Vice President, Business Operations
Operations & Strategy – downtown Toronto, Ontario
Make a difference with Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) www.lifesciencesontario.ca
Who we are and What we do
Life Sciences Ontario is a member-driven organization that represents and promotes the province’s vibrant and diverse life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with governments, academia, industry, and other life science organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. Membership in Life Sciences Ontario includes individuals, students, emerging companies, investors, service providers, and companies with marketed products. The organization provides a wide range of networking and educational events. LSO is an effective conduit for delivering policy options to governments, and is committed to practicing and promoting the principles and best practices of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA). We have made it a strategic priority to incorporate IDEA into everything we do, from our internal processes and events, to our external commitments (Black North, 50/30 Challenge) and including creating the “Building an Inclusive Life Sciences Future” workshop series highlighted by Osler.
We thrive on the challenge to bring our best, progressive thinking to keep our association growing, and to deliver excellent events helping the life sciences ecosystem (community) to thrive and prosper. We are passionate about the quality of our work, the people and organizations with which we partner, the outcomes that we achieve and the opportunity to shape the future. Our culture is fast-paced, challenging and rewarding including opportunities to grow skills as we embark on new projects. We value new ideas and different perspectives to help our organization grow.
The Role
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the VP Business Operations is a strategic integrator and trusted operator who translates organizational priorities into action. You will synchronize planning, governance, operations, policy/advocacy projects, partnerships, and high-profile events to ensure LSO executes with clarity, discipline, and measurable impact. This role is ideal for a systems thinker with strong judgment, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for Ontario’s life sciences.
What you’ll do
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Drive annual and multi-year planning; build KPIs and dashboards to track outcomes across programs, policy, partnerships, membership, and events.
- Run the “operational cadence” (leadership meetings, quarterly business reviews, retreats); maintain action logs and ensure follow-through.
- Incubate high-impact initiatives (e.g., events, roundtables, reports, white papers).
Governance & Executive Support
- Support to the Board: manage agendas, materials, minutes, and governance calendars; coordinate Board committees (e.g., Finance/Audit, Nominating & Governance, Policy).
- Prepare CEO briefs, speaking notes, submissions, and stewardship plans for government and strategic partners.
Operations, Finance & Compliance
- Oversee cross-functional operations (budget rhythms, procurement, vendor management, contract and grant compliance).
- Partner with the Finance lead/bookkeeper on budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and controls; maintain risk register and mitigation plans.
- Optimize systems and workflows (CRM/membership, event platforms, collaboration tools, data hygiene).
Policy, Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide executive oversight to LSO’s evidence-based policy positions and submissions; coordinate research and stakeholder consultations.
- Advance strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, investors, and peer associations; steward key accounts and MoUs.
- Champion IDEA across programs, procurement, and partner engagement.
Events & Programs Oversight
- Provide executive oversight to LSO’s events portfolio (eg. Awards Gala, Policy Forum) and other programs—ensuring objectives, budgets, timelines, risk management, and post-event ROI are met.
- Align event content and thought leadership with LSO priorities and member value.
Communications & Brand
- Provide executive oversight to LSO’s communications strategy and editorial calendar; review major announcements, reports, and web content for clarity, accuracy, and impact.
- Support media and issues management with timely briefs and coordinated responses.
People, Culture & Enablement
- Coach a small, high-performing team; recruit and onboard staff, interns, and volunteers as needed.
- Embed project management discipline and a learning culture; promote inclusive practices in line with LSO’s IDEA commitments.
Experience and Qualifications
Must-haves
- 7–10+ years of progressively senior experience in one or more of: strategy/operations, public policy, association or nonprofit leadership, management consulting, or life sciences commercialization.
- Proven track record orchestrating cross-functional initiatives with clear metrics and outcomes.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, including board-level materials, executive briefs and public speaking.
- Strong financial acumen (budgeting, grants, contracts) and operational rigor.
- Advanced project management skills (KPIs, risk, timelines, resource planning) and fluency with productivity/CRM tools.
- Technology fluency across CRM, dashboards, and collaboration tools, with practical ability to troubleshoot routine office technology issues including computers, printers, and connectivity.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and comfort handling sensitive information.
- Commitment to IDEA and experience applying inclusive practices.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of Ontario/Canadian life sciences, healthcare innovation, and government processes.
- Experience with membership organizations and event portfolios.
- Data fluency (dashboards, basic analytics) and CRM optimization experience.
Key success metrics (first 12 months)
- Organization-wide KPIs and dashboard implemented; quarterly reviews producing measurable improvements.
- Board governance cycle operating predictably with high-quality materials and decisions.
- Two to three priority initiatives launched.
- Events delivered on time/on budget with defined ROI and member satisfaction targets met or exceeded.
- Process improvements that reduce administrative friction and improve data quality across CRM and finance.
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Performance bonus
- Benefits package
- Hybrid work model with a collaborative downtown Toronto office (3 days/week in office)
- High-impact role with meaningful visibility across Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem
- A values-driven culture that welcomes new ideas and continuous improvement
Role details
- Location: Downtown Toronto, Ontario (hybrid).
- Reports to: President & CEO.
- Direct reports: Small team with executive oversight of Events Manager, Events & Administrative Coordinator, Policy and Government Relations Manager, Manager of Marketing & Communications, volunteers, and vendors.
- Travel: Occasional within Ontario/Canada for events and partner meetings.
- Employment type: Full-time.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and covering letter outlining your impact in strategy/operations, no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 to jobs@lifesciencesontario.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted
LSO is committed to building and fostering a workplace that is reflective of our communities, where all members feel included, valued, and heard. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates but acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that have, historically, marginalized and barred certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to removing barriers to employment, we strongly encourage applications from members of these historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and women. Accommodations are available, upon request, in all aspects of the recruitment process.
