Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, Startups and Scaleups, the Manager, Startups and Scaleups will be responsible for driving the overall success and satisfaction of Vector’s startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) programming. The Startups and Scaleups Manager will serve as a key point of contact for startups and SMEs interacting with Vector, as well as manage Vector’s relationships in the Canadian AI startups ecosystem and drive SME programming reporting needs. This is a high-impact role focused on deepening engagement, delivering strategic value, and ensuring Vector’s AI startups are amongst Canada’s best-positioned for growth, revenue, and venture investment.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-trust environment, brings structure and insight to ambiguity, and is genuinely curious about AI’s role in economic growth and responsible innovation. As part of a small and dynamic team, the Manager, Startups and Scaleups will have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence cross-functional work, and represent the voice of SMEs in internal decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop detailed metrics/key performance indicators and an operating dashboard for the FastLane program that would feed into reporting for public funding;
Facilitate forums for current and potential industry sponsors and AI ecosystem stakeholders to collaborate with smaller firms;
Identify opportunities prioritize access for startups to other programs and opportunities (e.g., exclusive access to conference tickets and booths, accelerated acceptance into startup programs, support from Vector’s partnerships, etc.);
Provide advice to startups in obtaining access to other programs (e.g., accelerators, grants, etc.);
Leverage AI startup talent to assist with current Industry Innovation work stream programs (e.g., Face-to-Face meetings, Professional Development programs, collaborative projects, educating researchers on intellectual property requirements);
Lead as the primary liaison with key Canadian ecosystem supports for AI startups (e.g., Business Development Bank of Canada/Export Development Canada, MaRS, DMZ, Creative Destruction Lab, Next AI, OneEleven, provincial regional innovation centres, university-based incubators, Intellectual Property Ontario, etc.) and beyond (e.g., Y Combinator, Techstars);
Explore opportunities to expand Vector’s network with new corporate partners and venture capitalists;
Actively support AI startups by showcasing them and enhancing their reputation and visibility at Vector events such as job fairs;
Assist Vector’s Design and Delivery team in account management of Vector Startups (e.g., invoicing, eligibility checks for programming, startup recruitment for cohort-based programs and applied AI projects);
Organize Vector’s Commercialization Sessions while assessing the most urgent needs of Vector Startups’ founders;
Oversee and facilitate Vector’s government reporting, and ensure Vector’s compliance with public funding requirements; and,
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.
KEY SUCCESS MEASURES
Regular and reliable programming management delivery (e.g., information sessions, onboarding sessions, invoicing, program recruitment, maintaining FastLane program size, etc.); and,
Vector’s FastLane companies’ reporting is completed on an annual basis (e.g., public reporting, MLA reporting, success stories, etc.).
PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Holds, at minimum, a degree in computer science, engineering, business administration, statistics, mathematics, or another relevant field; a graduate degree with a focus on machine learning or a related discipline is preferred;
3+ years of combined experience in startup/SME ecosystem support, program management, or stakeholder relations within innovation-focused organizations;
Currently in, or has previously held, a management position at a technology startup company or an organization that provides support to startup technology companies;
Practical experience in digital business strategy related to AI and machine learning;
Advanced knowledge of government and other publicly funded services available to startup companies in either the AI or technology-related sectors;
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills;
Strong facilitation skills;
Able to develop a program from the ground up, including metrics and annual review processes;
Able to turn conceptual ideas into tangible operational plans with key milestones and deliverables;
Creative and enjoys collaborating within a small entrepreneurial environment that is results-driven;
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills;
Strong time management and organizational skills;
Comfortable working with a diverse range of clients (e.g., leadership teams, operations staff, graduate students, external partners), maintaining confidentiality, and providing all with a trusted, respectful point of contact;
Possesses a positive attitude, integrity, and a sense of humour, and brings positive energy and outlook to a not-for-profit corporate culture; and,
Motivated by continuous learning and the opportunity to make a difference and a real contribution to the AI ecosystem.

TOTAL REWARDS: The expected salary for this position will be $80,500 – $100,600 per year, plus benefits if applicable. The final salary offer will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in alignment with the Vector Institute’s Compensation Policy and may differ from above.

The Vector Institute’s Total Rewards approach extends beyond traditional compensation and benefits. Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of supports that recognize and value employees, including vacation time, floater days, GRRSP, a Health Spending Account, a Summer Hours program, and flexible work arrangements.

POSITION STATUS: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Vector may use both internal and external third party AI-based tools to assist in the screening of applications for this posting. Any data collected will be used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with Vector’s External Privacy Policy and Use of AI-Based Tools in Recruitment and Selection Policy.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government. Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.
The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact [email protected]. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Check out the Vector Institute’s Careers Page to explore open opportunities at Vector and Follow Vector on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to stay connected with the latest developments in Ontario’s AI ecosystem and the Vector Institute.

Required languages: English

Education level: Bachelors Degree

Required skills: 3+ years of combined experience in startup/SME ecosystem support, program management, or stakeholder relations within innovation-focused organizations; Currently in, or has previously held, a management position at a technology startup company or an organization that provides support to startup technology companies; Practical experience in digital business strategy related to AI and machine learning; Advanced knowledge of government and other publicly funded services available to startup companies in either the AI or technology-related sectors; Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills; Strong facilitation skills; Able to develop a program from the ground up, including metrics and annual review processes; Able to turn conceptual ideas into tangible operational plans with key milestones and deliverables; Creative and enjoys collaborating within a small entrepreneurial environment that is results-driven; Excellent verbal and written English communication skills; Strong time management and organizational skills; Comfortable working with a diverse range of clients (e.g., leadership teams, operations staff, graduate students, external partners), maintaining confidentiality, and providing all with a trusted, respectful point of contact; Possesses a positive attitude, integrity, and a sense of humour, and brings positive energy and outlook to a not-for-profit corporate culture; and, Motivated by continuous learning and the opportunity to make a difference and a real contribution to the AI ecosystem.

Closest intersection: College Street and University Avenue