work life balance.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Initiatives, the Program Specialist will oversee the successful development, implementation and execution of products and services related to the Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy Implementation program pillar of Elevate IP, 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

Communitech, through Canada’s Tech Network, will roll out a coordinated ElevateIP program in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to:

• Facilitate IP supports by BAIs (Business Accelerators and Incubators) to startups

• Help increase the IP capacity of the BAI ecosystem through IP education for BAIs and their startups

• Enable BAIs to provide targeted support to help startups secure and maintain IP rights

Responsibilities

The program will support startups by funding IP strategy development and implementation projects that undertake strategic IP protection and advancement. The Program Specialist will assist the Program Manager in working with startups and appropriate advisors to coordinate the following activities:

• 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 determine a startup’s eligibility for funding support based on technology readiness, sector and other factors

• 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

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

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

• Assist BAIs and partner organizations to ensure portfolio startups meet the criteria to access funding for advisory or professional services

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

General duties, including but not limited to:

• Build relationships and work cross functionally with multiple teams throughout the organization to in support of the program delivery

• Provide support for internal team events both virtual and in person, such as team lunches, quarterly team meetings and any other team events

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

• Help recruit startups and other collaborators into the program

• Other duties as assigned. All duties subject to change

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience is required

• Previous experience working with enabling or growth organizations is an asset

• You are a relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills

• Interest in cutting edge technology and it’s application for our founders

• Solid organization with great attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent requests, prioritizing those requests based on impact

• Passionate about providing outstanding customer service

• Proactive and results oriented

• Ability to maintain confidential information is required

• Strong Google suite and Microsoft Office skills

• Salesforce experience, as well as experience supporting a business-to-business sales function, is an asset

• Willing to represent Communitech at events outside of normal working hours on occasion

• Ability to spend Tuesday’s in the Communitech Hub plus an additional 1-2 days per week of your choice

To Apply

Please apply online along with your resume and cover letter.

We thank all applicants in advance; however only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be kept confidential. Communitech is a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including aboriginal persons, francophones, members of sexual minority groups, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women. We will provide any requested accommodation to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.