Associate, Climate Programs (2-Yr Contract)

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a charitable organization and North Americas 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 worlds 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 qualifications 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. Were 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 [email protected] if theres anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

About the Position

As a member of the Climate team, the Associate, Climate Programs will provide logistical and administrative support to the delivery activities of our Mission from MaRS programming. Reporting to the Manager, Climate Programs, this role will be responsible for the day to day coordination and execution of the Better Buildings coalition and venture cohort programs.

This is a 2-year contract position.

Key Responsibilities

Note: The Associate, Climate Programs will support the Better Buildings Mission.

Coalition Delivery (30%)

• Support the Manager, Climate Programs in the coordination of coalition meeting logistics and delivery. This includes preparing agendas, presentation materials, managing attendee list, etc.
• Responsible for meeting note talking and post meeting synthesis (minutes) and follow-up with members as required
• Prepare coalition member recruitment materials and support member onboarding
• Support member surveying and collection of participation metrics for reporting
• Answer coalition member questions

Venture Cohort Delivery (50%)

• Conduct relevant research related to cohort theme, including venture portfolio scan
• Prepare outreach, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding materials for each cohort
• Prepare review and selection process (incl. Scoring rubric) and support recruitment of review committee
• Assist in the design of cohort programming (e.g. workshops, expert speakers, events) and schedule/coordinate activities with participants
• Design and distribute external program communications, liaising with internal and external groups to gather relevant materials and proactively aggregate content of interest for cohort
• Provide administrative and logistical support for the cohort and for the program
• Assist with internal and external reporting activities on cohort delivery and impact
• Coordinate with other teams in MaRS (e.g. CI, communications, real estate, venture engagement team, etc.) for the effective delivery of the cohort program
• Create, activate and maintain Circle community for cohort
• Conduct needs assessment and establish regular check-in schedule with venture cohort members
• Lead support for venture demo days and investor showcases
• Contribute to thought leadership, including working with marcom to assist with story-telling and participating in relevant conferences
• Keep Mission web page up to date

Program Administration (coalition, cohorts, and other) (20%)

• Support management of relationships with ventures, coalition members and partners to ensure they are receiving high quality, high value service.
• Ensure the organization, quality, and standards are maintained, including capturing continuous improvements and utilizing project management and communication tools.
• Work collaboratively across the program to manage timelines and the execution of deliverables through the use of a program management framework
• Monitor and document various program metrics (e.g. delivery and impact) using data tracking tools (incl. Salesforce), ensuring sufficient and timely data for various reporting requirements.
• Share learnings from rest of climate team and contributing to team brainstorming, ideas generation
• With direction, contribute to or lead the research process for MaRS thought leadership work and future program activities
• Support team members with other activities on an ad hoc basis as needed
• Support delivery of other Mission-related projects as they emerge

Qualifications

• Undergraduate/Bachelors degree or relevant experience
• 1-3 years in a business and/or technology related field with some experience supporting organizations in the buildings sector.
• Project management experience and related skillsets
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Strong strategic thinker, planner and organizer
• Brings a strong understanding of the buildings sector in Canada through an innovation lens.

Nice to have

• Graduate-level university degree with areas of focus that include architecture, building science, sustainability, business, finance, science, technology and/or environment
• 1-3 years in a business, buildings, and/or technology related field predominantly supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in the buildings sector
• Experience in working with multiple stakeholders, clients, colleagues in a fast-paced business environment.
• Superior organizational skills: ability to self-start.
• Ability to problem solve and identify engagement pathways that satisfy organization and partner objectives

Applications will close at 12pm EDT on July 8, 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: $55,000 - $62,000, extended healthcare benefits, wellness spending account, and paid time-off.

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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.