Program Advisor, CDL-Rockies

The Creative Destruction Lab-Rockies (CDL-Rockies) in the Haskyane School of Business invites applications for a Program Advisor . 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, university-linked, new venture mentorship program at the Haskayne School of Business. CDL-Rockies accelerates the commercial potential of technology and science-based ventures, 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 currently supports ventures across three program streams: technologies applicable to multiple industry verticals (Prime), energy evolution and optimization (Energy), agriculture technology/food (Ag).

Extended or alternative hours (evenings and weekends) and travel may 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.

A key member of the CDL-Rockies Engagement team, the Program Advisor will work closely with all members of the CDL-Rockies team to lead, provide advice, and support program development and coordination and stakeholder engagement. This position will report to the Associate Director, Engagement.

Position description: 

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

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Applying broad knowledge and expertise, advise on changes to current practices and policies with a view to the continuous improvement of the engagement strategy and communications delivery
  • Coordinate and support stakeholder communications on behalf of the CDL-Rockies team and Site Lead
  • Improve stakeholder experience through new approaches, communications methods or platforms, or engagement opportunities, and support the implementation of those improvements
  • Support the on-boarding of CDL-Rockies external stakeholders
  • Maintain up-to-date contact lists and information in Salesforce for stakeholder contact records

Coordination of Internal and External Communications:

  • Provide high level of expertise and advise in relation to all marketing and communications aspects of various programs and initiatives to all members of the CDL-Rockies team
  • Advise on and support communication efforts related to venture recruitment
  • Develop, proofread, and edit copy for various channels and audiences, ensuring consistent voice and adherence to CDL and University brand standards
  • Maintain and improve the existing metrics, track them and evaluate, and report on the impact and outcomes of various marketing and communications activities
  • In collaboration with the CDL-Rockies team, Haskayne School of Business (specifically the marketing and communications team), and CDL-Global, develop and maintain collateral for marketing and business development purposes
  • Maintain, monitor, and update various CDL websites

Program Development:

  • Lead and support various communication planning and drafting of materials related to CDL’s programming initiatives including CDL Learn, Nurture Program and Apprentice Program.
  • Lead and support various other projects and program initiatives

Support to Session Execution and Operations:

  • Advise on and support planning and preparation for virtual and in-person sessions, particularly involving production assets
  • Fill a variety of session roles including hosting small group meetings, digital check-in, transcribing conversations into slack, or managing production

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Commerce, Business Administration, or a similarly applicable field
  • A minimum 5 years of full-time work experience, including marketing and communications and project/program management experience
  • Demonstrated experience working with start-ups, technology accelerators, early-stage technology companies, venture capital, or within an organization directly supporting early-stage or science-based technology
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously
  • Experience with:
    • Salesforce or another CRM
    • AirTable and Sprout Social, or another project/content management system
    • Pardot or another email marketing software
    • Google Analytics and/or another engagement analytics software
    • Microsoft Office suite
    • Adobe suite will be considered as an asset
  • Graphic design skills will be considered as an asset
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as outstanding copywriting and proofreading skills
  • Highly developed organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision and independently move projects forward, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to handle ambiguity and work effectively in a complex and changing organization and strong analytical skills
  • Must be a self-starter
  • Specific knowledge of and experience with the CDL program either through completion of the CDL-specific MBA course, participation in a CDL-specific internship/co-op program, or employment at a CDL-affiliated school (including the Universities of British Columbia, Calgary, Oxford, Toronto, HEC Montreal, or Dalhousie) is preferred.

Application Deadline:  February 23, 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.

Interested candidates can submit their applications using the following link.