Manager, Innovation and Commercialization

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation
As Canada's comprehensive innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University engages in scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity that addresses real-world challenges to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for Canadians.
Our strong focus on innovation and evidence-based research has made us a preferred partner for government, industry, not-for-profit organizations, communities and individuals. Together, we are improving processes, developing new technologies and services, and creating new companies and social enterprises.

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) establishes the strategic direction and oversees the administration of Toronto Metropolitan University's scholarly, research and creative activity (SRC) enterprise, including grants administration, external funding, SRC policies, partnerships and collaborations, commercialization, and business development.

The Opportunity

The Manager, Innovation & Commercialization will lead and manage the implementation and execution of innovation, commercialization, business development projects, programs and initiatives. They will assess commercialization potential and development state of research projects, innovations and inventions including Intellectual Property (IP) status.  Additionally, this role will lead, plan and manage special initiatives, programs and projects. The Manager will identify and pursue new projects and business development opportunities for the OVPRI, both locally and internationally. They will also develop and evaluate inventions and new commercialization projects and ideas to determine marketability and commercial and financial/funding viability. 

Responsibilities: 

• Participate in short and long-range strategic planning and conduct the necessary research to gather information relevant to effective innovation and commercialization operations.
• Lead, manage and engage in the identification, evaluation, and development of potential new commercialization projects.
• Lead, plan, and manage the implementation, execution and monitoring of innovation, commercialization, business development and/or partnership projects and special initiatives. 
• Work closely with the AVP, leads the identification, assessment and pursuit of new projects and business development opportunities and initiatives for the OVPRI, both locally and internationally. 

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.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Law, Science or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role including across multiple sectors, including non-profit, public and corporate/private sectors, and interacting with volunteers and diverse organizations.
• Experience with a start-up and/or early stage venture, as founder, entrepreneur or executive.
• Experience with P&L, investments, budget or similar accountability in a business environment, managing projects, maintaining project information, planning and scheduling meetings and facilitating communication between parties.  
• Experience in developing partnerships, building teams and conflict management
• Knowledge of project management methodology, principles and practices
• Strong subject matter expertise tied to priority areas such as innovation, commercialization, funding and financing, entrepreneurship, business development and human resources
• Knowledge of research science and technology as well as how researchers, universities and commercial organizations function
• Ability to proactively lead decentralized project teams of corporate and university members 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to proactively build partnerships with industry, funders, investors and other external stakeholders 
• Strong analytical skills to assess commercial potential, feasibility and value, and progress of related projects, identify potential issues and recommend appropriate action plans to address issues
• Excellent (oral/written) communication, presentation, organizational and administrative skills 
• Ability to engage diverse audiences and build partnerships and collaborations across broad sectors
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to partners/stakeholders using tact, diplomacy and amongst diverse perspectives and opinions
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills  
• Resourcefulness, and innovative/creative aptitude
• Computer proficiency and knowledge of various systems and software applications, including Google Suite.

Additional Information

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 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.