ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT FUNDS - LIFE SCIENCES

About BDC

At BDC, the Government Funds team manages capital on behalf of the Government of Canada to strengthen and grow Canada’s venture capital market. We collaborate with public programs managing over $1.2B in assets, including significant life‑sciences exposure, to attract private capital and support fund managers across the Canadian venture capital asset class.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, and a $750 wellness and healthcare spending account.
• Paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as needed, and offices closed from December 25 to January 1.
• A hybrid work model that balances work and personal life.
• Opportunities for learning, training, and development.

Location

Montreal or Ottawa preferred; Toronto is also acceptable.

Position Overview

As an Associate Director focused on Life Sciences, you will combine investment judgment, governance expertise, and relationship management to support the deployment and oversight of government‑backed venture capital programs, with a primary focus on life‑sciences funds and investments. You will also play a key role in sector advocacy, contributing to the development and promotion of a stronger life‑sciences venture‑capital ecosystem in Canada.

Responsibilities

Investment & Deal Execution

• Lead investment processes across fund commitments in competitive calls for expressions of interest, focusing on life‑sciences fund managers.
• Contribute to deal underwriting, structuring, negotiation, and closing processes, including business‑side legal negotiations and term alignment with fund managers.

Fund Oversight & Governance

• Represent BDC on portfolio funds’ LPACs with a focus on life‑sciences investments.
• Monitor fund performance, governance, and compliance with fund agreements and program requirements.
• Provide strategic insight and constructive challenge to enhance fund outcomes.

Life Sciences Ecosystem Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with life‑sciences fund managers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders.
• Actively contribute to BDC’s visibility and leadership in the life‑sciences VC ecosystem through events, panels, and industry initiatives.
• Support the development of sector insights, positioning materials, and thought leadership related to life‑sciences investing in Canada.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the life‑sciences venture‑capital asset class, including emerging managers and capital gaps.

Program Execution & Reporting

• Contribute to the delivery and continuous improvement of program frameworks, processes, and governance standards.
• Support the preparation of quarterly and annual reporting, performance dashboards, and stakeholder communications.
• Ensure high standards of rigour, accuracy, and timeliness in all reporting outputs.

Team Contribution

• Mentor and support junior team members.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
• Share knowledge and insights to increase the team’s understanding of the life‑sciences sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy), ideally complemented by an MBA or a degree in finance, commerce, business administration, accounting, or law.
• Five or more years of experience in venture capital, private equity, or a related field, with direct exposure to deal‑making at the fund and/or company level, including investment underwriting, structuring, business and legal negotiations, and execution.
• Experience in governance roles, including participation in LPACs or equivalent board‑level oversight.
• Strong knowledge of the life‑sciences sector (biotech, medtech, healthcare) and its market dynamics.
• Experience in industry advocacy, ecosystem development, or thought leadership.
• Understanding of fund structures, LPAs, governance frameworks, and performance dynamics.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships with fund managers and institutional partners.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and investment judgment.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including the ability to represent BDC externally.
• High level of rigour, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to team development and excellence.

Additional Information

BDC is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates to request accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please contact View email address on ca.talent.com.

While we appreciate all applications, we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.