Venture Manager, CDL-Toronto

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Toronto is seeking a Venture Manager for the Creative Destruction Lab. The role involves supporting operations, managing ventures, and leading initiatives for program improvement. Ideal candidates will have a significant background in venture management and a relevant degree. This position offers competitive salary and is full-time with a contract extending to July 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of relevant experience in venture management or business development.
• Strong understanding of business models and drivers of success in startups.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate ventures systematically.

Responsibilities

• Support CDL-Toronto operations focusing on venture recruitment.
• Manage a portfolio of CDL ventures in the program.
• Lead initiatives for program growth and improvement.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree, STEM or technology background

MBA or BComm

Job description

Overview

Description:

About us: The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and academic excellence at the heart of Canada’s commercial and financial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. Everyone at Rotman, faculty and staff, plays a role in bringing that promise to life.

Your opportunity: Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), originated at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, is one of the world’s premier seed stage programs for massively scalable science-based ventures. The program has created significant equity and aims to accelerate the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind. CDL is a global program with sites around the world.

As the Venture Manager, you will be responsible for supporting CDL-Toronto operations; focusing on venture recruitment, managing a portfolio of CDL ventures participating in the program, and leading initiatives to support the growth and continuous improvement of the program.

Responsibilities

• Fostering stakeholder engagement and maintaining relationships with project partners
• Promoting programs and service offerings to internal and/or external contacts
• Determining which applications to refer to committee for selection
• Monitoring established key performance indicators of projects or products
• Analyzing statistical information to evaluate the performance of programs and/or partnerships
• Implementing plans and process improvements for project activities

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, STEM degree or technology background; or acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience. Master of Business Administration or BComm in progress or completed is an asset
• Minimum three (3) years relevant experience in external relations, strategic community development, business development, stakeholder relations and/or venture management
• Experience and confidence working with high performing teams and multiple stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Strong analytical ability and understanding of business models and drivers of success in startups across several verticals
• Ability to analyze and systematically evaluate ventures
• Entrepreneurial and highly motivated with a strong interest in startups and venture capital
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Passion to consistently meet or exceed performance objectives
• Strong, team-oriented work ethic with a willingness to work independently and autonomously

Assets (Nonessential)

• Experience working with startups, technology companies, or venture capital
• Proficiency with financial modeling, conducting market analysis, and strategic planning

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented
• Diplomatic
• Multi-tasker
• Self-directed

Notes

This is a term to July 31, 2026

Closing Date: 10/01/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Term

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 11 -- $76,577 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $97,928. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Recruiter: Jen Salerno

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community and seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our commitment to excellence in our academic mission. The University pursues accessibility in recruitment, assessment and selection processes and provides accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail]