Get Involved

CELS is seeking finance, marketing, and venture capital leaders to join our board and fill key leadership positions. These are hands-on roles and an ideal opportunity for a mission-driven life science professional to contribute to meaningful initiatives that help Canadian entrepreneurs succeed on the global stage.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic guidance and oversight

  • Support fundraising and advocacy efforts

  • Help with programming planning and execution. 

  • Attend monthly board meetings and CELS events, and serve on at least one committee

  • Uphold fiduciary responsibilities (care, loyalty, obedience)

  • Be a champion for our mission in the community

Time Commitment

Approx. 8 hours/month and possibly more leading up to a key event. Attendance at monthly virtual board meetings is expected.

Why Join Us?

  • Gain board experience and broaden your influence across the North American life sciences sector.

  • Network with professionals in the life sciences community (entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, industry scientists, expat Canadians, and other executive leaders).

  • Contribute to meaningful initiatives that help Canadian entrepreneurs succeed on the global stage.

Treasurer Role (Open)

  • Oversee the financial health of the organization in collaboration with the Board Chair and Board Directors.

  • Prepare financial budgets, reports, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Present regular financial reports and projections to the board.

  • Ensure timely filing of nonprofit tax, insurance and regulatory documents, including relationship management with our bank and tax accountant.

  • Implement and operate financial systems and tools (e.g., Stripe, HubSpot integrations) as needed.

Qualifications

  • Passion for life sciences and a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strategic thinker with hands-on approach to problem solving and collaboration.

  • Comfortable in a lean, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

  • CPA or similar finance/accounting designation preferred but not required for treasurer role. 

  • Familiarity with Canadian and/or U.S. nonprofit financial regulations preferred for treasurer role. 

  • Experience in nonprofit finance, startup advisory, or life sciences industry is a plus for the treasurer role. 

  • Experience with Canva, Hubspot or other CRM tools, Google Docs and Slack is a double plus.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their interest in the position to the CELS Board Chair, Angele Maki at angele.maki@gmail.com.

Each position is a broad-scope support role, and candidates with strengths in key areas are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all listed skills.