Job Posting: Program Lead, Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS)
Job Type: Full-time – 40 hours per week (3 Year Fixed-Term Contract)
Pay: $65,000.00 – $75,000.00 / annually
WEtech Alliance is one of seventeen Regional Innovation Centres, funded by the Province of Ontario, serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions. We’re a non-profit organization that provides entrepreneurs with business services, training, commercialization and IP support, mentorship, and strategic connections to help bring new ideas to market, scale to the next level and build a dynamic culture and a community of innovation. WEtech Alliance has served as the catalyst for technology and innovation in the Windsor-Essex + Chatham-Kent regions since 2011.
Position Summary
The Program Lead, RTDS is a dynamic and highly adaptable professional with experience in program execution, stakeholder engagement, and innovation-driven initiatives within a technology, mobility, or economic development environment.
Reporting to the Director of Venture Services & Partnerships, the Program Lead will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and delivering the Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) for Windsor-Essex. This role will work collaboratively across WEtech Alliance departments and with regional, provincial, and industry partners to support the development, testing, and commercialization of new technologies, particularly within automotive, transportation, and mobility sectors.
The ideal candidate brings strong project management capabilities, customer service and relationship-building skills, and a passion for fostering innovation ecosystems that support founders, SMEs, and industry partners.
Responsibilities
The Program Lead, RTDS will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing management of RTDS initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
Program Delivery & Management (40%)
- Execution of RTDS programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and funder requirements.
- Develop project plans, define objectives, establish timelines, and manage program execution from initiation through completion.
- Monitor program performance, including tracking key metrics, outcomes, and deliverables, and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage program budgets, ensuring expenditures align with approved funding, financial policies, and contractual obligations.
- Identify funding, partnership, and grant opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
- Ensure all program documentation, reporting, and deliverables are complete, accurate, and aligned with partner expectations.
Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development (25%)
- Build and maintain strong relationships with industry, post-secondary institutions, government agencies, and ecosystem partners across Windsor-Essex and Ontario.
- Act as a key representative of WEtech Alliance within RTDS-related committees, working groups, and initiatives.
- Collaborate with partners to implement programming that supports SMEs in technology development, testing, and commercialization.
- Engage directly with businesses, partners, and stakeholders to identify opportunities, provide program information, and support participation in RTDS initiatives.
- Contribute to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing.
Business Development, Outreach & Promotion (20%)
- Support outreach and engagement with the regional business community to promote RTDS opportunities and participation.
- Prepare and deliver presentations, briefings, and information sessions to stakeholders, partners, and prospective participants.
- Work collaboratively with WEtech’s marketing team to develop content, promotional materials, and storytelling related to RTDS initiatives.
- Represent WEtech Alliance at events, meetings, and industry engagements locally and provincially.
- Attend and actively participate in conferences, trade shows, and industry events to promote RTDS initiatives, build relationships, and identify new client and opportunities for industry collaboration.
- Travel as required to support program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and participation in regional and provincial initiatives.
Research, Insights & Reporting (15%)
- Monitor and analyze trends in automotive, mobility, and emerging technology sectors to identify opportunities for program development.
- Provide insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and program evolution.
- Maintain accurate records and reporting through WEtech’s CRM and project management systems. (e.g., HubSpot, Notion), ensuring data integrity and timely reporting.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Business, Engineering, Economic Development, or a related field.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in program management, economic development, innovation programming, or related roles.
- Experience working within a technology, startup, or innovation ecosystem is considered an asset.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality support and building positive client experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including industry, government, and community partners.
- Strong understanding of business fundamentals, commercialization, and innovation ecosystems.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot) and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrates a “Founders First” mindset in supporting clients, partners, and the broader innovation community.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid full-time role, 5 days / 40 hours per week (3 days in-office).
- Occasional evening or weekend work to support events, stakeholder engagement, or program delivery.
- Travel within Windsor-Essex and across Ontario as required.
- Must have a valid Ontario driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Location: WEtech Alliance | GreenShield Hall (formerly Windsor Hall), 167 Ferry Street – Suite 204, Windsor, Ontario.
Why Join WEtech Alliance?
At WEtech Alliance, our impact is driven by our people. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work environment.
We offer:
- Hybrid work model and flexible scheduling
- Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Professional development opportunities (events, conferences, workshops)
- Team-building experiences and recognition programs
- Paid volunteer time and opportunities for community engagement
- Additional vacation perks, including extended holiday breaks
To Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter by 11:59pm on Monday, April 20th, 2026 with “Program Lead, RTDS” in the subject line.
Apply in Confidence to:
Yvonne Pilon
President & CEO
WEtech Alliance
[email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be kept confidential.
Equity & Inclusion – All applications will be kept confidential. WEtech Alliance is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including BIPOC, francophones, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We will provide any requested accommodation to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Health & Safety – WEtech Alliance is committed to protecting employees and others from hazards in the workplace, including infectious and vaccine preventable diseases and to maintaining a protected workforce.
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