Program Specialist
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.
The Role
Reporting to the VP, Programs & Services, the Program Specialist will oversee the successful development, implementation and execution of products and services related to the Elevate IP Program, a federally funded initiative to ensure more equitable access to:
IP protection awareness, promotion and information
IP strategy mentorship and coaching
Funding the development and implementation of IP strategies
The Program Specialist will support the development and delivery of information sessions and materials to help build awareness of the program among startups. Education and training may be delivered in person, remotely, or hybrid, and comes in a variety of formats such as videos, courses, workshops, self-assessment tools, and other materials.
Responsibilities
The Program Specialist will assist the overall ElevateIP team in working with startups and appropriate advisors to coordinate the following activities:
Source and maintain a suite of materials, best practices, and/or training modules to support and train innovators on critical issues in delivering IP services to startups
Compile and provide basic information about intellectual property (IP), why it’s important for startups, and what program elements are available to ensure startups can make informed education and program choices
Outline local and regional support available to assist startups and how to access them (e.g. licensed service providers, self-assessment tools, and IP strategy resources)
Provide overviews on resources, expertise, and national initiatives available through the ElevateIP program and how to access them
Support the delivery of educational workshops, roundtables, events, and information sessions
Build relationships and work cross-functionally with multiple teams throughout the organization to help the success of our programs, marketing, and communications
Collaborate with team members on marketing and outreach activities to increase ElevateIP program awareness and uptake (e.g. promoting program events and resources on social media, hosting program information session, etc.)
Develop and recommend processes and documentation to enable startups to find or access specialized training and support
Working with the Senior Program Manager, coordinate and track contracts, partnership agreements and invoices, and events schedule
Help recruit startups, innovators, and collaborators into the program
Engage external vendors and partners to develop and provide advanced IP education/training for underrepresented groups, verticals, or sectors based on startup needs and gaps, in particular to meet the needs of:
Underrepresented groups (including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous people, racialized groups, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals)
Specific sectors, technologies, and focus areas
Special topics related to IP strategy and implementation
Other duties as assigned. All duties subject to change.
General duties, including but not limited to:
Build relationships and work cross functionally with multiple teams throughout the organization to in support of the program delivery
Provide support for internal team events both virtual and in person, such as team lunches, quarterly team meetings and any other team events
Represent, support and be involved in other Communitech events as required
Help recruit startups and other collaborators into the program
Other duties as assigned. All duties subject to change
Qualifications
1–3 years of relevant professional experience
Experience with a learning management system is considered a strong asset; please indicate the platform you are familiar with in your application
Previous experience working with enabling or growth organizations, or supporting business-to-business sales, is an asset
Interest in cutting edge technology and its practical application(s) for our founders
Strong organizational skills with great attention to details
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent requests and prioritize them based on impact and urgency
Passion for building relationships, providing outstanding customer service
Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Strong Google suite skills and collaborative tech usage
Ability to responsibly and ethically use generative AI tools to streamline workflows and increase efficiency in a professional setting
Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM is an asset
Willingness to represent Communitech at events outside of normal working hours on occasion
Compensation
The annual base salary range for this role is $55,000-$58,000. This is a contract, full-time position from June 1, 2026 (or hire date) to March 31, 2027.
To Apply
Please apply online along with your resume and cover letter.
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.
Please note that ADP’s platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate an applicant’s Candidate or Profile Relevance score. This is one of many factors that will be reviewed in making interview decisions, and all applications will be reviewed by a human. Scores do not affect the visibility of an application and applicants may opt-out when applying.
