Director Innovation Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Events ManagerThis posting is for an existing vacancy.The Events Manager has oversight of the full slate of Innovation Factory events - from our marquee pitch competitions and conferences to workshops, partner events, and internal gatherings. You'll set the strategy for what events we run and why, and lead the team that brings them to life.Events are one of the most visible ways Innovation Factory shows up in the community, and our events aim to showcase our clients, so you'll work closely with the Marketing Manager to make sure every event has a strong story around it, and with all Innovation Factory teams to make sure events serve their goals.This role reports to the VP of Operations and is based in our Hamilton or Burlington, Ontario office. Core ResponsibilitiesEvent Strategy & Execution Set the annual events strategy across all iF brands - what we run, who it's for, and what success looks like Lead end-to-end execution of all iF events: pitch competitions, conferences, workshops, partner events, and internal events Set and track event KPIs - attendance, engagement, sponsor satisfaction, ROI - and report on what's working Manage event logistics: venues, vendors, registration, AV, hospitality, and on-site experience Continuously improve our event playbook based on what we learn each time Team & Operations Lead, coach, and develop a small events team - including hiring, performance feedback, and growth planning Own the events budget across the portfolio and manage spend and sponsorship targets per event Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including contracts and negotiation Stay current on event formats, tools, and trends, and bring the best of them in Make sure events comply with relevant requirements (AODA accessibility, health and safety, contracts, etc.) Supporting the events coordinator and event specialist in external and internal events Sponsorships & Stakeholders Own event sponsor targets and supporting our Partnership team in lead generation Make sure sponsors get the value they signed up for, and that we deliver on every commitments Coordinate government and funder visits - announcements and events - invitations, on-site experience, and basic protocol Partner with the Marketing Manager so every event has strong promotion before, coverage during, and storytelling after Work closely with the Partnership team to manage event sponsor relationships and fulfillment Work with various Innovation Factory teams so their events serve their goals and audiences Represent Innovation Factory at industry events and in the community Essential Skills and Qualifications 4+ years of event management experience, including running multi-day or high-profile events end-to-end Experience leading people or projects - you've directed a team toward a deadline Strong project management skills: you keep many moving parts on track without dropping the ball Comfort owning a budget and making tradeoff decisions Confident communicator who can manage sponsors, vendors, and senior stakeholders Calm under pressure - events have hard deadlines and live audiences Experience leveraging AI for productivity and in your function as applicable A leadership style that balances clarity, empathy, and accountability Post-secondary diploma or degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field Strong English language verbal and written communication skills Assets Degree in event management, marketing, hospitality, business, or a related field (we care more about what you've done than where you studied) Experience managing sponsor relationships and renewals Experience coordinating with government funders or elected officials' offices Familiarity with event tech (registration platforms, livestream, virtual/hybrid tools) Familiarity with the Canadian innovation or startup ecosystem Working Conditions 5 days per week; 37.5 hours per week, regular daytime business hours are between 9 am EST to 5 pm EST. Working outside of core hours to attend and ensure events run smoothly Opportunity for a hybrid work model, allowing some remote work Some localized travel required including between office locations and events LocationInnovation Factory B21-175 Longwood Rd S, Hamilton ON5151 New St. Burlington, ONPlease note that AI-assisted tools may be used to support the preliminary screening of applications. All applicant assessments and hiring decisions involve human oversight.About Innovation FactoryInnovation Factory (iF) is a not-for-profit business accelerator, providing entrepreneurs with business services, training, mentorship and strategic connections to help bring disruptive technologies to market, increase revenues, attract investment and create jobs.Our mission is to be the primary catalyst for technology innovation in the greater Hamilton and Halton areas with a vision to make the region Canada's fastest-growing innovation community and the first port of call for innovators. We will do this via direct 1-1 support for companies; creating partnerships, and building community. We will create an environment and culture that draws people into the region as a place to invest, live, learn, work and start businesses.The Innovation Factory is committed to a fair and inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer that hires and attracts talent regardless of age, race, creed, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, status as a protected veteran or any other legally protected grounds and will not discriminate on these bases. Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process, as required. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.For more information, please visit www.innovationfactory.ca