Description

The Haskayne School of Business invites applications for a Venture Leader, CDL-Rockies. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies (CDL-Rockies) is a cohort-based, new venture mentorship program at the Haskayne School of Business. CDL-Rockies helps innovators transition from science projects to high-growth companies, inviting some of the world's top, early-stage technology ventures to Calgary for this innovative 9-month program. After a rigorous application and selection process, the CDL-Rockies program engages senior entrepreneurial leaders, as well as noted scientists, economists, investors and graduate students in the support of new venture founders with a goal to prepare these founders for seed stage financing and accelerated growth. CDL-Rockies is built upon the original CDL model, developed at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in . The CDL network has to date created over $35 billion in equity value for participating ventures in a twelve-year period of time, while educating thousands of students and creating new and unique job opportunities for graduates and the broader ecosystem. The achievement of these milestones (well beyond the original 5-year goal) is testament to the CDL culture, which we work to emulate at CDL-Rockies. The CDL culture is one that engages a team of brilliant people with significant relationship acumen, a strong sales orientation, an innovative mindset, and relentless ambition to create the foundation for world-class venture acceleration.

Globally, the CDL network has 17 locations throughout Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Estonia, Australia, Spain, and Qatar.
CDL-Rockies currently supports three cohorts of up to 75 ventures annually in each of the following areas: prime science (Prime), energy transition (Energy), and agricultural technology/food security (AgriFood).

This is a full-time Limited Term 1-year position. This position reports to the venture team leadership, under the Director of Programming. This position normally works 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. This position requires maintaining complete confidentiality regarding all business matters and exercising a high degree of professionalism in the execution of his/her duties.

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 solving 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 degree in business administration or equivalent, and/or in a discipline relevant to early-stage science, technology, or innovation is required.
• 3+ years of progressive experience, including work at a start-up, an early-stage technology company, an angel investor, or 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 modelling, conducting market analysis, and strategic planning is required
• Project management expertise is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills are required. Passion to consistently meet or exceed performance objectives is required
• A strong, team-oriented work ethic and a willingness to work independently and autonomously are 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/agrifood) is required.

Application Deadline: September 14, 2026

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.

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

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website .