Community Innovation Lab is launching a new and exciting entrepreneurship launchpad this fall for people 55+, with an interest in exploring entrepreneurship. The Seniors Project for Creativity and Entrepreneurship (SP4CE), is specific to the growing population of 55+ who are experiencing early retirement and ageist employment challenges and are interested in seeking out fresh opportunities to explore or launch start-ups as a next career option. 

This newly created role presents a unique opportunity to give back, make a difference and help build a dynamic community of entrepreneurs 55+ in the region.  We are seeking a strong and passionate connector of people to ideas, with a good understanding of the demographic and economic challenges facing 55+, a proven track record as an investor or an entrepreneur, and an unfaltering drive to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship amongst 55+.

Core Elements of Your Role

1. Coordinate and manage the effective execution of the SP4CE project activities, project deliverables including, sequencing of activities and duration, marketing, resource planning, development and monitoring of project plans to achieve effective delivery of outcomes against timelines. 
2. Develop and manage an exceptional outreach, recruitment and selection strategy to effectively engage people 55+ in exploring entrepreneurship as a career option.
3. Plan a portfolio of interactive entrepreneurship events and experiential workshops: industry specific events, business workshop series (meet ups, panels, design jams, bootcamps).
4. Provide entrepreneurship support and advisory services: business model development, business planning, financing, advising and helping to launch start-up ventures amongst 55
5. Coordinate stakeholder engagement to facilitate participation from key groups/individuals to achieve project deliverables and balance stakeholder interests. 
6. Manage the evaluation process and assist with reporting and data analysis for the project and provide recommendations for ongoing enhancements
7. Collaborate with the Director of Operations on monthly progress reports, key performance indicators, project budget, facilities and services, risk management and resource development. 

Key attributes to success:

• Positive attitude!
• Big picture approach and passionate about ‘Seniorpreneurship’ amongst 55+.
• High tolerance for complexity, grace under pressure, and consistently sound judgment
• Exceptional business development, leadership, and communication skills. Must play extremely well with others (up, down, and sideways).
• High performer: You’re not a 9-to-5er or minute checker, but a project completer
• Passionate: You inspire others with your thirst to amplify the mission and vision of Community Innovation Lab
• Maturity and high level of personal integrity.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Business related degree with 3+ years of experience as an entrepreneur or investor or as a leader in an entrepreneurial context.
• Deep understanding and familiarity with industry trends and research studies as it relates to ageism and economic challenges, including knowledge of the needs of the 55+ start-up community. 
• Sound knowledge of business development, franchises, start-ups. 
• Solid experience in providing technical advisory within an accelerator setting- coaching and/or mentorship of business leaders (business model development, financing, design thinking).
• Advanced technical skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience working with CRM systems 
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written)
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Interest and knowledge of the Canadian innovation ecosystem, an asset. 
• Analytical and data management capabilities.

About Community Innovation Lab

At Community Innovation Lab, we envision a community where creativity, passion and determination fuel economic prosperity and growth. We are a not-for-profit organization based in Durham Region addressing the social and economic gaps in communities through innovation and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to inspire, catalyze, and advance a community of entrepreneurs. We are an incubator for enterprising ideas and an accelerator for promising ventures. Our signature programs support entrepreneurs - the Refinery (a business accelerator for women entrepreneurs), the NEET Youth Incubator (supporting young entrepreneurs), the Social Enterprise Accelerator (supporting social entrepreneurs), and the Co-iLab Hub – providing entrepreneurs with affordable space, professional development, skills training and connections to other entrepreneurs, industry leaders, innovators and thinkers. Please visit us at www.communityilab.ca to learn more about us.

How to Apply

At Community Innovation Lab, we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginals, Women and Visible Minorities.

Interested candidates are asked to forward a resume with a cover letter highlighting your skills, experience and fit for this position. Due to the volume of applications anticipated, applicants without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted electronically to jobs at communityilab.ca with the subject “Business Development Coordinator - Your Name” by Oct 7, 2018. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.