Manager, Startups & Scaleups

Vector Institute•Toronto, ON

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Startups and Scaleups, the Manager, Startups and Scaleups will be responsible for driving the overall success and satisfaction of Vector’s startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) programming. The Startups and Scaleups Manager will serve as a key point of contact for startups and SMEs interacting with Vector, as well as manage Vector’s relationships in the Canadian AI startups ecosystem and drive SME programming reporting needs. This is a high-impact role focused on deepening engagement, delivering strategic value, and ensuring Vector’s AI startups are amongst Canada’s best-positioned for growth, revenue, and venture investment. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-trust environment, brings structure and insight to ambiguity, and is genuinely curious about AI’s role in economic growth and responsible innovation. As part of a small and dynamic team, the Manager, Startups and Scaleups will have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence cross-functional work, and represent the voice of SMEs in internal decision-making.

Requirements

Holds, at minimum, a degree in computer science, engineering, business administration, statistics, mathematics, or another relevant field; a graduate degree with a focus on machine learning or a related discipline is preferred;
3+ years of combined experience in startup/SME ecosystem support, program management, or stakeholder relations within innovation-focused organizations;
Currently in, or has previously held, a management position at a technology startup company or an organization that provides support to startup technology companies;
Practical experience in digital business strategy related to AI and machine learning;
Advanced knowledge of government and other publicly funded services available to startup companies in either the AI or technology-related sectors;
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills;
Strong facilitation skills;
Able to develop a program from the ground up, including metrics and annual review processes;
Able to turn conceptual ideas into tangible operational plans with key milestones and deliverables;
Creative and enjoys collaborating within a small entrepreneurial environment that is results-driven;
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills;
Strong time management and organizational skills;
Comfortable working with a diverse range of clients (e.g., leadership teams, operations staff, graduate students, external partners), maintaining confidentiality, and providing all with a trusted, respectful point of contact;
Possesses a positive attitude, integrity, and a sense of humour, and brings positive energy and outlook to a not-for-profit corporate culture;
Motivated by continuous learning and the opportunity to make a difference and a real contribution to the AI ecosystem.

Nice To Haves

a graduate degree with a focus on machine learning or a related discipline is preferred

Responsibilities

Develop detailed metrics/key performance indicators and an operating dashboard for the FastLane program that would feed into reporting for public funding;
Facilitate forums for current and potential industry sponsors and AI ecosystem stakeholders to collaborate with smaller firms;
Identify opportunities prioritize access for startups to other programs and opportunities (e.g., exclusive access to conference tickets and booths, accelerated acceptance into startup programs, support from Vector’s partnerships, etc.);
Provide advice to startups in obtaining access to other programs (e.g., accelerators, grants, etc.);
Leverage AI startup talent to assist with current Industry Innovation work stream programs (e.g., Face-to-Face meetings, Professional Development programs, collaborative projects, educating researchers on intellectual property requirements);
Lead as the primary liaison with key Canadian ecosystem supports for AI startups (e.g., Business Development Bank of Canada/Export Development Canada, MaRS, DMZ, Creative Destruction Lab, Next AI, OneEleven, provincial regional innovation centres, university-based incubators, Intellectual Property Ontario, etc.) and beyond (e.g., Y Combinator, Techstars);
Explore opportunities to expand Vector’s network with new corporate partners and venture capitalists;
Actively support AI startups by showcasing them and enhancing their reputation and visibility at Vector events such as job fairs;
Assist Vector’s Design and Delivery team in account management of Vector Startups (e.g., invoicing, eligibility checks for programming, startup recruitment for cohort-based programs and applied AI projects);
Organize Vector’s Commercialization Sessions while assessing the most urgent needs of Vector Startups’ founders;
Oversee and facilitate Vector’s government reporting, and ensure Vector’s compliance with public funding requirements;
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.