About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) is a charitable organization and North America’s 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 world’s 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. We’re 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 careers@marsdd.com if there’s anything we can do to make your experience more accessible and inclusive, including accommodations. Include 'Accessibility Request' in your subject line.

About the Position

The Manager, Legal Operations provides integral support to the legal function and MaRS business units. This position manages the day-to-day coordination and administration of legal services and governance work, working closely with external counsel as needed. This role supports key governance work including collaborating in support of the board cycle, organization and preparation of documents, the administration of minute books, filings, minutes and other governance matters.

Key Responsibilities

Act as key point person for legal inquiries from all levels and members of the organization, including ensuring that legal instruments are complete and executed appropriately, organizing and updating legal and compliance files, etc., all while providing timely and valuable internal service for all legal requests and inquiries with a high volume under time pressure.
Continuously improve and streamline the legal intake process using Asana and other platforms to better serve the business units.
Liaise with external legal counsel and the business units, ensuring legal tasks are moving forward in a timely manner.
With support from external counsel, where necessary, prepare, review and edit various legal documents including contracts (Non-Disclosure Agreements, Creative Services Agreements, Templates, Contest Rules), correspondence, summaries, presentations, etc. to support MaRS legal, the business units and MaRS strategic initiatives. Research as required for legal inquiries.
Provide project management for strategic legal initiatives and larger legal projects (e.g., certain compliance and partner solutions initiatives) as they arise. Working with the external counsel, manage the overarching portfolio of long-term legal projects to ensure they continue to move ahead despite a high-volume of day-to-day imperatives.
Support grant-writing and serve as the project manager for RFP submissions, coordinating between cross-functional stakeholders to develop and submit proposals efficiently.
Support procurement matters including reviewing RFP requests and contracts and acting as an advisor on RFP responses, while documenting approvals in compliance with MaRS’ procurement policy and contractual requirements.
Provide back-up support to the finance & operations lead for procurement inquiries to ensure seamless support during vacation and/or sick days, as needed.
Working in partnership with the CEO’s Executive Assistant, support governance administration for the entire organization and its subsidiaries including close collaboration for all board and committee cycles.
Governance administration includes logistic and administrative matters such as first drafts, agendas, minute books, resolutions, record keeping, administration of signatures and filings including annual corporate returns, etc.
Other key partners in this work will be the CEO, Corporate Secretary, and the Senior Director, Finance & Business Operations to ensure seamless governance and operational processes.

Qualifications

Completed Bachelors Degree
Law Clerk Certification or experience as Paralegal; OR
Law degree (equivalent of Juris Doctor in Canada) from an international legal institution (e.g., looking to have NCA qualification in Canada).
5+ years experience in a legal department or firm
Strong proficiency with Word, Google Docs, Adobe, Excel, PowerPoint
Superb attention to detail and accuracy
Strong ability to use varied software and tools
Excellent organization and time management skills
Strong written communication skills
Ability to multitask multiple projects in parallel, work independently and self-prioritize
Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, time-sensitive, entrepreneurial environment
Service-minded and self-motivated personality with clear communication skills
Superb ability to read and interpret legal documents, with a solid understanding of legal terminology and its practical implications
Generous nature, helpful and “can-do” attitude

Applications will close at 5pm EDT on November 24, 2025.

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: $80,000 - $95,000, extended healthcare benefits, wellness spending account, and paid time-off.

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MaRS Discovery District

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Manager, Legal Operations (1-yr contract)