Term: 3 years

Velocity is a fast-paced, dynamic program within the University of Waterloo that trains students and alumni to develop their entrepreneurial mindset transforming them into innovators and startup founders. The Associate Director, Founder Acceleration is responsible for continuing training with new founders after they have completed the Velocity campus programs. Founders who have demonstrated commitment to their companies by starting their careers as entrepreneurs will be moved further, faster by the programming, events and resources organized by this individual.

The incumbent will manage the Founder program by connecting with the leads of advisory, events, spaces, communications, operations, and the executive team to gather the necessary support required to advance Velocity founders. The Founder program is a key component of Velocity’s offerings, focusing on the critical first six months of building their business full time. The incumbent will need to work to develop founders including entrepreneurial skill building, founder network growth, while leading the selection, assessment, onboarding and offboarding of program participants. The Associate Director will create the best-in-class program for developing entrepreneurial talent.

Founder Program Management 

• Develop and execute the overall program strategy and roadmap for the entrepreneurship programs, aligning with organizational goals and objectives
• Design and deliver a range of activities and services to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey
• Manage selection, onboarding, evaluation and graduation of founders into and out of the program
• Work with the advisory team to identify and recruit mentors, advisors, subject matter experts, and industry professionals to provide guidance, mentorship, and support to incubator participants
• Establish partnerships and collaborations with external organizations to enhance the incubator's resources and network
• Work with the spaces team to help manage the incubator's facilities, resources, and operations, ensuring a conducive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs and startups
• Evaluate program effectiveness and impact through metrics, feedback, and performance indicators, and continuously iterate and improve program offerings
• Cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders through networking events, meetups, and collaboration opportunities
• Provide individualized support, coaching, and mentorship to incubator participants, helping them overcome challenges, set goals, and achieve milestones
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the entrepreneurship incubator, representing the organization at events, conferences, and industry forums

• University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of five years experience as the founder of a startup company that raised funding and successfully grown business to engage in later phases of funding (seed+)
• A deep understanding of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, startup lifecycle and challenges faced by early stage ventures
• Strong project management experience with the ability to plan, execute and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Experience collaborating across multiple groups to move a vision forward while gaining alignment with their initiatives
• Experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders including entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and partners
• Strong project management skills
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders
• A thorough understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, creativity and making a difference in the world
• Knowledge of the best practices in entrepreneurship education, mentorship and community development

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the

Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.