Content and Proposal Writer, CDL-Rockies

Position Overview:

The Creative Destruction Lab in the Haskayne School of Buisness is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Content and Proposal Writer for approximately 1 year.

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.

This position reports to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Engagement team.

Occasional extended or alternative hours (evenings and weekends) and travel will be required based on the needs of CDL-Rockies. This position is required to maintain complete confidentiality regarding all business matters and to exercise a high degree of professionalism in the execution of their duties.

This position will primarily be responsible for the development and writing of materials to profile the work that CDL does to our government and public sector partners with the goal of highlighting the program and outcomes of the CDL-Rockies team at the Haskayne School of Business. This position will also be required to support our marketing and engagement teams in the development of forward-facing communications with various stakeholders. A successful candidate will also be required to complete grant and project proposals to various public and private entities with the intent of securing future project funding. The work involves a high degree of complexity and requires attention to detail while maintaining a strategic vision, the ability to meet constant deadlines, and the flexibility to work with multiple stakeholders.

The Staff Writer may also be called upon to assist with other writing projects within the CDL-Rockies team.

Position Description:

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

Writing and Reporting:

  • Be a central team leader for writing and editing projects for CDL-Rockies reporting and communications with both technical and non-technical expertise.
  • Fulfil in-depth progress reporting requirements including to government granting agencies such as the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, Alberta Innovates, PrairiesCan (formerly Western Economic Diversification) and Student Work Placement Program/BioTalent Canada, for the CDL Strategic Advisory Board, as part of the Strategic Innovation Grant and the CDL R&D Project managed through CDL-Global, and for all future government support. This reporting will include quarterly updates and more detailed annual reports.
  • Develop and manage relationships with the CDL-Global to support the Director of Operations in supporting writing projects for the CDL Network.
  • Create comprehensive financial reports, in conjunction with the Director of Operations, to donors which clearly articulate the exact costs associated with initiatives.
  • Using tools such as the CVCA database, Crunchbase and PitchBook, research and maintain a tracker for job creation, equity value creation, investment activity, and impact for all CDL-Rockies participants past and present.
  • Work with granting agencies to adjust funding, as required, in partnership with the Director of Operations.
  • Work directly with the Director of Operations and Engagement team to identify potential grant opportunities to support new and expanded initiatives.
  • Write a variety of correspondence including letters and proposals for a variety of audiences, consistent with the University of Calgary and CDL-Rockies branding.
  • Manage the communication and reporting timeline and deliverables for CDL-Rockies granting agencies.

Business Administration and Analytics 

  • Work with the Technology and data Champion to ensure a well-documented and coordinated reporting timeline is followed and reported to public and private partners.
  • Create and monitor a reporting structure for all public and private partner organizations to ensure grant and sponsorship compliance.
  • Work with the Director of Programming to capture and report program outcomes to partner organizations.
  • Work with granting agencies to maintain a positive and mutually-beneficial relationship through supporting documentation and following reports.

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • Relevant post-secondary degree (Business, Communications, etc.);
  • Minimum five (5) years’ experience writing communications, grants, proposals and/or marketing materials;
  • Proven ability to work independently and meet timelines;
  • Strong writing and academic research skills required;
  • Ability to work well with diverse individuals and teams;
  • Excellent analytical, communications and interviewing skills required;
  • Must be comfortable in academic and business settings;
  • Must be comfortable interviewing senior executives;
  • Professional demeanor required;
  • Excellent people skills required;
  • Highly effective time management and project management;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, the Google Suite, Slack, Salesforce, Airtable and other various software applications;
  • Familiarity with CVCA database, Crunchbase and PitchBook in evaluating venture information
  • Ability to work well under pressure required.

Writing samples will be requested for those candidates chosen for an interview.

Application Deadline:  December 16, 2022

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 visit Careers in the Haskayne School of Buisness.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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 has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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