About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a charitable organization and North America’s largest urban innovation hub, dedicated to helping high-growth technology companies succeed. With a focus on climate, health sciences and other emerging technologies, MaRS supports startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. Through its world-class facilities, strategic programs and partnerships, MaRS accelerates the adoption of groundbreaking Canadian technology and bolsters a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. MaRS is the place where you can play a meaningful role in the innovation economy.

We understand requirements on a job posting can be daunting. If you're passionate about the role and believe you can make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you, even if you don't meet every listed qualification. We’re always looking for great talent to join our team on planet MaRS.

We actively encourage all candidates to apply, including equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as BIPOC, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations.

We want you to be comfortable being your most authentic self throughout our recruitment process. Please reach out to careers@marsdd.com if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

About the Position

MaRS has developed a world-class community of +1000 startup founders with deep network effects that span Canada’s innovation ecosystem and global markets. The Senior Associate, Member Experience, plays a pivotal role in creating a high-value member experience ensuring that MaRS delights and goes above and beyond to service clients from their first point of interaction through to their last. The role will focus on delivering outstanding experiences, supported by MaRS, to foster growth among the portfolio companies through scalable approaches and will also lead recruitment efforts including but not limited to managing application processing, and building relationships within the innovation ecosystem including accelerators, incubators, capital providers and internal stakeholders to drive a high-quality pipeline to MaRS.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with ventures, enrich the founder experience, and drive growth through tailored startup services at MaRS.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Watchlist Program:

• Lead and evolve recruitment strategy, managing the full application lifecycle to build and maintain a high-quality, diverse pipeline of ventures aligned with MaRS thesis and portfolio goals

• Identify and source high-potential ventures through internal (Impact, Hubs, Cohorts, Corporate Teams) and external (accelerators, incubators, VCs, angel groups) channels to strengthen pipeline quality for the Momentum program

• Conduct venture screening and evaluation to assess fit, quality, and readiness for the MaRS portfolio

• Own and operationalize the Watchlist program, including defining criteria, tracking high-potential ventures, and providing targeted / white-glove engagement [advisory, events/conference/PR opportunities, MI services] to support conversion and growth of the ventures

• Track and manage pipeline, watchlist, and portfolio metrics to inform recruitment strategy and portfolio decisions through the watchlist dashboard built on Salesforce

• Manage and continuously improve venture lifecycle processes (intake, onboarding, offboarding), while identifying pipeline gaps and implementing targeted sourcing strategies

• Own end-to-end founder journey experience for assigned portfolio, acting as a key point of contact and ensuring consistent, high-quality engagement

• Design and implement engagement strategies (campaigns, touchpoints, programming) to increase participation and retention across the portfolio

• Collaborate with program teams to amplify services, products, and events in a timely and relevant manner

• Leverage entrepreneur relationships and portfolio insights to identify service gaps and co-develop new initiatives with internal teams

• Perform account management duties for selected ventures, providing guidance, connections, and resource navigation

• Act as a connector across the ecosystem, linking founders to advisors, capital, talent, and opportunities based on their evolving needs

Community Member Experience:

• Identify, organize, and deliver tailored resources to enhance the member experience and success with the MaRS ecosystem

• Drive adoption and engagement of digital platforms (Circle and Dashboard) by moderating discussions, curating valuable content, and fostering a vibrant and supportive community

• Collaborate with program teammates to amplify community services, products, and events in a timely fashion

• Present startup services and facilitate founders joining our monthly onboarding calls

• Support and contribute to community programming and engagement initiatives in collaboration with the Member Experience team

Reporting and Administration:

• Consistently manage Salesforce and portfolio data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and data hygiene across systems

• Own and enhance reporting frameworks, including portfolio segmentation, engagement tracking, and performance metrics

• Identify success stories and key milestones within the portfolio, sharing insights across internal and external channels

• Support venture reporting and documentation to fulfill partner and funding requirements

• Segment the portfolio to enable targeted communication, programming, and support strategies

• Translate data into insights and recommendations to inform program improvements and strategic decisions

• Streamline internal workflows and documentation, improving team efficiency and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in STEM or Business

• 3+ years previous experience in client-engagement/ customer success role

• Passion for supporting entrepreneurs

• Strong capabilities in Salesforce, Gmail, Google Calendar, MS PowerPoint, and Excel

• Ability to multi-task and comfortable working in a fast paced environment

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills

• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to learn quickly and problem solve

Nice to have:

• Masters degree

• Experience with data analysis and reporting

• Experience supporting startups in an accelerator/ incubator

• Experience with technology startup exposure and demonstrable knowledge of technology and innovation

• Understanding of the startup ecosystem, stakeholders, key challenges of tech entrepreneurs and roles

• Customer success/ community management skills with a strong track record of nurturing relationships

• Strong connections in Canadian Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

• Well versed in Science/Tech startup challenges/ venture journey, entrepreneurial best practices and community needs

• Familiarity with digital community platforms and CRM/email marketing tools

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to build rapport with founders and ecosystem partners.

Applications will close at 12pm EDT on May 20, 2026. However, we may close the posting earlier if we receive a high volume of qualified applications or if the position is filled before the deadline. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada, reside in Ontario and be willing to work out of our Toronto office (101 College Street) a minimum of 3 days per week.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000, extended healthcare benefits, lifestyle spending account, and paid time-off.

Our Applicant Tracking System, BambooHR, does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI). From time to time MaRS may use AI in our screening, assessment, and selection processes.

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