Join Intellectual Property Ontario
Funding Specialist
hybrid
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada .
contract . October 9, 2026
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada .
contract . October 9, 2026
Description
Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial agency that serves as a leading resource for intellectual property (IP) expertise. IPON provides IP education, funding and services to help innovative researchers and companies maximize the value of their IP, strengthen their capacity to grow, and compete in the global market.
Employment type: This is a fixed-term contract role for approximately 14-months covering a parental leave.
Location: This position is based in Ontario, out of either the Kitchener or Toronto office.
Purpose
The Funding Specialist manages and administers the IP funding process to ensure IPON is providing appropriate IP funding to eligible clients in alignment with the agency’s mandate that ensures value for money and maximizes economic impact.
Responsibilities:
· Manage the funding process with the approval of funding requests (statements of work (SOWs)) by:
o receiving, reviewing, and approving SOWs to ensure they are appropriate, meet eligibility criteria, and are completed correctly
o communicating with clients to advise on timelines, funding criteria, procedures, and to provide clarification and follow up on outstanding documentation
o responding to inquires received via email from clients, service providers, and other stakeholders as it relates to the funding process
o applying critical judgement to escalate SOWs for additional review when required
o updating records and documentation via data entry (CMS and tracking worksheets) to ensure record keeping, data accuracy and timely information
· Manage multiple tasks and processes, with ability to triage and prioritize to ensure operational standards are met
· Support in maintaining procedure documentation to support IP funding approvals and payments procedures
· Recommend process improvements to ensure funding is effectively managed and distributed
· Maintain high standards of integrity and confidentiality, and in accordance with IPON’s procedures
Qualifications:
· Postsecondary education in policy, business, law, or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
· 3+ years of experience as a law clerk, IP lawyer, patent agent, trademark agent, or an administrative/coordinator role with IP knowledge
· An understanding of law firm billings and legal services
· An understanding of procedures (corporate, financial, investment)
· Critical thinking skills to analyze SOWs in line with process, cost and services provided
· Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with internal and external parties to maintain progress
· Time management skills to manage multiple steps and plan effectively for continuous funding
· Strong MS Office skills, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word to effectively display, present and track information
· Maintain integrity and confidentiality in line with bylaw and agency mandate
The annual salary range for this role is $68,000 - $90,000, plus benefits and pension.
Sounds like you? Join our growing team today!
Intellectual Property Ontario is committed to the core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005: dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that all Ontarians can access our services and information when and how they need them, without barriers.
If you require any assistance or accommodation alternatives during the recruitment process, please contact us at hr[at]ip-ontario.ca
This advertised position is for an existing vacancy at IPON, covering a parental leave. AI is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.
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