The Opportunity The Programs Manager will manage the planning and execution of DMZ's programs to ensure responsiveness and effectiveness of initiatives, programs and services available to DMZ entrepreneurs and partners, in collaboration with the Director, Programs. The successful candidate will also manage the design, development, delivery and evaluation of the DMZ programs' framework and work plan, in consultation with the Sr. Director. Creates high-quality and relevant resources and tools to facilitate successful programming for DMZ companies to reach successful outcomes.
Other responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Strategic support to the Director, Programs and DMZ management to ensure consistent programs, alignment with DMZ culture and help achieve overall mission, vision and goals.
- Operational management of DMZ programs, from planning to implementation/delivery.
- Leads the overall planning, development and execution of DMZ Programs including year-round DMZ programs and initiatives that engage the DMZ's target audience and establish the DMZ as a hub for tech innovation expertise and entrepreneurship. Defines and develops program scope and objectives, timetables and deliverables.
- Develops and manages the screening, onboarding and outgoing processes for start-ups, to ensure they integrate well into the DMZ culture, and properly align with goals of the programs offered by the DMZ.
- Develops and implements a mechanism for generating feedback from startup companies, assesses their ongoing state as it relates to capital raising, investor relations and customer connections to ensure startup success and manages the one-on-one mentoring sessions to ensure companies are receiving adequate value from programming.
- Ensures development and implementation program evaluation metrics, reviews the effectiveness of programs in achieving the desired and expected outcomes for the entrepreneurs and/or external stakeholders.and optimizes opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Networking, events and partnership coordination.
- Represents the DMZ and the University at various networking events, expos, and tech industry related events around the world to connect with external investors, and partners and facilitates introductions between startups and external investors.
- Finance, infrastructure and HR Management
- Supports the Director with annual operational budgeting. Monitors expenses against the budget, ensures that programs are adequately funded, and that funds are expended in an appropriate manner to facilitate cash flow availability.
Leadership Competencies Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:
- Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
- Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
- Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
- Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
- Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.
QualificationsTo help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in business administration or a related field.
- A minimum of five years of work experience in a project supervisory or management role in a business accelerator / incubator environment with the following requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Knowledge of the Ontario and Canadian innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems;
- Knowledge of current economic development issues, and in-depth understanding of emerging markets and area of opportunity to be leveraged by emerging technologies;
- Conceptualizing, planning and implementing innovative programming;Excellent client service skills, people management skills and negotiation skills;
- Strong organizational and time management skills;
- Problem solving, decision making skills.
- Demonstrated experience with project management practices and techniques (defining scope, timelines, deliverables, facilitating resources, reporting, anticipating issues and risks), including experience in implementing industry business systems to ensure project deliverables are achieved on time, within budget and to specifications.
- Strong team management to facilitate client-team meetings, to oversee and supervise project staff and their activities, including hiring, training, determining priorities and deliverables, set performance standards and identify training needs.
- Strong analytical skills to identify issues, trends, opportunities and financial analysis skills to support project updates.
- Solid oral and written communication skills for report/proposal writing, ensure sufficient documentation, prepare financial reports.
- Strong interpersonal relationship skills to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, identify trends, issues, developments, partners and collaborators.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to participate in events that support participating companies.
Additional Information (MAC) Position Number 20004655
Reports To Director, Programs
Department DMZ
Employee Group MAC
Vacancy Type Term
This is a current vacancy
Work Location Hybrid (3-4 days in-person/on campus) and the remaining day(s) working remotely based on operational requirements and subject to change
Start Date ASAP
End Date 1 year after start date
Hours of Work 36.25
Grade C51
Salary Scale $77,580-$123,926
Hiring Salary Range $77,580-$118,000
Posting Date June 8, 2026
Application Close Date June 21, 2026
- Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
- As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
- Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
- We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
