Director, Policy, Manufacturing & Innovation

The Toronto Region Board of Trade; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toronto Region Board of Trade is seeking a Director of Policy to advance its advocacy agenda. The role involves leading initiatives around manufacturing and innovation, requiring strong policy analysis and collaborative skills. Candidates should possess a degree in a related field and have substantial experience in policy development.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in government, policy or related field required.
• Experience with manufacturing and innovation policies preferred.
• Strong writing skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development and advocacy for the Toronto region's business community.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to set policy priorities and initiatives.
• Manage multiple complex projects and meet tight deadlines.

Skills

Policy development

Collaboration

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree in economics, political science, business administration, or related area

Job description

The Toronto Region Board of Trade (the Board) is hiring a Director of Policy to join our dynamic policy team and help advance the Board's ambitious policy and advocacy agenda. The Director will be responsible for leading the Board's work on manufacturing and innovation , including oversight of the Innovation Economy workstream and the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Council . This role is part of a collaborative team focused on tackling key pain points and challenges faced by businesses in the Toronto region. The role entails in-depth policy analysis, development of practical policy solutions, and hands-on project execution. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of driving economic growth, attracting investment, and creating jobs across the region. The ideal candidate is comfortable switching between high-level strategy and detailed project work as needed. A background in manufacturing, advanced technologies, innovation, or artificial intelligence (AI) , especially in the context of business competitiveness, is strongly preferred.

Role Description :

• Policy development, activation, and advocacy on behalf of Toronto Region's business community.
• Convenes thought leaders, business leaders, regional partners and experts to inform policy initiatives, identify gaps and determine Board actions that will have an impact on the business community, the broader public sector and senior decision-makers.
• Works closely with departments across the organization to identify opportunities to catalyze our policy positions and harness the Board's convening power.
• Supports the execution of policy specific events, including expert roundtables and policy symposiums.
• Works collaboratively to set policy priorities, develop policies and implementation plans to activate policy initiatives including advocacy, partnerships, and coalitions.
• Actively collaborate with members, partners, and other stakeholders to support the Board's continued engagement with like-minded organizations and broader business community.

Your experience includes :

• Degree in economics, political science, business administration, public administration or related area.
• 8-10 years in government, industry, a lobbying organization, an agency and / or a policy organization.
• Interest in and knowledge of public policy at all three levels of government.
• Experience working with government offices and their respective agencies is an asset.
• Direct experience working on manufacturing and innovation files is preferable, including on topics like industrial policy, helping companies grow and invest, and AI and technology adoption.
• Familiarity with the various policy voices in the Toronto region.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in print and in presentations. High standard for written work. Writing samples may be required.
• Ability to handle a heavy workload and several complex files at the same time.
• Ability to work in a cooperative fashion with policy colleagues and those in other areas of the organization including Events, Marketing, Communications, Public Affairs and Sponsorship & Membership.
• Ability to work in a collaborative spirit with the business community and in a constructive spirit with the various levels of government.
• Ability to meet tight and unexpected deadlines and join projects in the late stages to ensure their successful execution. Able to understand policy issues, assess them and develop feasible solutions.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities and meet frequent deadlines.

You're often described as :

• Highly organized and deadline-driven
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Collaborative with colleagues from all levels and departments
• Agile and open to changing directions, adopting new practices or learning something new
• A strong communicator and socially-savvy
• A strong multitasker with the ability to navigate competing deadlines

About the Toronto Region Board of Trade

At Toronto Region Board of Trade, you work closely with a collaborative, results-driven team of city builders. You will be centre stage on the issues that matter to the region. Working at Toronto Region Board of Trade gives you an opportunity to work with thought leaders, while collaborating with our dynamic, diverse membership.

Our culture is grounded in core values that include :

• Accountability - We are accountable to our Members, stakeholders and each other.
• Collaboration - We are our strongest when we work together.
• Connections - We engage and build communities.

Learn more about the exciting work the Board is doing at bot.com.

We look forward to hearing from interested candidates. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Board welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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