ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT FUNDS - LIFE SCIENCES

We are banking at another level.

Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive, and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently, to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Choosing BDC as your employer also means:

• Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account, to name a few   

• In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1

• A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life

• Opportunities for learning, training and development, and much more... 

Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book

Location: Montreal or Ottawa preferred

Join a team shaping Canada’s venture capital ecosystem

At BDC, the Government Funds team manages capital on behalf of the Government of Canada to strengthen and grow Canada’s venture capital market. This includes deploying $350M under the Venture Capital Action Plan (VCAP), $450M under the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI), and $450M under the Renewed Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (Renewed VCCI). These programs totalling $1.2B AUM (including $65M+ in life sciences) are designed to crowd in private capital and support fund managers across the Canadian venture capital asset class.

Building on this foundation, BDC is now deploying the $1B Growth Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (Growth VCCI), a landmark platform focused on scaling Canada’s most promising funds and innovative companies, including an allocation of $200M in life sciences.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of investment, policy, and ecosystem development, with direct exposure to the most prominent Canadian fund managers while contributing to a national priority initiative shaping Canada’s innovation economy, with a dedicated focus on strengthening Canada’s life sciences venture capital ecosystem.

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.

In addition to investment and portfolio responsibilities, you will play a key role in sector advocacy, contributing to the development and promotion of a stronger life sciences venture capital ecosystem in Canada. This includes engaging with industry participants, supporting thought leadership, and helping shape program approaches for the sector.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

Investment & Deal Execution

• Lead investment processes across fund commitments in the context of competitive calls for expressions of interest, with a focus on life sciences fund managers
• Contribute to deal underwriting, structuring, negotiation, and closing processes, including engagement in legal negotiations from a business perspective and alignment on terms with fund managers

Fund Oversight & Governance

• Serve as a representative 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, including participation in events, panels, and industry initiatives
• Support the development of sector insights, positioning materials, and thought leadership related to life sciences investing in Canada
• Contribute to identifying 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 team’s understanding of the life sciences sector

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Experience and qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, or related disciplines), ideally completed by a degree or MBA in finance or a related discipline (e.g. commerce, business administration, accounting, law) and/or or an equivalent combination of academic training and relevant professional experience
• 5+ 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, as well as investment underwriting, structuring, business and legal negotiations and execution
• Experience in governance roles, including participation in LPACs and/or Board-level or equivalent oversight experience
• Relevant experience or strong exposure to the life sciences sector (e.g., biotech, medtech, healthcare), including understanding of its market dynamics and ecosystem
• Experience contributing to or engaging 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

The position is primarily based in Montreal or Ottawa, with a preference for these locations. Toronto is also acceptable.

BDC is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are dedicated to providing an environment where all employees feel valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates to request accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

Proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

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