Special Programs Manager, Centre for Housing Innovation

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Toronto seeks a Special Programs Manager to oversee programs focused on driving innovation in housing. This role requires expertise in entrepreneurship and project management, with responsibilities including managing program implementation and supervising project staff. The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in project leadership and a relevant degree. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the community through innovative programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in a project leadership role, preferably in business development.
• Strong knowledge of best practices for training and development.
• Demonstrated experience with project management practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage the program from planning to implementation, ensuring deliverables are met.
• Supervise and hire Programs Specialist and other project staff.
• Develop networks with industry partners to explore opportunities.

Skills

Project leadership

Entrepreneurship

Analytical skills

Interpersonal relationship skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in business administration or related discipline

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

The team

DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact.

To date, DMZ has supported 2400+ startups in raising $2.94 billion in capital and has created over 25,000 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.

Learn more at .

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our .

The Opportunity

The Special Programs Manager is crucial in supporting the (CHI), a program funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and delivered in partnership with Groundbreak Ventures, Civic Action, and NGen. CHI is focused on driving innovation in housing, a critical area of impact for DMZ.

This position requires an individual with expertise in entrepreneurship and project management, as well as the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder relationships where each partner may have distinct goals and expectations. The Special Programs Manager will manage and oversee special programs related to the priorities of the DMZ and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), from development through to implementation.

• Plans, executes and implements all aspects of a program within agreed budget, specifications and timelines, and manages client-team relationships.
• Develops new program proposals, as required

Responsibilities

• Manage, monitor, and operate the program from planning to implementation / delivery, including defining and developing program scope and objectives, timelines, deliverables, and ensuring the necessary resources for the program.
• Oversee and supervise Programs Specialist and other project staff and their activities, including hiring, training, determining priorities and ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget and within quality standards
• Prepare and ensure required documentation is maintained on the university system for post-project reviews, research on best practices and identify opportunities for learning and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate internal university-wide and external communications to support program results and promotion of successful programs
• Participate in short and long-range strategic planning and gather relevant information, for example, industry trends, issues, developments, competitive programs, potential partners and collaborators
• Develop networks with current and potential industry partners and other target audiences to explore program opportunities and leads

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications :

• Successful completion of a post-secondary degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline.
• A minimum of five (5) years in a project leadership role, preferably in business development or managing complex projects, including direct management of funder / client relationships, is required.
• Experience with the Ontario and Canadian innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems with a talent development perspective as an asset, including incubators, accelerators, public and private funders, and support organizations
• Experience in driving innovation in housing is a definite asset.
• Strong knowledge of best practices for training, support, and development of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and research commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience with project management practices and techniques (defining scope, timelines, deliverables, facilitating resources, reporting, anticipating issues and risks), including experience in implementing industry business systems to ensure project deliverables are achieved on time, within budget and to specifications.
• Strong team management to facilitate client-team meetings, to oversee and supervise project staff and their activities, including hiring, training, determining priorities and deliverables, set performance standards and identify training needs.
• Strong analytical skills to identify issues, trends, opportunities and financial analysis skills to support project updates.
• Solid oral and written communication skills for report / proposal writing, ensure sufficient documentation, and preparing financial reports.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, identify trends, issues, developments, partners and collaborators.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to participate in events that support participating companies.