ABOUT THE VIRGIN UNITE PROJECT
Canada has a bourgeoning social entrepreneurship ecosystem and a growing community of impact investors. Still, ventures struggle to access appropriate capital, while impact investors and potential impact investors face barriers to market entry, including a limited pipeline of deals that they perceive as “investment ready”, and a dearth of pooled products that would help to drive down transaction costs and diversify risk.
In particular, there is a significant gap in the market for genuine risk capital to seed early-stage ventures who are developing game-changing, market-driven solutions to social challenges. Support for impact ventures through mentorship and acceleration, combined with access to much needed seed financing, will help these solutions succeed and reach scale -- driving job creation and economic development along with the specific social and environmental impacts they achieve.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Supported by Virgin Unite and other partners, the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing are launching a project to support the development and financing of social enterprises through the following activities:
- Developing a network of venture accelerators (venture support programs) in key communities across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver;
- Integration Virgin Unite’s mentorship platform (connector between start-up entrepreneurs and experienced advisors) to enhance these programs and increase connectivity within the network;
- An impact venture fund to provide seed financing to early stage impact ventures.
- These initiatives will complement existing programs at the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, including Impact8 (our venture support program) and SVX (our investment platform connecting ventures and investors). MaRS is seeking an individual through the JCP program to support the team that is launching this project over the next year at MaRS.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Project Coordinator is primarily responsible for supporting impact venture services activities, particularly related to the MaRS-Virgin Unite project partnership.
LOCATION
This position is based at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. There may be travel in Toronto for meetings and events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Coordinator is responsible for the following activities and deliverables:
- Mentorship platform and network: Onboard Toronto-area mentors and ventures to the platform, support regional partners on usage of mentorship platform, and support the platform’s development through content curation and advice to developers. Support coordinating accelerator network meetings and agendas.
- Accelerator support: Coordinate local venture support and training activities, update program partners and advisors.
- Venture intake and client management: Develop new SalesForce client management system, develop improved venture intake and client management process, and implement new systems with other team members.
- Team: Attend bi-weekly full team meetings, meet bi-weekly with project supervisors, and attend MaRS-wide staff meetings (quarterly).
- Investor education support: Program support for our investor education program, as we look to roll out an Impact8 for investors.
- Other program supports: The program participant would have an opportunity to be engaged in other initiatives at the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, including SocialFinance.ca and events like the Social Finance Forum.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills: ability to manage details and organize processes without losing sight of the big picture;
- Understanding of social entrepreneurship and social finance;
- Client management skills;
- An ability to work with stakeholders ranging from community organizations to high net worth individuals;
- Flexibility and adaptability to seize new opportunities and change existing programs to further meet and exceed clients’ needs; and
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Collaborative team player who thrives on coordinating and interacting with multiple people and on multiple projects and who is able to manage shifting priorities;
TERM
This is a nine (9) month contract position with potential for full-time renewal based on mutual interest from both parties.
