Lead, Venture Programs & Services (TERM)

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Toronto is seeking a Lead, Venture Programs & Services to manage and enhance entrepreneurial initiatives. This role involves coordinating programs that support students, faculty, and alumni in the startup community, requiring strong project management skills and a deep understanding of venture life cycles. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in entrepreneurship and mentoring, along with leadership capabilities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. This position offers a salary of $91,677 to $117,242 annually and supports a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience managing complex startup programs.
• 2+ years coordinating mentoring programs.
• Expert knowledge of venture life cycles.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement curricular and co-curricular programs.
• Research external collaboration opportunities.
• Liaise with management for goals and priorities.
• Monitor project accounts and implementation.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business administration

Job description

Date Posted: 07/22/2025
Req ID: 44310
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Centre for Entrepreneurship
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: #

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The Centre for Entrepreneurship is the hub for innovation and entrepreneurship-related education and venture services in the Faculty of Arts & Science. The Centre works collaboratively with academic departments, college programs, centres, institutes and schools to serve undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and alumni. A core component of its mandate is to build an entrepreneurial culture throughout Arts & Science by incorporating a central theme of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset and bias toward action.

Your opportunity:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Lead, Venture Programs & Services will support the development, coordination and execution of entrepreneurship and commercialization programs and initiatives offered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship. This includes admissions to our co-working space, Venture Mentoring Service, and other ideation to early-stage startup programs and services. The successful incumbent will play a key role in helping to build and deliver programming that empowers innovators and strengthens entrepreneurial capacity across the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Working closely with the Executive Director and entrepreneurship education team, the role will support the Centre in researching and identifying partnerships and collaboration opportunities to grow the Centre’s offerings and support of entrepreneurial activities across the Faculty of Arts & Science. The role works in collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, including the University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, to serve students, alumni, and faculty entrepreneurs from all disciplines and levels of experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and implementing components of curricular and/or co-curricular programs and activities
• Researching and recommending new opportunities for external collaborations and partnerships
• Liaising with management to determine goals and priorities
• Implementing program improvements and maintaining program standards
• Acting as the first point of contact for program-related inquiries
• Assessing and selecting qualified applicants, including exceptional cases
• Developing project schedules including milestones, critical path, timelines, deliverables and reporting
• Monitoring accounts for a project and/or program

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in business administration or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of related experience managing complex programs involving startups and ventures.
• Minimum five years of demonstrated experience as a founder and/or working within the entrepreneurial or venture-building community.
• Of the five years of related experience, at least four years must involve demonstrated experience in the creation, development, launch, and execution of program or project strategies.
• Of the five years of relevant experience, a minimum of two years must specifically involve coordinating mentoring programs. Experience supporting mentoring initiatives and working with entrepreneurs is preferred.
• Proven experience in project management, including development of comprehensive project charters and scopes, risk assessments, executing multi-phase project plans, and applying benchmarking, performance metrics, and reporting practices.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior administrative executives, researchers, alumni, and students.
• Expert knowledge of venture life cycles and challenges faced by startups.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with high attention to detail.
• Experience managing program budgets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to lead diverse stakeholders and facilitate groups with varied backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills to handle multiple demands.
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, professional maturity, judgment, tact, diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility, adaptability, high initiative, and results orientation.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and fostering a respectful environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Master’s of Business Administration.
• Experience in global entrepreneurship is an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Diplomatic
• Entrepreneurial
• Proactive
• Team player

Notes:

• This is a 15-month term opportunity.
• If you are a current USW staff member, apply via the University of Toronto Careers page.
• This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement as per university policies.

Closing Date: 07/31/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Term

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale: USW Pay Band 14 -- $91,677 to $117,242 annually.

Job Category: Student Services

Lived Experience Statement: Candidates from Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity groups are encouraged to apply and will be considered as applicable.