JOB DESCRIPTION – Specialist, Partnerships and Alumni

Salary Band: $46,328 to $57,910

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The Accelerator Centre (AC) seeks a qualified, energetic and flexible Jack or Jill of all trades to fill an exciting position in our fast-paced and dynamic entrepreneurial workspace. The ideal candidate is organized, an excellent communicator, a master of multi-tasking and is ready to take on projects and initiatives with minimal guidance. This is a newly created role at the AC and this person will be responsible for developing and implementing two important strategic initiatives, namely our alumni relations, as well as partnerships/special projects.  

Working closely with and reporting to the VP, Strategy and External Relations, the Specialist will contribute to setting the direction in this dual role, leading the implementation of plans that drive major sponsor growth and alumni engagement. With over 200 alumni of our award-winning programs, the AC is prioritizing the creation of an alumni engagement program to ensure relations with our graduates become life-long.

The successful candidate will possess a strong fundraising, partnership and business development mentality, and have the capability to switch seamlessly between strategic thinking, proposal and tactical work. They will also be a strong communicator and be able to convert strategic goals into multi-year, revenue-generating sponsorship opportunities and programs. The role requires a demonstrated ability to collaboratively build relationships, both internally and externally, manage complex projects and competing priorities, as well as track, report and optimize the performance of partnerships, sponsorships and partner programs.

This position will be Waterloo-based, but given the current public health climate, AC staff have the option to work remotely as needed. This position is initially proposed as a 12-month contract, contingent on funding/success in the role.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Development

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• The Specialist will work closely with the VP, Strategy and External Relations to identify, build and manage a pipeline of qualified sponsorship opportunities with potential private sector partners, closing and implementing industry partnerships and sponsorships.
• Develop sponsorship offerings and collaborate with the AC marketing team to develop a new sponsorship guide and other initiatives to ensure a strong pipeline of revenue-generating opportunities with the private sector.
• Leverage, foster, maintain, and build relationships with relevant private sector decision-makers, maintaining a strong partner-first mentality.
• Deliver value-added business development connections for clients via the creation of purposeful partnerships that are strategically aligned with our client portfolio.
• On a day-to-day basis, track, resolve, and/or escalate key partnership issues, and manage internal and external expectations appropriately, ensuring the VP is informed of all critical issues on a timely basis.
• Ensure that all partner data is accurately maintained and that relevant reports/dashboards are created in order to measure impact and sponsor tracking to ensure commitments are fulfilled and proactively ensure renewals.
• Implementation of regular sponsor satisfaction surveys, sponsor appreciation or acknowledgement events.
• Provide assistance to the VP relating to the development and execution of new and special projects.
• Be the Chief Everything Officer (CEO), find opportunity in every task and support the company and team.

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Alumni Relations

The Accelerator Centre’s signature programs build start-ups from ideation to scale, and prepares them to compete globally. Traditionally, after leaving the programs and the Accelerator Centre, our work with these companies comes to a close. A new strategic priority for the AC is to develop an alumni network to build lifelong relationships with our clients, even after they have left the AC.

• Development of the AC alumni network, which will be structured on an external review of the opportunity and priorities of graduates and future graduates, engagement which will include the priorities listed below, with an overall program goal of providing value to clients, alumni and to the AC as a whole by ensuring regular touchpoints with graduates, running events featuring graduates for the benefit of clients, tracking alumni engagement, etc.
• Leverage and engage local alumni by offering programming to bridge the gaps between all stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively to enhance relationships within the local tech ecosystem
• Facilitate our current Volunteer Grad Network meetings and integrate into the expanded program.
• Working with the program team to steward current clients to ensure a long-lasting relationship with the AC by reinforcing the AC’s value to current clients.
• Work closely with communications team and the AC community to integrate messaging pertinent to all alumni and donors as well as the university community.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years proven track record working in sponsorships, partnerships, fundraising or business development, ideally with a foundation, non-profit, or an advancement office in higher education.
• Established private sector contacts and experience in building results-driven technology and financial sector partnerships/sponsorships.
• Demonstrated experience closing industry partnership and sponsorship opportunities, negotiating contracts and agreements, and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
• Strong communicator with clear verbal and written communication, strong interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated high level of internal and external customer service.
• Conducts business in a professional manner at all times, leading by example with a positive team attitude in all aspects.
• Excellent organizational, trouble-shooting and interpersonal skills.
• A self-starter that can work under minimal supervision and can juggle multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Regular access to a vehicle and valid ‘G’ class drivers’ license.

‍HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter in a single PDF to careers@acceleratorcentre.com by September 20, 2020 at 5pm.

We thank all interested candidates for their applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Accelerator Centre is committed to fostering a diverse community that is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

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A full range of perspectives, lifestyles, and passions are key to creating the inclusive, entrepreneurial environment that is necessary to help our clients build and scale globally competitive companies. Diversity and inclusion at the Accelerator Centre means we are dedicated to the elimination of discrimination, in all its forms, at all levels of our organization and in our programming.

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We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age, physical ability, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation. We will provide any requested accommodation to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require assistance, please contact careers@acceleratorcentre.com noting the job title in the subject line of the email.

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