Program Officer

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Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director of the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship (DCE), the Program Officer will oversee the design, delivery, and management of extracurricular Lean Startup programming for participants enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. With a focus on fostering inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, this role includes responsibilities in program development, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and operational management.

The McGill Dobson Centre's mission is to find, train, and develop entrepreneurs at McGill as they seek to build innovative companies with a purpose. This role supports that mission by actively engaging with budding entrepreneurs, as well as external partners such as alumni, funders, mentors, and experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have built and scaled businesses.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the delivery of practical, hands-on programming—including training sessions, venture-building workshops, pitch events, and founder-focused engagements—to ensure participants gain actionable skills and momentum.
• Design and run Lean Startup training grounded in entrepreneurial execution, helping participants validate ideas, build early traction, and develop ventures with a strong ESG focus.
• Incorporate knowledge of African markets and local dynamics to ensure that all programming is contextually relevant, rooted in lived experience, and geared toward real-world venture creation.
• Drive program performance by tracking venture progress, gathering founder feedback, and implementing improvements to increase founder success and long-term impact.
• Select and manage training tools, platforms, and systems that support communications, operations, venture tracking, and founder success metrics.
• Build and grow a robust mentor network made up of experienced founders, industry leaders, and investors who have launched and scaled ventures and are committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers.
• Represent the program at key ecosystem events, locally and internationally, and help forge connections between participants and the broader entrepreneurial and investor community.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Proven ability to guide interactive sessions and communicate effectively in group settings, both in-person and virtual. Strong grasp of Lean Startup methodology, with a demonstrated interest in building ventures that drive social impact, sustainability, and ESG-aligned innovation. Knowledge of African markets, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and cultural context is a strong asset—particularly experience supporting or building ventures within these environments or working closely with founders across the continent. Excellent organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines. Experience in event planning, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Comfortable working independently and being self-directed, with a strong sense of accountability and a solution-oriented mindset; thrives in a high-performance team environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital platforms including learning management /content management systems, with some experience in digital learning delivery and classroom audiovisual technologies. Excellent written and spoken English is required; bilingualism (French/English) is a strong asset.

#Li-Hybrid

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education And Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 04) $64,770.00 - $80,960.00 - $97,150.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-COM2A - Internal External Relations - Professional 2

Hours Per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Associate Director

Position End Date (If Applicable):

2026-09-30

Deadline To Apply:

2025-09-23

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.