Innovation Program Officer

Job Description

Are you excited about the innovation and entrepreneurial potential of Canberra? Are you ambitious, a fast learner, and a collaborative team player looking for your next challenge? Do you believe you have what it takes to help deliver the CBR Innovation Network's innovation and growth programs? Do you want to work in a supportive, collaborative and vibrant environment with other clever, connected & creative people who empower entrepreneurs to make an impact and change the world through innovation and collaboration? Our Vision Canberra is a clever, connected and creative city where entrepreneurs as well as existing businesses build on our excellence in research and innovation to create social, environmental and economic benefits for all. Our Purpose At the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), our work is driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference, striving to create positive impacts through our initiatives and through entrepreneurs, advancing the broader innovation community and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We Value Collaboration : We actively seek out and embrace diverse perspectives by engaging in open conversations with people from different backgrounds or experiences; we ensure all voices are valued and we create opportunities for everyone to play to their strengths. Courage : We are curious and proactively explore new ideas, challenge the status quo, and take risks, even when uncertain about the outcomes, driving us and our community forward. Generosity : We show humility and wisdom, we share knowledge and connections, we acknowledge our limitations and learn from others to drive our collective growth. Position Purpose The Innovation Program Officer supports the CBRIN team in delivering innovation and growth programs, ensuring excellent customer experience across events, workshops, hackathons, grants, accelerators, incubators, and community initiatives. As the first point of contact, you'll guide individuals through initial consultations while learning from mentors, CBRIN leadership and industry experts. You will at times be responsible for specific programs or events, taking ownership for their development, delivery and evaluation. Through coaching and collaboration, you'll have opportunities to develop new programs, share responsibilities across different job areas, and grow your capabilities within CBRIN's innovation ecosystem. Success in this role will see you… Build genuine connections across our innovation ecosystem while growing program participation and engagement. Deliver programs end-to-end with excellence, from initial sales through to post-program follow-up. Turn first meetings into lasting relationships by connecting entrepreneurs with the right opportunities and support. Take ownership of program improvement by gathering feedback, tracking metrics, and implementing changes that matter. Bring energy to our community by proactively connecting people and resources across our network. Work with others in the team to ensure excellence and progress across programs, initiatives and innovation community engagement to deliver on our strategic directions and work plans. Experience/Knowledge Required Genuine interest in using innovation to create positive change, with curiosity about startups and business growth. Natural relationship-builder with excellent communication skills and commitment to great customer service. Self-starter who takes initiative, manages competing priorities effectively, and maintains attention to detail under pressure. Collaborative team player who brings positive energy and embraces learning new skills and approaches. Proactively and confidently engage with stakeholders and drive program participation. Willingly learn and grow within the company. Bring the best version of yourself to work to fuel our vision and purpose. What we offer When you become a Canberra Innovation Network team member you will be offered a diverse range of benefits: 9-day fortnight – providing 1 day per every 9 days worked of paid wellbeing leave; 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas/New Year stand down; Incredible and rapid on-the-job training; Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities; Access to senior leaders who will support, guide and provide mentorship; Opportunity to work with world leading companies with products and services that make the world a better place. EAP and Health & wellbeing – CBRIN focuses on supporting positive mental health and wellbeing and an annual $295 health and wellbeing benefit; Salary packaging benefits; Regular overnight offsites to build team culture, co-create values, develop energy and strategy in a relaxed environment away from the office. The extras you need to know Out of hours business work will be required occasionally to attend/deliver events (1 – 2 times per month, this may include networking events after 5 pm or breakfast events starting before 8 am). Interstate travel may be required at times. Candidate must meet the requirements for an Australian government baseline security clearance. This is a 1 year contract to backfill parental leave. Canberra Innovation Network is a diverse and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds work with respect, collaboration, and a shared drive for innovation. Please provide your professional resume and a cover letter that address your experience and strengths as they are relevant to this role. Unfortunately, if you do not provide a cover letter your application will not be considered. If you would like to learn more about the role, please email the Innovation Manager, Irene Zhen at or call (02) 6183 6812. Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as a Program Officer? To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory. #J-18808-Ljbffr