Term: 2 Years 

Within Velocity Incubator, the Venture Associate is responsible for the investigation, identification, implementation, management, and monitoring of the data and information that forms the evidence base for the initiatives related to the support of founder success at the incubator. The Venture Associate plays a critical role in obtaining the information and data that underlie and inform the evidence-based planning of start-up strategies, as well as supporting the incubator in the development of collaborations to further support start up growth. The information gathered from research and evaluation will help the Venture Associate inform decision making, strategic planning, messaging and budget related planning that improves services and programs at Velocity Incubator.

Develops and implements research and evaluation plans that support undergraduate and graduate student success strategies

• Assists senior management in the development of an appropriate and timely process and outcome evaluation plans, data gathering methods, analysis and use of the results to support continuous program improvements
• Maintains awareness of, analyzes, and understands all types of venture data, including but not limited to key performance indicators, reports, and funding data; determines any applications and implications pertinent to Velocity Incubator strategies; and educates the appropriate staff accordingly
• Collaborates with key team members to streamline and onboard new ventures every quarter in the sectors of health, deep tech and software
• Determines and recommends any specific, measurable, actionable and realistic metrics that can be employed as indicators of success of Velocity’s strategic plans.
• Manages, and conducts ongoing, timely evaluation to determine the effectiveness of Velocity strategies
• Prepares and delivers any required in-person presentations of research results
• Manages all aspects of Velocity’s central venture database
• Analyzes current data collection systems and evaluation processes to identify trends and opportunities for streamlining
• Investigates new data analysis tools, systems and practices and makes recommendations for enhancing Velocity processes
• Consult with Office of Research, Institutional Analysis and Planning, Waterloo Ventures and other departments on the design, implementation, testing and operation of any computer systems required for the collection, storage, reporting and analysis of data and trends related to student wellness.

Understands and applies current, relevant research methods and trends, audience and institutional knowledge

• Maintains a clear understanding of the characteristics of current founders including their preferences with respect to completing surveys, questionnaires, and other research instruments, so that s/he can translate this information into effective tactics for enhancing strategies
• Researching tools that support founders in executing their short term goals.

Collaborates, advises and consults

• Leads performance reporting for external funders of Velocity
• Works closely with the entire Velocity team to ensure the cohesiveness, consistency and integration of portfolio goals and plans with current strategies and messaging
• Supports and advises the Velocity leadership team with respect to any new or evolving research strategies, opportunities, and results as well as any analyses that may assist with decisions about priorities and long-range planning
• Works closely with Velocity team to determine data analysis needs with respect to Velocity or other university database and then liaises with the appropriate partners to obtain data
• Shares research analysis, detailed reports and clear explanations with all interested and affected stakeholders and collaborators
• Consults with and advises Velocity team members with respect to design, administration and analysis of program evaluations, the results of which inform the development evaluation and each area’s strategic plans

Other

• Participates in Velocity events and in the administration of Velocity-wide responsibilities, and other such general and specific duties as may from time to time be determined

• Research-based or other relevant masters or post-graduate degree with solid knowledge of social science research methods, both quantitative and qualitative; ability to use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse data; and knowledge of various methodologies to gather data (surveys, interviews, focus groups, community forum, literature reviews, environmental scans; situational analysis, needs assessment, etc.)
• At least 3 years of experience in a data analysis and/or research role.
• Strong educational and professional background in data management, statistical analysis,associated computer applications, program evaluation and related applied social research methods
• Knowledge of project management and related processes
• Strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities
• Strong understanding of the assessment/evaluation process
• Excellent communication skills: ability to converse articulately with university administrators and other campus stakeholders.
• Data management, manipulation, interpretation and analysis skills
• Expertise in assessment/evaluation instrument design
• Strong ability to understand, maintain and address data quality
• Proven ability to deliver timely, accurate, comprehensible, professional-quality data analytical reports
• Demonstrated leadership and guidance in using descriptive and inferential statistics in order to understand trends, patterns, and dependencies with respect to a variety of strategic issues
• Superior oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by success in engaging, understanding and supporting data users, including proven presentation and public-speaking abilities
• Aptitude for presenting data analytics in an efficient, effective and easily understandable way to a wide variety of audiences and users and with the use of numerous reporting formats and web technologies
• Demonstrated success in working and leading working groups and/or committees
• Ability to build consensus, foster teamwork among a variety of stakeholders, and lead integrated project teams
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues
• Demonstrated experience working with large and complex data sets
• Software requirements – advanced Microsoft Office, in particular Excel and PowerPoint and Airtable

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

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.