Program Director AquaEntrepreneur
AquaAction is seeking an experienced and visionary Program Director to lead the AquaEntrepreneur Program. This role will oversee strategic development, partnerships, program delivery, and growth across Canada and the United States. We’re looking for a mission-driven leader to help scale AquaAction’s proven innovation model across North America.
The ideal candidate combines a strong background in innovation program management, stakeholder engagement, and entrepreneurship, with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and economic impact.
About the AquaEntrepreneur Program
The AquaEntrepreneur Program is an initiative that bridges the gap between early-stage water technology innovators and municipal, industrial, and utility partners. The program helps startups validate, pilot, and commercialize their technologies by facilitating collaboration, pilot funding, and real-world testing.
Its mission is to accelerate the deployment of clean water technologies that enhance resilience, efficiency, and sustainability, while positioning North America as a global leader in water innovation .
About AquaAction
AquaAction is a binational charity, with offices in Montreal and Detroit, dedicated to restoring freshwater health by empowering young innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and deploy solutions that protect our water ecosystems.
Through national programs such as AquaHacking and AquaEntrepreneur, AquaAction mobilizes talent, technology, and collaboration to address critical water challenges and build the foundation of a sustainable blue economy.
Employment Terms
- Supervisor: VP, Programs & Impact
- Job type: Full-time (40 hours/week)
- Start date: January 2026
- Location: Montreal, Canada - Hybrid (remote and in-person)
- Traveling: ~5%; occasional U.S. travel (Detroit/Great Lakes)
This role is central to the next phase of AquaAction’s growth — scaling a proven innovation model to a binational platform that empowers entrepreneurs, municipalities, and industries to co-create solutions for shared freshwater challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management
Oversee all aspects of program design, recruitment and delivery including cohort selection, mentorship, pilot facilitation, and impact measurement.
Manage program budgets, timelines, and performance metrics.
Ensure that program outcomes meet funder expectations and advance AquaAction’s mission.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year strategy to scale the AquaEntrepreneur Program, currently focused on Quebec, across Canada and the United States. Quebec will remain a key hub for this program.
- Lead program expansion into new regions, industries, and cross-border partnerships, including the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence basins.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and co-investment with federal, provincial, state, and private partners.
Partnership Development
- Cultivate and manage relationships with municipalities, utilities, corporations, accelerators, and investors across North America.
- Collaborate with academic institutions, research networks, and innovation ecosystems to support entrepreneurs in securing pilot projects and connecting talent with technology opportunities.
- Represent AquaAction and AquaEntrepreneur at conferences, public events and policy forums in both Canada and the U.S.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Supervise program staff, consultants, and mentors.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture aligned with AquaAction’s values.
- Work closely with communications, fundraising, and operations teams to amplify program visibility and impact.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in program leadership, innovation management, or business development; ideally in the cleantech, water, or sustainability sectors.
- Proven experience in ecosystem building, public-private partnerships, or accelerator/incubator leadership.
- Strong understanding of municipal governance and industry landscape for water innovation in both Canada and the U.S.
- Excellent stakeholder management, public speaking, and strategic communication skills.
- Bilingualism (English and French) is a strong asset; experience working in bilingual or international environments is preferred.
- Degree in business, engineering, environmental science, or related discipline; Master’s preferred.
Key Attributes
- Visionary leader with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative spirit.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate ideas into actionable results.
- Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and the future of water.
- Excited by the challenge of scaling a high-impact program across borders.
- Able to balance vision with execution in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Impact and Success Metrics
- Expansion of the AquaEntrepreneur Program across Canada and the United States.
- Number of startups supported and pilots launched annually.
- Number and diversity of partnerships (municipal, industrial, academic).
- Measurable environmental and economic impact of supported technologies.
- Growth in funding and program reach across both countries.
Join Us
If you are passionate about building North America’s blue economy, accelerating clean water innovation, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, we want to hear from you.
Apply today to join AquaAction and help lead the transformation of water innovation across borders.
To formally apply, please use the application form portal linked here, ensuring your submission includes both a cover letter and CV. Applications must be received by December 12th, end of day, and we only accept submissions made through this official portal.