Program Manager, Founder Matching Program, Innovate Calgary

Description

Program Manager, Founder Matching Program 
INNOVATE CALGARY
CALGARY, ALBERTA
Temporary Position (15 months)

Innovate Calgary is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary, supporting the University, its members and partners bridge the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of Calgary¿s and UCalgary¿s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

About UCeed

Since its inception in 2020, UCeed has become one of Alberta¿s most active early-stage investors. UCeed is the University of Calgary¿s group of six start-up investment funds with $25M Assets Under Management and is one of Canada¿s most active venture capital funds having made 56 investments for $7M since inception. In addition to investing and portfolio support activities, the UCeed group is responsible for managing Innovate Calgary¿s portfolio of equity and royalty holdings and overseeing the development, selection, and divestment of these assets. The UCeed team also takes an active role in coaching and mentorship to increase value in UCeed portfolio companies.

Program Manager, Founder Matching Program

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly motivated, results-driven Program Manager to lead the operations of our unique Founder Matching Program at UCeed Funds, Innovate Calgary. This unique opportunity will provide you with the chance to not only manage a dynamic program that connects high-potential founders with their counterparts, but also learn the fundamentals of identifying venture-backable ideas and working directly with entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey. If you're passionate about startups, entrepreneurship, and the venture capital ecosystem, this is an excellent entry point into the world of VC.

As the Program Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating the program¿s logistics, managing relationships with participants, and ensuring the program's smooth execution from start to finish. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the venture capital world, learning the fundamentals of evaluating and identifying high-potential, venture-backable ideas. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship, talent matching, and want to step into the world of venture capital, this role offers a unique career launchpad.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Coordination & Execution: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Founder Matching Program, ensuring smooth execution, timely communication, and adherence to program objectives.
• Candidate Sourcing & Screening: Identify and recruit high-potential solo founders (both technical and business) who would benefit from the program. Conduct interviews, assess candidates¿ backgrounds, and evaluate their readiness for a co-founder partnership.
• Matchmaking: Work closely with both technical and business founders to understand their strengths, skill sets, and needs, ensuring strong, complementary pairings.
• Relationship Management: Serve as the main point of contact for participants, providing guidance, support, and facilitating communication throughout the 6-month engagement period.
• Data Management & Reporting: Track program metrics and maintain databases related to founder profiles, investor feedback, and program outcomes. Provide regular reports on program progress and success.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively suggest and implement improvements to the program based on feedback and evolving needs in the venture ecosystem.
• Learning & Development: Leverage the program as a learning opportunity to gain hands-on experience in venture capital, startup ecosystems, and the process of identifying investable ideas. Participate in regular VC team meetings and strategy sessions.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  o Previous experience in program management, HR, recruitment, or talent acquisition is preferred, but not required.
  o Interest in entrepreneurship, startups, and venture capital.
  o Familiarity with founder dynamics, startup operations, or the venture ecosystem is a plus.
• Skills:
  o Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with a diverse group of founders.
  o Ability to think critically, assess talent, and match candidates based on complementary skills and personalities.
• Attributes:
  o Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
  o Self-starter with a passion for working with early-stage entrepreneurs and helping them succeed.
  o Adaptable and flexible, able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Education:
  o A degree in business, HR, entrepreneurship, or a related field is preferred, though not required.

Why This Role Is Unique

• Exposure to the VC world: As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to learn directly from senior venture capital professionals about how to identify, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups.
• Entrepreneurial environment: You will work with entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of launching a startup.
• Career Development: This role is ideal for someone looking to pivot into venture capital or gain deeper exposure to the startup ecosystem.

Additional Information

• Contract Duration: 15 months with the potential for extension, based on performance and program needs.
• Location: Calgary, AB (on-site)

How to Apply

Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Program Manager, Founder Matching Program as the subject line. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Application Closing Date:   April 30, 2025

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.