Director, Corporate Dev

Ontario Centre of Innovation; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation organization in Ontario is seeking a Director of Corporate Development & Stakeholders. The successful candidate will engage with stakeholders to develop and execute growth strategies that promote organizational sustainability. The role requires strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and experience in building partnerships across various sectors. The position involves travel and engagement with government entities.

Qualifications

• Experience in building partnerships with government and corporate stakeholders.
• Ability to present effectively at multiple levels of engagement.
• Knowledge of Ontario's innovation ecosystem and funding opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop corporate development strategies for growth and sustainability.
• Engage with government levels to ensure organizational success.
• Manage grant and proposal processes, from research to submission.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Negotiation

Oral and written communication

Relationship building

Education

Relevant post-secondary education in Engineering, Business, or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Position Summary

The Director, Corporate Development & Stakeholders is responsible for initiating, developing, and executing strategies and processes to promote OCI's growth and sustainability. This work also includes engaging with all levels of government in order to execute on various corporate development strategies to ensure the ongoing success and growth of the organization. This role is a critical position at OCI and the successful candidate will act in coordination with the Executive Team to define short- and long-term strategies and work with internal and external stakeholders to execute on the strategies essential for the development of OCI. This role reports directly to the, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Development, Partnerships and International.

Responsibilities

• Leadership – Develop and implement corporate development strategies with a focus on maintaining and growing the organization’s footprint and influence in a multitude of sectors and subject areas, as well as maintain existing funding.
• Lead staff, direct and indirect, by providing guidance and coaching, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction, and creating through his / her leadership a positive and stimulating work environment.
• Actively participating in relevant business associations, technical committees, and professional organizations to promote and grow OCI's network.
• Leading key activities (e.g., committees of volunteer groups, advisory or review committees) or serving on corporate committees (e.g., Research, Commercialization, and / or Talent Committees), making proposal presentations, conducting project specific and business-case reviews, etc.).
• Providing advice and direction to other OCI support groups, e.g., Marketing / Communication and Finance groups on key initiatives in order to accomplish organizational goals.

• Strategy and Delivery – Strengthen and manage OCI's strategic relationships with but not limited to academic institutions, Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), Angel and VC investment communities and economic development entities.
• In conjunction with the Executive Team, the Director is accountable for developing new opportunities, agreements, and other new project initiatives to increase OCI's reach and create additional opportunities.
• Establish and maintain crucial relationships with decision-makers at all levels of government and keep abreast of government priorities, policies and any other information that may have direct or indirect impacts to the organization.
• Research, analyze, and identify potential grants, contracts, and other funding sources from government agencies, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Manage the entire grant and proposal writing process, from initial research and development to final submission and follow-up.
• Develop and implement renewal strategies for existing grants and contracts to ensure sustained funding and program continuity.
• Stay up-to-date on government policies, funding cycles, and legislative changes that may impact potential opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including current and new OCI clients, partners, and ecosystem members.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure alignment with project goals and organizational objectives.

Preferred Attributes

• Relevant post-secondary education, ideally in Engineering, Applied Science, Business, or equivalent
• Significant work experience in building partnerships at the government, corporate, and non-profit stakeholders is highly desired, however, some experience may be drawn from advisory positions in investment, legal or consulting firms.
• Experience in dealing with public sector funding along with federal and provincial contacts and network.
• Strong strategic thinking to develop creative and effective strategies to achieve the organization's strategic partnership objectives.
• Ability to present effectively to stakeholders at all levels and lead discussions as a representative of OCI.
• Strong skills in strategic and quantitative analysis, project management, leadership, negotiation, and oral and written communication are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, managing internal and external teams.
• A proven collaborator and relationship builder with ability to understand different perspectives, seek mutually beneficial solutions and broker deals.
• Able to assume the role of both team player and team leader.
• Familiar with the "language" and terminology of industry, finance, government, and the academic community.
• Significant knowledge of Government agencies, Incubators, Accelerators, and their programs within Ontario Communities.
• Understanding of the Ontario & Canadian innovation ecosystem and key stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment
• Standard office hours
• Onsite work with stakeholder partners
• Required to attend at events outside of normal business hours
• Travel 20 – 40% of the time within Ontario

OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.