Program Coordinator

Reporting to the Assistant Director alongside the Executive Director of the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University (DDQIC) and providing support and receiving daily work direction from the Program Manager(s), the Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the DDQIC programs by performing various administrative duties, including, but not limited to: supporting programs and/or senior administrators, coordinating/implementing DDQIC programs and events, and supporting operations of the Rose Innovation Hub.

The Program Coordinator is the first point of contact for students and community members on any matter related to the programs.

In addition to supporting local programming, the Program Coordinator contributes to DDQIC’s international initiatives, with a particular focus on coordination of entrepreneurship programs and partnership support across multiple countries in Africa. This includes supporting the delivery of virtual and in-person programs, coordinating logistics with international partners and participants, assisting with impact data collection, and contributing to alumni and stakeholder engagement efforts.

The schedule for this position requires the incumbent to work occasional evenings and / or weekends, according to program or area needs.

Key Responsibilities

Supports the planning and execution of various DDQIC programs (e.g., the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship, Queen’s Founders and Innovators Initiative (QFII), SparQ Studios, and DDQIC Global Network) and coordinates operational functions or processes by providing administrative support to senior DDQIC staff.

Supports DDQIC’s international programming, including entrepreneurship training initiatives delivered across Africa (e.g., the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship (JLMCF), the JLMCF Country Chapters, the Botho University spin-off program, and the Enterprise Business Centre), under the direction of the Manager, International Programs. Assists in coordinating communication, logistics, and scheduling with international partners and students. Support alumni tracking and partner engagement activities related to DDQIC’s African programs.

Drafts confidential correspondence and/or prepares various documents, as well as scheduling, and participating in planning meetings. Coordinates and plans for all logistical requirements of DDQIC programs, including office and facilities space (e.g., presentation rooms, meeting rooms, project rooms), including space allocation, keys, office supplies, and computer requirements.

Supports communication and relationship coordination with regional and international partners, particularly across Africa, including post-secondary institutions, non-governmental organizations, and alumni networks, under the direction of the Manager, International Programs. Responds to inquiries and redirects more complex issues to senior staff as appropriate.

Interacts and communicates with key stakeholders, internal and external to the program, including students, staff, faculty members, academic assistants and Deans in various Faculties (e.g., Business, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, and Arts and Science), Advancement and the Office of the Provost and VPA.

Identifies and provides recommendations to senior DDQIC administrators on policy or procedure changes and advises DDQIC staff on opportunities to increase organizational effectiveness.

Coordinates DDQIC involvement with student-led conferences and events sponsored by DDQIC (typically greater than 10 per year). Attends events as a DDQIC representative and recruits for DDQIC programs at these events.

Conducts independent research to identify, liaise, and network with speakers, mentors, instructors and judges participating and contributing to DDQIC programs. Coordinates speakers and mentors for DDQIC programs. Coordinates travel and event planning for DDQIC functions. This involves arranging travel and accommodation, preparing/distributing handout materials, and following-up with speakers, mentors and external organizations.

Coordinates marketing and communications for DDQIC programs.…