Would you like to leverage your partnership, research, or innovation experience to strengthen the Okanagan region? Do you want to be part of a mission driven organization shaping Canada’s innovation future? Do you thrive in collaborative environments where creativity, continuous improvement, and strategic thinking are valued? Are you motivated by work that strengthens Canada’s competitiveness and delivers meaningful impact for communities and businesses?
At Mitacs, we take a talent first approach to building Canada’s innovation capacity. We connect researchers with organizations across every region of the country to help solve pressing challenges and accelerate economic growth. By enabling business academic collaboration and supporting the development of highly skilled talent, we contribute to a resilient, future ready Canadian economy.
Guided by our values — Impact, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Talent — we work with partners nationwide to advance research, commercialization, and innovation.
At Mitacs, you become part of a team committed to empowering Canadian talent, fostering meaningful partnerships, and driving innovation that supports Canada’s long-term competitiveness. If you’re inspired by big ideas and passionate about creating national impact, we encourage you to apply.
The Opportunity
As an Advisor, Academic-Industry Partnerships (one-year contract with potential for extension), you will contribute to the development of research and innovation partnerships across the Okanagan and Thompson-Okanagan regions.
You will develop a strong understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem, build productive relationships with academic and external partners, identify partnership opportunities, and help move those opportunities from initial discussion through project and application development.
Working with post-secondary institutions, economic development organizations, and industry and not-for-profit partners, you will connect regional needs and opportunities with academic expertise, talent, and Mitacs programming. You will manage a varied portfolio of relationships and opportunities, working independently while collaborating closely with colleagues across Mitacs.
The ideal candidate will reside in Kelowna and have access to an automobile, as this role will require frequent engagement with ecosystem partners throughout the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain relationships with post-secondary institutions, industry, not-for-profit organizations, community partners, and economic development organizations across the region.
- Build productive working relationships with regional post-secondary institutions such as UBC Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University, and Okanagan College, including researchers, students, research offices, and administrative stakeholders.
- Engage prospective and existing industry and not-for-profit partners to understand their research, innovation, talent, and organizational needs.
- Identify opportunities to connect partner needs with relevant academic expertise, student and postdoctoral talent, and appropriate Mitacs programs.
- Introduce partners to Mitacs programming and provide guidance on program requirements, project development, and application processes.
- Support prospective partnerships from initial exploration through project and application development, coordinating with internal Mitacs teams as required.
- Develop and maintain relationships with regional economic development organizations and other innovation ecosystem partners to increase awareness of Mitacs and identify potential partnership opportunities.
- Conduct outreach to prospective partners and follow up on leads, referrals, events, and other business development opportunities.
- Represent…
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