ventureLAB INNOVATION CENTRE

o/a ventureLAB

Founder Success Team - Program Coordinator- Job ID 202508

Full-time, 2 Year Contract (from start date)

Position Profile 

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About ventureLAB

ventureLAB is a not-for-profit leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Our organization is led by seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders with decades of industry experience in building IP-rich start-ups, scale-ups, and global multinationals to help businesses scale. Located at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Since 2011, ventureLAB has enabled over 4,000 tech ventures to create over 6,800 jobs and raise more than $420 million in investment capital through our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, technology and IP commercialization, and customer acquisition. Together with our community of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and partners, we enable technology startups to accelerate the commercialization of transformational products on a global scale. ventureLAB is home to the Hardware Catalyst Initiative — Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor-focused companies. 

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Our Mission

Powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada's knowledge-based economy.

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Our Vision

Born Global. Built to Scale. Inclusive by Design. Inspire a new generation of global founders who choose Canada to scale IP-rich tech titans creating innovative hardware and scale-ready enterprise software solutions that transform communities and establish a blueprint for a more sustainable, inclusive tech ecosystem.

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Our Values — Team RIVIR

• Relentless: We are tenacious and resilient. We follow through and remove roadblocks so together we succeed and go further.
• Inclusive: We are empathetic, open-minded and collaborate respectfully so that we build trust with each other and value diverse opinions, ideas and perspectives to learn and make better decisions.
• Visionary: We inspire bold futures with our founders, team, partners and community by challenging each other respectfully and thinking differently.
• Innovative: We celebrate ingenuity and empower the team to create new ideas, processes and strategies. We are curious and resourceful by asking questions for clarity.
• Results: We are proactive and plan. We are accountable and focused. We are direct and transparent through fact-based discussions.

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ventureLAB is made up of passionate, driven individuals, and is growing quickly. It is a fast-paced, flexible environment where individual contributors make a big difference and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. We are proud to be one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures and a Great Place to Work®.

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Position Profile

We’re looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our growing team! The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, flexible environment and work closely with a team of like-minded individuals, where each individual contributor is expected to drive projects forward while also working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. You’ll work closely with our small but mighty team, as well as with a wide range of professionals, including tech entrepreneurs, industry executives, and public and private sector partners. 

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ventureLAB is a leading technology hub located in Markham in York Region, Canada’s second-largest tech cluster. Working out of our 50,000 square feet innovation space, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of globally disruptive ideas, products, and people. At ventureLAB, we grow globally competitive tech titans that build to scale in Canada. 

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Reporting to the Programs Manager, the Program Coordinator is responsible for:

• Coordinating our AI initiatives and increasing our impact in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs with access to partners, lab and advisory.

• Driving initiatives forward from ideation to execution, including building professional presentations in collaboration with other team members and following through with program delivery

• Updating and maintaining databases, CRM systems, contact groups and mailing lists 

• Preparing, customizing and managing proposals and agreements for Program founders

• Helping to develop documentation and materials for regular meetings

• Executing operational improvements for programs, processes, and team efficiency and effectiveness 

• Liaise directly with internal and external stakeholders with tact; ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus effectively, and collaborate with the team, executives, committees and board of directors

• Support business development activities in sourcing and engaging founders and partners

• Your role will include collaborating with the ventureLAB team, founders and external partners to support program delivery, project development, research, and communications. Your contributions will enhance our operations and program development at all levels.

• ventureLAB seeks resourceful team members who are comfortable dealing with ambiguity, juggling multiple priorities, and taking a proactive approach to problem solving in a fast-paced environment. You possess effective communication and collaboration skills and operate as a team player. You are a constant learner who applies curiosity and a growth mindset in your interactions with others and in your work. 

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Responsibilities

Event management and marketing

• Setting up event tools (platform, registration, etc.)
• Executing day-of-event logistics (moderation, timing, etc.)
• Sending out emails and maintaining updated marketing lists
• Confirming company participation at events
• Coordinating investor recruitment and registration with the AI team
• Coordinating with the marketing team to create marketing materials for events
• Coordinating with any event partners or other stakeholders involved

Data collection and reporting

• Managing founder onboarding process
• Develop pipeline of founders eligible for the program 
• Updating and maintaining databases, CRM systems, contact groups and mailing lists
• Data collection and entry (team meetings, reporting requirements, etc.)
• Creating reports for internal metrics reporting and external partners (sponsors, government, etc.)

Research 

• Creation and updating of company profiles (in CRM and/or other formats)
• Market research supporting program development and planning
• Market research about AI and upcoming trends in the Canadian market

Requirements:

Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree in public administration, business, entrepreneurship, or a related field, with 1- 2 years of related program development, stakeholder relations and/or venture management experience
• Superior project and time management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with startup and investment ecosystem
• Demonstrates great interpersonal skills along with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail while possessing the ability to prioritize effectively and handle competing priorities
• Strong service mentality and a great team player
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and G-Suite
• Experience working with Salesforce, Eventbrite, Zoom, or Asana is an asset
• Experience working with start-ups is an asset

Salary Range: $60,000 to $65,000 CAD per annum

In addition to salary, ventureLAB offers a comprehensive benefits package, learning and development opportunities and 4 weeks vacation.

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Why join ventureLAB? 

• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
• Collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Impactful role in supporting startups and technology leaders.

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Our Hybrid Work Structure

At ventureLAB, we have a hybrid work model that balances flexibility for employees with opportunities for in-office collaboration. This position is eligible for remote work. All ventureLAB team members, regardless of hybrid status, are required on-site each Thursday and for events, meetings and other in-person activities.

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How to Apply

Apply by April 4, 2025  to hr@venturelab.ca quoting “Program Coordinator – Job ID 202508” in the subject line. Include your resume, salary expectations, and a brief note telling us why you’d be a great addition to the ventureLAB team. Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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At ventureLAB, we value diversity, inclusion, and respect. Diverse experience, perspectives, and backgrounds bring great ideas and create stronger teams — we embrace it, because we know that by including everyone, we all thrive. Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the recruitment process.

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We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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