Program Administrator, The Forge Business Incubator

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University is seeking a Program Administrator for The Forge Business Incubator. Based at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, the role supports academic program operations, admissions, budgeting, and stakeholder communications.

The successful candidate will manage curriculum administration, recruitment, and financial processes while ensuring alignment with degree requirements and program policies. This is a full-time, on-site position with a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating program operations, including curriculum administration, recruitment, admissions, and budget management.
• Provide information and guidance to students regarding program requirements and options.
• Review academic records to confirm eligibility for continuation and graduation.
• Prepare reports for program accreditation, enrolment, and degree audits.
• Develop estimates of time, resources, and budgets for program activities and events.
• Maintain and update student records and program databases; support payroll input and financial controls.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Program Administrator, The Forge Business Incubator

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Open Date

2026/07/28

Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

2026/08/21

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

MILO

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 7

Salary Range

$29.26 - $41.19 (hourly)

Job Code

JD0992

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Target Number of Openings

1

35

JD00992

Schedule Full-Time, Mon to Fri (8:30am-4:30pm) 35 hours weekly

Education Level Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Career Level Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Job Description

The Forge is McMaster’s business incubator, a launchpad where promising ideas grow into real companies through hands ‑ on support, deep expertise, and a community built for founders. Located at McMaster Innovation Park, The Forge sits at the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem alongside the regional innovation centre, Innovation Factory, McMaster’s Industry Liaison Office, and a diverse cluster of emerging startups. This strategic proximity creates an environment where entrepreneurs can easily connect with commercialization specialists, investors, mentors, and corporate partners, accelerating their path from concept to market. The Forge provides the structured programs, resources, and networks that help founders validate their ideas, build strong business foundations, and scale with confidence.

Job Summary

Responsible for providing support for the efficient operation of an academic program or department. Responsible for providing overall administrative support including coordinating some aspects of the program such as curriculum administration, promotion, recruitment, admissions, resource and financial management. Requires independent decision making within a delegated area of authority and the exercise of leadership in the management of support services.

Representative Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze problems with the program and prepare recommendations for review and approval by the program Director.
• Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to the decision-making process and develop recommendations for final approval and implementation.
• Advise registered and prospective students of program options and requirements which requires maintaining knowledge of course and program curriculum.
• Counsel students to ensure that they understand that course and program selections adhere to established academic, prerequisite, and graduation requirements.
• Assess student priority for limited registration in courses and provide suitable alternatives to meet degree requirements.
• Provide students with information regarding program policies and information about program requirements.
• Use existing admissions criteria to assess program applications and determine which applications are declined admissions and which are eligible for acceptance.
• Review and evaluate academic records to assist students in determining if they are eligible to continue in and graduate from the program.
• Investigate questions and resolve problems concerning program, curricula, and admissions.
• Act as a mediator between faculty and students when dealing with various issues, including but not limited to, special accommodations, scheduling conflicts, grades.
• Gather and compile information required for a variety of documents and reports, including but not limited to, program accreditation, enrolment, and degree audits.
• Develop estimates of time, resources, and budgets for various program activities and events.
• Assist in developing the program budget for review and approval.
• Maintain the program budget. Create financial projections to the program budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Develop marketing and advertising brochures for a variety of purposes, functions, and events.
• Promote the program to visitors and representatives both internal and external to the University.
• Represent the program at various recruitment events.
• Create content for the program website. Update information and maintain the website.
• Survey and monitor academic programs offered by competing institutions and conduct research into pedagogical practices.
• Responsible for the administration and collation of course evaluations and the creation of, monitoring and collation of alumni surveys.
• Prepare and potentially deliver presentations for recruitment purposes.
• Facilitate meetings with, including but not limited to, program stakeholders and student groups.
• Plan and coordinate arrangements for annual events and meetings.
• Source pricing information and recommend actions regarding the purchase of equipment and supplies for the program.
• Input financial and other information required to process payroll.
• Update and maintain student records and databases.

Supervision

• Occasionally provide orientation and show procedures to others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Location: McMaster Innovation Park
Anticipated Start Date: September 8, 2026

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on‑site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in‑person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third‑party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.