Term: 3 Years

The Director, Software Startups creates the conditions and builds and ecosystem for software startups to succeed at Velocity. A member of Velocity’s senior leadership team, the director, software builds partnerships (investors, industry, developers, innovation ecosystems, etc.), establishes systems, advises companies, and fosters a community of founders and innovators that meaningfully help startups accelerate their progress. A recognized leader with software startup experience, the Director, Software Startups is also a thought leader and contributes to the strategic direction of Velocity’s mission while engaging the University of Waterloo ecosystem to inspire and inform up and coming generations of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Advisory Practice Development and Leadership

• Develops the ways in which Velocity helps founders build companies more effectively and with greater speed, including direct advisement of companies, fundraising for companies, and sourcing talent
• Works with the broader Velocity team to implement common support systems
• Directs Velocity’s software to help position Velocity as a leading business incubator
• Cultivates funding opportunities for Velocity founders and Velocity

Partnership Development and Management

• Curates and establishes internal and external partnerships and relationships that accelerate founder success specific to the software industry (e.g. access to talent, development partners, technical experts etc.)
• Manages partnerships to create win-wins without introducing undue layers of process
• Looks globally to understand effective software partnerships to inform approaches applicable to Velocity

Community

• Builds trust with software founders to assure Velocity’s work is valid, relevant, and truly advances founder success
• Grows a team of advisors and experts to help founders supported by Velocity
• Searches for opportunities to support the founder community outside of Velocity to help the broader ecosystem

Thought Leadership

• Develops knowledge, know-how and business intelligence to better advise companies and support Velocity’s mission
• Develops insights that serve the Velocity mission through continuous learning and research
• Engages Velocity and the University of Waterloo’s communications groups to create content to attract resources for founders and enrich Velocity’s reputation

Team Leadership

• Leads Velocity team members directly and cross-functionally to achieve organizational goals
• Directs members of the advisory practice (e.g. advisors, entrepreneurs in residence, external experts etc.) to provide excellent and effective advice to founders

• Bachelors degree (in business and/or related technical field)
• At least 3 years’ experience as a founder or senior leader in seed or growth stage software startup
• 5+ years’ experience designing organizations, growing, and managing a teams and staff
• 5+ years reporting to senior leaders (e.g. vice presidents, board members)
• 5+ years’ experience establishing and managing partnerships/relationships that generate outcomes through intensive and formal collaboration, investment, or partnerships
• Development of networks, ecosystems, and partners to syndicate support around new initiatives
• Fundraising from angel investors and private capital
• Pathways and strategies to start and build a software startup
• Clinical connections as it relates to building a software startup
• Knowledge of corporate structures of early-stage companies
• Demonstrated know-how to build productive connections with investors and grant agencies
• Presence and agency to develop and sustain collaborative relationships
• Proven ability to develop networks by building rapport and trust
• Customer service orientation with an empathetic posture
• Ultimately, the director, software is self-activated, passionate about learning, and possesses energy and enthusiasm to build an ecosystem with an empathetic posture toward founder support

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 our 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+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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.