Date: |
August 1, 2012 |
Reports to (Job Title): |
Founding Director, CBET |
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles): |
- Contracted specialists (TBD)
- One or more co-op students as required from time to time
|
Location: |
Main Campus |
Grade: |
USG 10
35 hr/wk
|
Primary Purpose
This position is responsible for the overall development, implementation, monitoring and management of the Conrad Centre’s Virtual Incubation Program (VIP), in collaboration with Conrad faculty.
Key Accountabilities:
1.Technological management, including but not limited to:
- creating path-breaking ways to design and deliver on-line entrepreneurship education
- working closely with our educational platform partner, Desire2Learn, to determine the capabilities that are required for successful VIP implementation
- identifying other required supporting IT infrastructure
- identifying and implementing CRM system capabilities and other required support systems and networks
- determining optimal methods to support on-line learning modules on the educational platform
- developing technological infrastructure that supports virtual organizations and collaboration.
- refining technology infrastructure based on experiences obtained
2.Program management, including but not limited to:
- assisting in determining the nature, number, content and length of specific on-line learning modules that support program objectives.
- working closely with faculty and other content architects (which could also include the Manager - VIP) to develop, test and offer specific learning modules for VIP
- developing and implementing marketing activities associated with the program.
- developing and coordinating an advisory/mentorship/alumni network to provide business support for ventures within the program.
- creation and implementation of mechanisms for timely on-line feedback and advice from mentorship community
- forming evaluation panels & developing assessment criteria for judging quality of projects and which projects advance from one completion stage to the next
- putting production standards/guidelines in place for the generation of video content
- running and evaluating success of program through written feedback and focus groups of interested stakeholders
- revising processes and other VIP critical issues based on experiences achieved.
- preparing for subsequent offerings of VIP to local UW community and outside UW
- preparing reports for VIP sponsors
3.Other administrative functions, including but not limited to:
- providing the Founding Director with confidential and strategic advice, information, and data to support decision making
- liaising with IST, Engineering Computing and outside vendors to ensure timely rectification of computing issues that may be experienced by faculty, staff or students in the VIP program
- representing Conrad at various on and off-campus events and conferences to promote the Centre and the VIP program
- assisting with the development and implementation of longer term VIP marketing strategy
- other duties as assigned by the Founding Director.
Position Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required. Education or training in entrepreneurial business environments preferred.
Experience:
- Proven networking capabilities and experience that can be used to connect and develop working relationships with potential mentors, judges and alumni
- Knowledge of the Region of Waterloo’s business and investment environments.
- Excellent human relation skills, in particular, ability to foster constructive team relationships
- Experience in working in and developing content for on-line educational environments
- Experience in working with and teaching students in a non-traditional environment
- Familiarity with the Conrad Centre and its academic programs (MBET, Enterprise Co-op)
- Independent judgment in areas of time management, task prioritization and decision-making
- Proven ability to manage a large volume of work and deadlines
- Excellent verbal and written communication ability
Technical:
MS Word |
Excel |
PowerPoint |
Other |
word |
excel |
powerpoint |
Working knowledge of educational platforms such as Desire2Learn
Working knowledge of social media platforms
Familiarity with CRM system implementation
Ability to set up and run virtual competitions
|
Nature and Scope
Interpersonal Skills:
The Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology Centre (Conrad) has recently received a generous grant to develop and implement a Virtual Incubation Program (VIP). The purpose of VIP is to establish a global, online network of students, community groups, local entrepreneurs and international university partners to support the development and launch of new businesses. VIP will be a catalyst that leads to the production of meaningful, profitable new ventures on campus, in the community, and globally through academic partnerships. The duration of the grant is 5 years. Conrad is now seeking an individual to champion the development and implementation of VIP.
The project will be implemented in phases. In year 1, VIP will be introduced to the 2012/13 class of MBET students. In subsequent years, it will be expanded to on-campus groups, external groups in Canada and finally to international partners. VIP deliverables include an on-line video pitch, an investor pitch and an investor community pitch successful completion of which will enhance the likelihood of a commercializable venture.
Internally, makes contact with Conrad Centre faculty, staff and colleagues across campus to present and discuss information and problems relating to the VIP Program. The VIP Manager must collaborate, negotiate and “sell” ideas.
Externally, makes contact with mentors, advisors, service personnel and contractors to deal with, influence and motivate.
Maintains and cultivates strong relationships with alumni, Advisory Council members and other VIP stakeholders.
Level of Responsibility:
The job has specialized work with minimal supervision and has direct reports reporting to
it.
Decision-Making Authority:
- Makes independent decisions on the deployment of the VIP model.
- Provides Founding Director with decision support on the allocation of human resources, technical support and equipment to support the VIP program .
Physical and Sensory Demands:
Minimal demands typical of an administrative position within an office environment
Working Environment:
Travel: Limited
Working Hours:
- Regular working hours, some evening/weekend work required
.
Risks – physical and psychological:
Physical risks
Psychological risks
- Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of a supervisory position