Program Manager, Startup

Communitech; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Communitech in Kitchener-Waterloo is hiring a Program Manager to design, build and execute start-up founder programs. You’ll own end-to-end recruitment, manage program delivery and collaborate with partner organisations to tailor offerings to early-stage companies.

You’ll engage with founders, measure program success, report milestones, and adapt activities to support growth. The role requires energy, relationship skills, and willingness to work outside standard hours to support events.

Qualifications

• Experience in entrepreneurship or with high-growth startups is highly beneficial.
• Ability to recruit top founders for programs.
• Strong network within the tech ecosystem and customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and execute programs for Startup Founders and early-stage companies.
• Responsible for end-to-end program recruitment and execution.
• Brainstorm, test and implement new offerings to enhance early-stage programming.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to tailor offerings to needs.
• Ensure program requirements and milestones are met by participating companies.
• Define and track metrics; provide input on stakeholder reports.
• Coordinate with team leads to align portfolio with Communitech goals.
• Represent the team at events, including outside standard hours.

Skills

Entrepreneurship mindset

Community-building

Relationship management

Customer experience

Analytical thinking

Confidential conversations

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Public speaking

Independent worker

Team player

Flexible hours

Job description

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $70,000.00 Annually

Communitech helps tech companies start, grow, and succeed in Waterloo Region.

We’re building a tech ecosystem that’s proudly local, globally ambitious and powered by community.

Since 1997, Communitech has brought community and tech together to build Canada’s most vibrant innovation ecosystem. We connect local startups and scale-ups to the support they need to grow, compete and lead.

Today, that means helping trusted AI solutions reach the market, turning bold ideas into valuable IP, expanding peer and advisory networks for founders, and uniting voices through the Waterloo Tech Coalition to take on the issues that matter most.

Our goal is to keep Waterloo Region the most connected, collaborative, and resilient tech hub in the country.

We’re looking to grow our team with passionate people – people who believe in our mission and who are willing to do what it takes to help our founders succeed. If you like to work collaboratively, get s#!t done and be a champion for Canadian tech, we want to hear from you. Wonder what it’s like to work at Communitech? Learn more at https://www.communitech.ca/corporate-stuff/careers/

Communitech is based in downtown Kitchener, Ontario. We work in-office five days a week because great things happen when we’re together — creating space for deeper collaboration and stronger relationships with each other and the ecosystem we support.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing, building and executing on programs for Startup Founders
• Responsible for end to end program recruitment and execution
• Brainstorm, test and implement new offerings/supports to further enhance our early stage programming
• Work collaboratively with partner organizations
• Ensure all programming is tailored to companies needs and other resources as appropriate
• Hold companies accountable to meet program requirements and milestones
• Define, track and meet metrics to ensure program success and provide input on stakeholder reports as required
• Work with your people leader to ensure the early stage portfolio aligns with broader team priorities and Communitech goals.
• Collaborate with other Program Managers to strengthen Communitech’s program delivery templates, practices, and overall repertoire of offerings.
• Contribute program management expertise to other programs and initiatives as needed to promote consistency and quality.
• Build relationships with other groups across Communitech in support of cross-functional initiatives.
• Represent the Communitech team at events where required, including outside of standard working hours.
• Other duties as assigned. All duties subject to change

Qualifications

• Experience in entrepreneurship, high growth scaling business and/or with technology startups is extremely helpful
• Brings high energy and a community-building mindset to recruit top founders for our programs
• Excels at cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships across the tech ecosystem
• Strong focus on customer experience and customer validation
• Analytically minded with the ability to assess startup businesses and provide feedback and support
• Comfortable and adept at conducting confidential conversations
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with client companies and other third parties
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while remaining organized
• Comfortable presenting to groups and facilitating discussions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working outside of standard working hours to support program events and activities as required.

Compensation

The annual base salary range is $60,000-$70,000. The actual compensation will be based on various factors, including the candidate’s level of skills, experience and education as well as the needs of the role, budget and market.

This is a full-time temporary contract position through to October 2027, with the possibility of extension.

We thank all applicants in advance; however only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be kept confidential. Communitech is a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including aboriginal persons, francophones, members of sexual minority groups, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women. We will provide any requested accommodation to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

In compliance with Ontario’s Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current, existing vacancy within our organization.