Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

Program Manager, Entrepreneurship

Job ID

71288

Location

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)

Open Date

08/08/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

08/22/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

MILO

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$30.84 - $47.65 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

JD0646

Schedule

Monday - Friday (35 Hours per week)

8:30am-4:30pm

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Requires 4 years of relevant experience, including one year of supervisory experience.

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.


McMaster's entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on world-class research programs and a problem-based learning culture that empowers our entrepreneurs to focus on impactful solutions for people and the planet. The innovation ecosystem at McMaster University includes the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO), The Forge, The Clinic, and the McMaster Entrepreneurship Academy.



Reporting to MILO's Associate Director, New Ventures, the Program Manager implements various Made at Mac initiatives to support startups and entrepreneurs in the McMaster community.

Job Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for managing a large, complex portfolio of programs within a unit or a department. Implements and manages program activities and facilitates ongoing program market research, development, marketing and evaluation. Responsible for the overall quality of program services and responds to evaluation data to make ongoing program improvements, and for managing the program budget and forecasting projected resource needs. Collaborates with internal and external partners and manages a variety of relationships.

Purpose and Key Functions

Conduct primary and secondary research on new program concepts to determine potential fit, market share, and viability.

Develop and critically evaluate concepts and alternatives, designs and formats for new programs.

In consultation with the Assistant Director or Director, create alternative program models and conduct analyses of their financial viability.

Provide regular reports to New Program Committee and Director, make recommendations, and seek feedback and direction.

In consultation with the Assistant Director or Director, develop detailed program financial forecasts, business cases and proposals for new programs.

Prepare academic program submissions for Undergraduate Council and Senate review.

Hire, supervise and evaluate course developers, instructional designers, consultants and subject matter experts engaged in the development of the program.

Manage the development of the program.

Lead curriculum development and instructional design of courses and programs. The level of involvement may vary by project, but requires working with subject matter experts, and often instructional designers, to develop curriculum.

Create a program marketing plan.

Conduct reviews of existing programs and make recommendations and updates to programs by either updating the curriculum and instructional design, or updating the program to reposition it within the marketplace.

Develop, implement and evaluate marketing plan activities including advertising, relationships with professional associations, prospect development, retention plans, and cross selling with other programs.

Implement program marketing plan and liaise with marketing staff to ensure all new central marketing activities are completed. Ensure the accuracy of content and distribution of program website, calendar and promotional materials.

Develop program content for department website and publications.

Hire, supervise, coach and evaluate course instructors. Engage in performance management and termination.

Manage the delivery of programs and courses including scheduling, selecting delivery formats, ordering texts and materials, and liaising with instructors.

Develop and conduct course and program evaluations, provide feedback to instructors, and incorporate feedback into course and program redevelopment.

Analyze and assess student applications and transcripts to determine eligibility for program admission and graduation. Determine what advanced credit will be granted to incoming students.

Advise prospective and current students in all aspects of their program of study including providing career program options and skills counselling.

Verify and approve student grades.

Update and maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of student records and information.

Respond to student and instructor needs including academic dishonesty, grade challenges and dissatisfaction with aspects of the program.

Ensure student satisfaction through a consistently high level of service.

Manage financial aspects of programs including developing budgets, setting fees, establishing enrolment and financial forecasts, ensuring maximum productivity, and meeting profitability objectives.

Remain current with emerging trends and association requirements and ensure that the curriculum is representative of student and market needs.

Dissolve programs that are no longer financially viable and create transition plans that manage any impact on students and instructors.

Work with the Assistant Director, instructors and others, to contribute to training proposals for corporate clients.

Act as a consultant to corporate clients providing services such as needs analysis and assessment, benchmarking, training design, instructional design, and training evaluation.

Negotiate and prepare contracts and agreements with corporate clients, which include prices, program content, schedule and services.

Contribute to a marketing and business development plan for corporate training, and manage aspects of the plan.

Build a network of relationships and collaborate with internal and external groups to raise the profile of the University, develop new program ideas, build relationships with professional associations and employers, and to develop new business.

Develop and deliver presentations to raise the profile of the department.

Supervision

Ongoing responsibility for hiring and supervising 10 or more casual employees at any one time.

Assets

Demonstrated industry experience and strong connections to startups, executives, and investors at the local, national, and international levels.

Proven experience with entrepreneurship programming and ecosystem development.

Background in supporting startups, researchers, clinicians, and students.

Track record of managing projects or programs from implementation to post-program engagement.

Creative and independent thinker; resourceful and proactive in launching new initiatives.

Additional Information

The Program Manager, Entrepreneurship plays a key role in delivering entrepreneurial programming over the next year for Made at Mac initiatives, including:



PDF Entrepreneur Fellowship

Mentor and innovation matchmaking events

Student Seed Fund

The Program Manager may also lead the launch of new initiatives.



The Program Manager is also responsible for:



Providing ongoing support to award recipients, including guidance on follow-up funding applications and connections to resources and investors.

Communicating and engaging with key stakeholders across the McMaster innovation ecosystem.

Overseeing the day-to-day program operations.

Evaluating and tracking program metrics.



Anticipated Start Date : September 1, 2025



Location: McMaster Innovation Park

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.


The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.


The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.


As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.


Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.