About Seeds Canada
Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the seed sector, located coast to coast. Seeds Canada launched in February 2021 through the amalgamation of four established seed associations to deliver coordinated advocacy for the seed sector and enhance services for members and clients. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
The opportunity
The Intellectual Property and VUA Program Coordinator supports the administration and growth of Seeds Canada's Variety Use Agreement (VUA) platform while advancing intellectual property (IP) education, awareness, and compliance initiatives across the seed sector. This role is the front-line point of contact for VUA users, manages portfolio and declaration data, troubleshoots platform and user issues, develops reporting and analytics, maintains process documentation. They help design and deliver IP education programming, including retailer-facing initiatives, and identifies continuous improvement opportunities. The role works closely with the VUA Program team, the Intellectual Property Committee, and external partners such as Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR) to build awareness of the value of VUA and the need to protect IP across the industry. This function allows the successful candidate potential to work on projects in support of the broader Seeds Canada organization.
Primary responsibilities include:
Overall Support
- Act as the primary contact for VUA inquiries, providing timely support to producers, seed growers, breeders, retailers, and distributors.
- Maintain user guides, FAQs, and support materials, ensuring annual updates and deadlines are met.
- Track recurring issues and recommend process and system improvements.
- Support onboarding of new VUA participants and ensure a consistent user experience.
- Review data for accuracy, identify compliance gaps, and follow up as needed.
- Prepare reports and dashboards to support program management and platform enhancement initiatives.
- Monitor and respond to Seed Tip Line submissions promptly and accurately.
- Coordinate communications, planning, and task execution with Operations and Communications teams.
Intellectual Property Education & Awareness
- Support the development and delivery of intellectual property (IP) education and training programs.
- Create educational materials, presentations, and communications aligned with Seeds Canada standards.
- Assist with awareness campaigns promoting IP protection and certified seed use.
- Coordinate webinars, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Support retailer education initiatives, including guides and business-case materials.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging IP issues to inform program direction.
- Provide administrative support to the Intellectual Property Committee and related subcommittees.
- Support the Business Services Committee as required.
Process Management & Documentation
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for VUA and IP-related activities.
- Document workflows, processes, and best practices to support continuity and knowledge sharing.
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Support compliance, governance, and records management requirements.
- Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across programs.
VUA Program Administration & Portfolio Management (6 month period ONLY )
- Administer the VUA platform and maintain accurate program records.
- Provide user support for portal access, declarations, reporting, and account-related issues.
- Troubleshoot system issues and escalate technical concerns as required.
- Monitor declaration completion and data accuracy.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve operational issues.
- Maintain current VUA variety listings on the Seeds Canada website.
- Manage declaration reminder communications and follow-up activities.
As an ideal candidate, you bring the following:
- Strong analytical skills with ability to evaluate technical data and gain understanding from legal and technical documents and contracts
- Strong written and verbal communication skills communicating technical information in simple easy to understand language
- Self-Directed with the ability to work independently, and to collaborate with staff, members, and stakeholders in a remote work environment
- Fluency in English is required; Working knowledge of French (oral and written) is an asset
- Confidence and ability to work through and resolve challenging issues in a timely and professional manner, with internal and external stakeholders, to successful outcome.
- Proven ability to build solid relationships, earn the confidence of internal stakeholders and demonstrate the ability to get results in a timely manner with attention to timelines and deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills required; project management skills preferred.
- Must be reliable, self-motivated, persistent and have the ability to work effectively both alone and collaboratively in teams.
Education and experience:
- Post-secondary education in agriculture, biology, physical science and/or applied science and/or equivalent combination of education and related work experience is required.
- Minimum three (3) years of relevant work experience in the following: Agriculture; Seed industry; Agri-business; Membership associations; Customer support/program administration
- Experience with adult learning, stakeholder education, or extension programming.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications
- Experience supporting users in an online portal, CRM, database, or software platform.
- General knowledge or experience with quality management systems; Experience with industry communication and Direct farming or food processing experience are all considered assets,
Compensation
This is a full-time position. Seeds Canada offers a competitive package, including a starting salary between $56,000 and $62,000, based on skill and experience.
To apply
Please email a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in this position to careers@businesssherpagroup.com by October 18, 2026. Please indicate ‘Intellectual Property and VUA Program Coordinator Application’ and your name in the subject line.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Seeds Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We accommodate people with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. Please indicate your need for accommodation in your application.
Seeds Canada may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help manage and organize candidate information. These tools are used to assist our hiring team. Final decisions are always made by people.
Seeds Canada complies with current employment standards that restrict the use of Canadian work experience requirements in job postings. Applicants will not be assessed based on whether their experience was obtained in Canada.
This posting is for an existing vacancy and is open to both internal and external candidates.
