Job Description

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create.

Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.


Reporting to the Director, RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and working in close collaboration with stakeholders within and outside the University, the Program Lead, develops, implements and manages enhanced programs and initiatives associated with creative entrepreneurship for OCAD University (OCAD U) students and recent alumni. This role oversees features of the portfolio including co-curricular skills development workshops, potential incubator activities, mentorship opportunities, networking events, pitch competitions, tools and resource development, tie-ins with curriculum, collaborating on student-led initiatives and advising to ensure participants receive the necessary guidance to launch and grow successful creative ventures.


The Program Lead will also foster partnerships with internal stakeholders, alumni, industry leaders, and funders to provide a robust network of support for creative entrepreneurs. In addition, the role requires evaluating the effectiveness of these programs through data analysis, participant feedback, and long-term success metrics. The Program Lead will act as a strategic advisor to entrepreneurs, offering expertise on business development, funding strategies, and navigating challenges while working as an integrated member of the CEAD team.

Summary of Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Director, CEAD, develop a wide range of agile, innovative programs and services associated with the Creative Entrepreneurship portfolio Manage the day-to-day implementation of the CEAD's Creative Entrepreneurship portfolio, including ongoing strategy input, program enhancement, project coordination, key deliverables and evaluation Liaise with donors, senior personnel and major stakeholders to mobilize project results and solicit ongoing support Expand and deliver mentorship and networking initiatives and events Collaborate on funding proposals, and lead related measurement and impact reporting requirements Manage and administer the portfolio budget and project financials, in co-ordination with the Manager, Operations Establish new pathways for students to engage in business-to-customer activities Supervision of staff, including contract personnel and any additional project or longer-term hiring Manage major annual initiatives like the Seed Fund Pitch Competition for Creative Entrepreneurs Present specialized workshops on skills associated with entrepreneurship Strategic partner development and collaboration, particularly with external stakeholders Participate in related research initiatives involving faculty and research assistants, and collaborate to produce various outputs such as publications Partner with subject matter experts to develop leading-edge student and alumni learning resources, including the use of instructional design principles for self-directed online courses Conduct needs assessments and ongoing ecosystem research necessary to enhance the portfolio Conduct one-on-one and small group advising with students and alumni associated with early-stage enterprise development, including navigating policy compliance, intellectual property and conflict resolution Explore potential intersections between the work of the Creative Entrepreneurship portfolio with that of the Career Development and Experiential Learning portfolios Serving on University Senate subcommittees as required Meet regularly with community partners, faculty, and staff to discuss issues and plan for on-going improvements Assist the Director, Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers in related functions contributing to the successful operation of the CEAD

Qualifications:

Post-secondary degree, with a focus in humanities, creative industries, art or design preferred, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience Demonstrated track record of achievements associated with creative entrepreneurship, running a social enterprise and/or creative professional practice, including a deep understanding of business strategy, funding, marketing and working with clients/customers particularly within creative industries Proven experience in designing and managing programs and initiatives such as workshops, incubators and pitch competitions Experience supervising personnel in a variety of contexts, including mediation and conflict resolution Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with industry leaders, subject matter experts and funders/sponsors Extensive network of prospective mentors required Demonstrated leadership skills, including high measures of adaptability and innovation associated with shifting project teams Ability to synthesize various trends and research into actionable offerings Demonstrated ability to plan and execute event logistics and stakeholder coordination Experience in development and operation of sophisticated online databases and content management systems required Demonstrated strength in project management, organization, evaluation and reporting Knowledge of OCAD University, its administrative and academic structure, programs and requirements an asset Ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff Exceptional written and oral communication skills and strong self-management skills Advanced ability to exercise tact, good judgement, and diplomacy Demonstrated attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation:

OPSEU Unit 1, Appendix A, Grade B2; $36.77 to $48.33 per hour

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until

January 26, 2027.

Mode of Work:

Hybrid Model


Interested

internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants

are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (

PDF

) , no later than

Wednesday October 29, 2025

.

Please upload your resume and cover letter

as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code*

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-deserving groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.