Sr Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Programs

Medical Innovation Xchange; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a results-driven Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships and Programs. This role is pivotal in driving sponsorship and business development efforts, contributing to the growth and impact of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in securing sponsorships, understanding the local innovation ecosystem, and designing impactful programming initiatives. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy wearing multiple hats, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the medical technology sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development or sponsorship in a not-for-profit environment.
• Strong understanding of the innovation ecosystem and client program design.

Responsibilities

• Lead sponsorship cycle from generation to contract execution.
• Develop and execute business strategies to exceed revenue targets.

Skills

Business Development

Sponsorship Acquisition

Negotiation Skills

CRM Tools

Strategic Partnerships

Program Development

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

CRM Software

Job description

ABOUT US: Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX)

Since its founding in 2020, MIX has already made an impact in the Waterloo Region innovation ecosystem. Currently, MIX supports 6 Resident Companies (at our HQ in Kitchener) and 10 Affiliate Companies in their pursuit to help medical technology startups scale successfully in Canada. MIX was created to reduce the barriers and bridge the resource gap facing medical technology startups and helps to grow successful Canadian MedTech companies, while retaining them and their talent in Canada. MIX companies have already served 100k patients – and we are just getting started!

THE POSITION: Sr Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Programs

MIX is growing and we are looking for a results-driven Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Programs to lead sponsorship and business development efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will help MIX grow and achieve our vision. In this role, you will generate, nurture, and close new sponsorships, design and deliver programming initiatives, and develop strategic collaborations that drive our organization's growth and impact, measured by the success and feedback of member (client) companies.

This is an Ideal role for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of securing 5 or 6 figure sponsorships
• Is a go-getter and networker who understands the Waterloo Region innovation ecosystem and provincial and federal programs
• Is analytical, detailed and creative in their approach to strategic partnerships
• Enjoys wearing multiple hats and having each day look different

“One day you are making a sponsorship deal, the next you have a brilliant programming idea, another day you are bringing operational excellence to MIX processes and the next you are representing MIX at a community event”.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: What You Will Do

Strategic Partnerships:

• Own the full sponsorship cycle from lead generation to contract execution.
• Develop and execute a business development strategy to meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Drive the full partnership cycle (from lead generation to closure) of inbound and outbound sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and joint programming opportunities.
• Manage and nurture relationships with a portfolio of long-term partners and clients
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, presentations, and pitches to prospective clients.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new partnership opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
• Regularly attend community events to represent the MIX brand and look for new collaboration or partnership opportunities.

Programs:

• Lead the development and execution of programming that meet our client's needs
• Lead the development and execution of existing and new client facing programs
• Lead programming initiatives including executing on strategy and work with internal resources to deliver successful programs and initiatives
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on strategic initiatives

Operational Excellence:

• Identify, develop and deploy internal processes, controls and policies that drive operational excellence.
• Build, leverage and maintain a customer relationship management (CRM) database to optimize process and relationship management.
• Track performance metrics and provide regular reporting to the ED and Board on progress toward annual business plan, revenue and partnership goals.

What Does Success Look Like?

• Partners and clients of MIX are engaged and satisfied with the support and programming they receive from MIX.
• Increased sponsorship relationships are contributing to increased revenue.
• A CRM tool is selected and implemented, contributing to operational excellence.
• New value-add programs are developed and deployed with our clients in mind.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sponsorship, ideally in a not-for-profit fundraising environment; and/or
• 5+ years of experience working in the innovation ecosystem environment
• Strong understanding of the full development cycle, from lead generation to closing and account management.
• Experience designing and delivering programs for a diverse set of clients
• An intimate understanding of the Waterloo Region innovation ecosystem and provincial and federal programs.
• Experience using CRM tools for sales tracking, pipeline management, and relationship optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to craft concept notes, proposal, and other materials that support deal closure
• A Jack-Or-Jill-of-all-trades!
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to be flexible, nimble and resourceful
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset.
• High political acuity.
• A builder! Someone who isn’t afraid to start from scratch, build programs, processes and work in a truly lean environment.

Bonus points if you:

• Have led or worked for a startup, extra bonus points if it is in the health innovation sector
• Experience with grant writing or other government relations functions

Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive work environment. It is our policy to recruit and select applicants solely on the basis of their qualifications. We are an equal opportunity employer that hires talent regardless of age, race, creed, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other status or condition protected by applicable law.

MIX encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Those in need of accommodation at any stage in the recruitment process should notify [e-mail]. Any information received that relates to accommodation needs of a candidate will be addressed in a confidential manner.