Venture Programs Events & Initiatives Lead

Invest Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional development organization in Ottawa seeks a Venture Programs Events & Initiatives Lead to drive exclusive initiatives for over 600 tech startups. This role involves coordinating peer groups and workshops while ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. Ideal candidates should have 3–5 years of experience, strong organizational skills, and effective communication abilities. The position emphasizes collaboration across teams and managing logistics for various events, contributing to the vibrant tech ecosystem in Ottawa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in event coordination, program management, or operations.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support strategy and execution of peer groups and initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics including membership management and speaker sourcing.
• Execute initiatives aligned with strategic priorities.

Skills

Event coordination

Organization

Communication skills

Financial administration

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

3–5 years of experience in event coordination, program management, or operations

Tools

CRM systems

Event management tools

Eventbrite

Luma

Canva

Job description

VENTURE PROGRAMS EVENTS & INITIATIVES LEAD

INVEST OTTAWA – VENTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Venture Programs Events & Initiatives Lead plays a key role in executing Invest Ottawa’s exclusive events and initiatives for 600+ tech startups and scaleups in the IO Venture Path. Working closely with the Venture Programs team and its clients, this role ensures every initiative is client‑focused and executed seamlessly from planning through delivery.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, proactive, and thrives in a collaborative environment. They bring strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and proven experience managing multiple projects, stakeholders, and deadlines with ease.

• 10 days per month required in the office at Bayview Yards
• Corporate Pay Band C: $60,800 - $91,200
• Hiring Salary Range: $60,800 - $75,000
• Reason for opening: New Position
• Reports to: Director, Venture Programs

Please Note: Applicants will be reviewed in January 2026.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Peer Groups

Every month, our advisors facilitate around 15 peer groups that foster knowledge exchange and build community across our client companies. In this role, you will:

• Support the strategy and execution of existing peer groups and launch new groups based on client feedback and demand.
• Coordinate all logistics, including membership management, speaker sourcing, scheduling, contracts, and post‑session follow‑up.
• Partner with Finance to manage vendor contracts, purchase orders, and payments efficiently.
• Build and maintain best practices, training, and documentation for consistent delivery.
• Convene peer group leaders to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Track, analyze, and report data through the CRM, identifying insights and recommendations for program enhancement.

Venture Programs Initiatives

• Execute a suite of initiatives and curated experiences exclusive to IO Venture Path clients, ensuring strong alignment with leadership’s strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Coordinate the delivery of workshops, masterclasses, and other initiatives that enhance the client experience.
• Source and manage guest speakers, including overseeing contracts and related financial documentation.
• Work cross‑functionally with Venture Services, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship teams for cohesive delivery and brand alignment.
• Collect and analyze participant feedback to inform continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Client satisfaction (NPS, survey results)
• Attendance and engagement levels
• Adherence to timelines and budgets
• Quality and consistency of execution across all programs
• Positive stakeholder and partner feedback

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in event coordination, program management, or operations.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable engaging with various levels of leadership.
• Experience managing routine financial administration, including purchase orders, invoices, and adherence to established processes.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical thinking abilities with sound judgment.
• Collaborative and team‑oriented, with experience working cross‑departmentally.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and event management tools.
• Experience using Eventbrite, Luma, and Canva considered strong assets.

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier‑free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact [e-mail] to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.