Advisor, Academic-Industry Partnerships

Jobtailor; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitacs is seeking a Regional Partnership Manager to build and sustain relationships with post-secondary institutions, industry, and community partners across the Kelowna region. You will connect partner needs with academic expertise, guide program development, and support applications.

You will travel within the region and collaborate with Business Development, Research, and Programs teams to advance opportunities from exploration to execution.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent in research, innovation, partnership development, economic development, business development, or a related field.
• Experience building relationships across academic, industry, government, community, or not-for-profit environments.
• Experience coordinating or advancing projects, partnerships, applications, or other opportunities involving multiple participants.
• Ability to understand partner needs and identify connections to research, innovation, or talent-development opportunities.
• Knowledge of post-secondary research environments and the interests and needs of researchers, students, and institutional partners.
• Strong relationship-management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and public-engagement skills.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple opportunities, and establish priorities.
• Ability to travel regularly within the region; reside in Kelowna and have access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with post-secondary institutions, industry, not-for-profit organizations, community partners, and economic development organizations.
• Identify opportunities connecting partner needs with academic expertise, student and postdoctoral talent, and Mitacs programs.
• Guide partners on program requirements, project development, and applications.
• Organize and deliver presentations, information sessions, workshops, and meetings.
• Monitor regional developments, partner priorities, and opportunities; manage portfolio and relationships.
• Represent Mitacs at regional meetings, events, and sector-focused forums.

Skills

Relationship management

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Presentation and public engagement

Time management / prioritization

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent in research/partnership development

Tools

Mitacs Systems

Job description

Develop and maintain relationships with post-secondary institutions, industry, not-for-profit organizations, community partners, and economic development organizations. Build working relationships with UBC Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University, Okanagan College, researchers, students, research offices, and administrative stakeholders. Engage industry and not-for-profit partners to understand research, innovation, talent, and organizational needs. Identify opportunities connecting partner needs with academic expertise, student and postdoctoral talent, and Mitacs programs. Introduce partners to Mitacs programming and guide them on program requirements, project development, and applications. Support partnerships from initial exploration through project and application development. Develop relationships with economic development and innovation ecosystem partners. Conduct outreach and follow up on leads, referrals, events, and business development opportunities. Represent Mitacs at regional meetings, events, and sector-focused forums. Support regional engagement plans with Business Development colleagues and regional leadership. Organize and deliver presentations, information sessions, workshops, and meetings. Maintain regular partner contact and provide responsive service. Monitor institutional priorities, regional developments, emerging sectors, and partner needs. Manage assigned opportunities and relationships, establish priorities, and seek guidance on complex matters. Collaborate with Mitacs Business Development, Research, Programs, and other teams. Maintain accurate and timely portfolio, opportunity, and relationship information in Mitacs systems.

Requirements

• An advanced degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in research, innovation, partnership development, economic development, business development, or a related field
• Experience building relationships in academic, industry, government, community, or not-for-profit environments
• Experience coordinating or advancing projects, partnerships, applications, or other opportunities involving multiple participants
• Ability to understand partner needs and identify connections to research, innovation, or talent-development opportunities
• Knowledge of post-secondary research environments and the interests and needs of researchers, students, and institutional partners
• Strong relationship-management and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation and public-engagement skills
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple opportunities, and establish priorities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with colleagues
• Ability to develop practical knowledge of Mitacs programs and explain program requirements and partnership pathways
• Adaptability, curiosity, initiative, and willingness to develop new relationships
• Strong attention to detail and ability to support complete, high-quality project applications
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly within the region
• Knowledge of written and spoken English is required
• Ideal candidate will reside in Kelowna and have access to an automobile

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in partnership development, relationship management, and project coordination within academic and industry settings. Proficient in engaging stakeholders, understanding their needs, and connecting them with research and innovation opportunities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Advanced Degree In Research
• Partnership Development
• Project Coordination
• Strong Communication Skills
• Knowledge Of Mitacs Programs

Hard Skills

• Research Development
• Business Development
• Opportunity Management
• Project Application Development
• Stakeholder Engagement

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Attention To Detail
• Adaptability
• Initiative

Industry Keywords

• Post-Secondary Institutions
• Economic Development
• Not-For-Profit Organizations
• Community Partners
• Innovation Ecosystem

Tools & Technologies

• Mitacs Systems