Venture Leader, Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies, Haskayne School of Business

Position Overview

The Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies (CDL-R) in the Haskayne School of Business invites applications for three (3) Venture Leaders. These Full-time Fixed Term positions are for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

These positions report to one of three stream managers, who fall under the Director of Programming. Normal work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M, 7 hours per day (35 hours per week), although extended or alternative hours (evenings and weekends) and travel will be required based on the needs of CDL-Rockies.

The Venture Leaders are responsible for supporting the development and execution of effective strategies to identify and recruit start-up companies to the CDL-Rockies program and then for coaching, advising, and supporting the ventures accepted into the program with a goal to maximize the equity value created by these companies.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

CDL Network Engagement

• In collaboration with CDL Global, the CDL-Rockies Director of Programming, and the CDL-Rockies Site Lead, supports the extension and implementation of the CDL methodology and program at the Haskayne School of Business; this entails regular information sharing with the venture companies, working to achieve the goals set by the Fellows and Associates, supporting access to resources and the application of research and strategic guidance to ventures
• Continuously works to expand the CDL-Rockies network and maintain ongoing relationships (e.g. with CDL-Rockies alumni, national and international university research labs, tech associations, accelerators), and any other relationships that promote the objectives and growth of CDL-Rockies

Recruitment & Selection of CDL-Rockies Ventures

• Under direction from their stream manager, sources and proactively reaches out to start-ups, hosts meetings at the Haskayne School of Business, and virtually to promote CDL-Rockies, with emphasis on recruiting start-ups from Alberta, across Canada, the US, and around the globe
• Applies analytical tools and evaluation frameworks to assess fit for early-stage science and engineering-based start-ups that applied for the CDL-Rockies program

Startup Venture Leadership & Management

• Manages a portfolio of 10-15 early stage technology start-up companies over the course of a year; this involves regular progress advising and reporting to the Fellows and Associates on the venture progress against established goals, with the goal of maximizing the possibility of investment (a success metric)
• Responsible for supporting assigned ventures as they navigate the various steps and requirements necessary to be successful in the program and responsible for revolving issues and providing advice to meet established goals
• Provides support and oversight to the MBA students assigned to their ventures as those students work to help ventures accomplish pre-established goals
• Writes and maintains the venture briefing documents for each company

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Master's degree in business administration or equivalent and / or in a specialization related to prime science, energy transition, or agriculture and food security is required
• 7+ years of progressive experience including working in a start-up, with an early stage technology company, with an angel investor, or in a venture capital firm is required
• Strong understanding of business models and drivers of success in startups across several verticals is required
• Financial literacy and experience with fundraising and venture deals is required
• Experience and confidence working with senior technology executives or angel investors is required
• High motivation with strong interest in all aspects of business development and relationship management is required
• Proven ability to analyze and systematically evaluate ventures and proficiency with financial modeling, conducting market analysis, and strategic planning is required
• Project management expertise is required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and public speaking skills are required
• Passion to consistently meet or exceed performance objectives is required
• Strong, team-oriented work ethic with willingness to work independently and autonomously is required
• Experience working as a consultant or advisor to startup companies is an asset
• Experience in an industry sector related to identified CDL-Rockies streams (prime science / energy / food) is required

Application Deadline: August 5, 2020

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Haskayne School of Business, visit Careers in the Haskayne School of Business.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.