Description
Job Posting: IION – Program Lead
Location: Hybrid (in-person at IION office and remote) with travel across the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka, as required
Position Type: Full-Time – 8:30am-4:30pm with occasional after hours required, contract position,
Start date: ASAP
Salary: Dependent on experience, up to $67,500 annually
Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to oversee and lead a new internal program. The successful candidate will work closely with companies in the region to secure grant placements, collaborate with industry experts to provide advisory services, and organize virtual and in-person events to foster innovation, growth, and collaboration in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. Management and reporting of these activities is the focus of the position; the successful candidate does not require an AI or technical background.
Key Responsibilities:
•Lead the development, management, and reporting of IION’s new program to drive innovation in the region
•Collaborate with regional businesses to identify opportunities for AI adoption, and assist them in accessing grants, funding, and resources
•Coordinate with industry experts to offer advisory services to businesses
•Organize and execute both virtual and in-person events (workshops, webinars & seminars) to enhance awareness and foster knowledge-sharing pertaining to AI throughout IION catchment area
•Work closely with stakeholders and partners including government bodies, academic institutions, businesses, and AI professionals, to build and maintain strong relationships
•Monitor AI trends and market developments to ensure IION's program remains relevant and impactful
•Represent IION at regional and industry events, conferences, and meetings
Qualifications:
•A degree / diploma relevant to the position (such as Project Management or a related business degree) from a post-secondary institution
•Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
•Knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies, trends, and industry applications is not required, but considered an asset
•Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including business owners, industry experts, and government representatives
•Strong networking abilities
•Familiarity with grant application processes, funding models, and public sector initiatives is not required, but considered an asset
•Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite (outlook, excel, word, etc) and digital tools for virtual events and communications (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc)
•Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently and as part of a team
•Ability to speak English (required) and French (not required, but considered an asset)
•Legally entitled to work full-time (37.5 hours / week) in Canada
•Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel within IION’s catchment area of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka
Why Join IION:
Located in North Bay, ON, IION is a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) that strives to support and guide innovative businesses in the Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka regions. Our goal is to help innovators turn their ideas and projects into reality by offering a range of programs and services. We act as a business catalyst, partner, and advisor to bridge the gap between ideation and commercialization. The selected candidate will:
•Be at the forefront of innovation and AI in Northern Ontario
•Collaborate with leading industry experts, business owners, and regional stakeholders.
•Have the opportunity to help shape the future of AI adoption in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors in the world
•Have a flexible working environment with opportunities for travel and networking across the region
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience. Applications must be submitted to Matthew Doherty (Executive Director, IION) directly via email at matthew@iion.ca with the following subject line, “ [Your first and last name] - IION – Ignite AI Program Lead Application”. Applications submitted in any other manner will not be reviewed.
IION is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.