Education & Awareness Specialist

at  Ontario Centre of Innovation

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) drives the growth of a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy in Ontario by:

• Taking a leadership role in industry-academic collaborations and working collaboratively with the Province to enable a high and sustainable level of prosperity.
• Helping innovative companies leverage the outcomes and capabilities of provincial research institutions.
• Providing real-world experience for Ontario’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs
• Driving and supporting the development of a world-class knowledge transfer system
• Driving and supporting the commercialization of a publicly funded academic research outcomes and expanding Ontario’s network of Canadian and international partners.
• Seeking strategic partnerships that benefit OCI clients and are complementary to the organization’s vision and mission.

OCI administers programming in partnership with the provincial and federal governments. OCI accelerates the commercialization and adoption of emerging technologies in Ontario. OCI is seeking a dynamic, confident, and highly organized Education and Awareness Specialist based in Toronto, Ontario.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Minimum of 5-7 years of related experience, in the development and delivery of programs coupled with a university degree.
• Master’s level or higher in information and communications technologies, cleantech or advanced manufacturing is preferred.
• Familiar with the language and terminology of industry, early-stage commercialization, and demonstration programs.
• Superior project and time management skills, including planning and executing projects to accomplish goals within constraints such as time, budget, and quality standards.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external teams.
• Proficiency with databases, web searches, with ability to learn new software applications.
• Highly developed, interpretive, and analytical skills in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Video conferencing.
• Experience with and keen interest and passion in Ontario’s industry-academic collaborations, proficient in contracts and intellectual property matter.

The Education and Awareness Specialist is expected to assume program responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Develop and manage external-facing program activities, including stakeholder engagement, partnership development, strategic communications, and execution of program initiatives.
• Leverage and maintain strategic relationships, networks, and program insight in the digital technology sector, and apply proven communication, networking, and problem-solving skills to help deliver on program objectives and maximize the benefit of all stakeholders.
• Create partnerships with industry to benefit OCI and the ventures we support, including corporates, investors, digital technology industry organizations, and government bodies.
• Identify conferences, speaking, media, and publication opportunities to promote and address the needs of our clients and promote the Digital Competency Centre brand.
• Keep abreast of industry and/or domain knowledge and activities, including current events, breakthroughs, trends, regulatory issues, and key contacts and possess a solid understanding of the global industry to support thought leadership.
• Engage stakeholders in the creation and execution of industry-leading events and education opportunities
• Develop and facilitate the creation of blogs, online articles, speaking engagements, etc.
• Communicate and negotiate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a balance of usability and fit with set objectives.
• Collaborate in the planning, design, development, and deployment of program enhancements, partnership opportunities and strategic initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership, communicating opportunities and escalating risks when appropriate.
• Interface and liaise with stakeholders; work cross-functionally across departments to assemble resources; work cooperatively and collaboratively with other OCI staff to ensure successful delivery of projects or programs.
• Identify, develop, and manage outcomes and works with the Marketing & Communications team to develop success stories.
• Other related duties as assigned, with occasional overtime as required with events outside of normal business hours, and occasional travel within Ontario.