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About the role

UCeed - Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR)

Cenovus Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Accelerator
Independent Contractor Opportunity

About UCeed Funds (Calgary Alberta)

Since its inception in 2020, UCeed has become one of Alberta's most active early-stage investors. UCeed is the University of Calgary's group of six start-up investment funds ($28M AUM) which is managed by a small team of professionals at Innovate Calgary. In addition to investing and portfolio support activities, the UCeed group is responsible for managing Innovate Calgary's portfolio of equity and royalty holdings and overseeing the development, selection, and divestment of these assets. Where applicable, the UCeed team also takes an active role in coaching and mentorship to assist UCeed portfolio companies.

About Innovate Calgary

Innovate Calgary is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary, supporting the University, its members and partners bridge the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of Calgary's and UCalgary's growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

UCeed - Executive-in-Residence (EIR)

We are seeking an independent contractor to provide the services outlined below on a part-time basis. This is a non-employment opportunity and will be governed by a master services agreement and scope of work.

Details:

  • Contract type: Independent contractor agreement (non-employee)
  • Time commitment: Approx. 8 hours per week (attendance at some pre-scheduled meetings required, otherwise schedule is flexible) to a maximum of 20 hours per week
  • Compensation: $100.00 per hour
  • Contract term: Term to end December 31, 2026

As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for your own equipment, workspace, and tax obligations. This engagement does not constitute an offer of employment, and no employee benefits will be provided.

Services:

Reporting to the Executive Director, UCeed, the Executive-in-Residence will work with a UCeed Analyst to identify and support unusual suspects and innovators from under-estimated groups to advance along the entrepreneurial journey toward investment and sustainable revenue. The EIR is primarily responsible for coaching and development of companies and founder within this segment. The successful candidate is interested in entrepreneurial coaching and development, advancing experiments related to capital deployment toward transformational change, and building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Key Duties

  • Coach and guide qualified entrepreneurs to access UCeed investment (or related capital)
  • To help manage and prepare for Steering Committee and approval meetings
  • Raise awareness of relevant events and opportunities to engage with a widened net of founders
  • Direct and implement specific initiatives to support success for founders in the pipeline
  • Attend events and participate in networks to identify entrepreneurs who from a-typical channels
  • Support Executive Director, to identify aligned partnerships and funders to advance social investment in Alberta

Other Duties:

  • Attend workshops and networking events to develop relationships with community-based technology and innovation-based organizations
  • CRM tracking of all potential investees and portfolio companies

Personal Characteristics:

The Executive-in-Residence is passionate about deep technology startups and is committed to helping them to advance into established companies. Accordingly, the position requires an individual with:

  • Exceptional analytical abilities with an entrepreneurial mindset
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholders
  • Excellent oral and written skills, specifically in communicating key metrics and data sets
  • Proactive business relationship management skills with a commitment to the completion of projects
  • Keen attitude and willingness to explore outside of areas of expertise
  • Ability to work with and organize large volumes of data and manage concurrent projects
  • Outstanding time management skills and great attention to detail

Relevant Experience/Skills:

  • Experience of the venture fundraising journey, either as a founder or senior management
  • Experience grant making and grant seeking
  • Experience developing and implementing DEI initiatives
  • Experience developing DEI initiatives in the entrepreneurial context an asset
  • Project management skills, including managing a budget, outcomes/deliverables, and reporting
  • Familiarity with Salesforce

How to Apply

Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to hr@innovatecalgary.com with UCeed Executive-In-Residence as the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Closing Date:   August 12, 2025

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.

About University of Calgary

Higher Education
10,000+

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’