Ecosystem Development Specialist

Manitoba Government; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Manitoba Government is seeking an Ecosystem Development Specialist to support provincial innovation priorities through policy analysis, program development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination in Winnipeg.

The role builds relationships with universities, incubators, investors, and industry associations to advance shared priorities and drive pilot projects and technology adoption across the province.

Qualifications

• Essential: Post-secondary degree in public policy, business administration, economics, technology, innovation, economic development, or related field.
• Experience developing or supporting public policy, strategic initiatives, or programs related to innovation, technology, economic development, research, commercialization, or technology adoption.
• Knowledge of Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem including universities, incubators, accelerators, investors and industry organizations.
• Experience building relationships with internal/external stakeholders to advance priorities.
• Experience conducting research and analysis and preparing briefings or recommendations for senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex information.
• Experience coordinating projects, work plans, timelines and deliverables.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for senior leaders and diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support development and advancement of provincial innovation priorities through policy analysis and program frameworks.
• Analyze data, trends, gaps and opportunities to inform evidence-based decisions.
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations and recommendations for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with universities, incubators, investors and industry associations.
• Coordinate pilot projects and technology adoption initiatives, track milestones, and support implementation and commercialization outcomes.
• Represent the department on committees and ecosystem events and develop tools and outreach materials.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Program development

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Post-secondary degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Ecosystem Development Specialist

PM2 Planning Program Analyst 2

Regular/full-time

Innovation and New Technology

Innovation Grants, Innovation

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 45692

Salary(s): PM2 $70,149.00 - $90,480.00 per year

Closing Date: October 30, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation.The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to women, Indigenous people and persons with disabilities.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for 6 months.

The Innovation Grants Branch of the Innovation and New Technology Department supports the growth of Manitoba’s technology and innovation sectors through strategic programs and partnerships. Its work focuses on accelerating business innovation, promoting commercialization and supporting investment.

Duties

The Ecosystem Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and advancement of provincial innovation priorities through policy analysis, program development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. This includes translating government priorities into actionable policy recommendations and program frameworks, analyzing data, trends, gaps, and opportunities to inform evidence-based decision making, and preparing briefings, reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and external stakeholders. The Specialist builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external innovation ecosystem partners, including universities, applied research centres, incubators and accelerators, investors, and industry associations, to advance shared priorities and strengthen the province’s presence within innovation spaces. The Specialist also supports the coordination and delivery of pilot projects and technology adoption initiatives by tracking deliverables, monitoring milestones, coordinating logistics, and working with stakeholders to support successful implementation and commercialization outcomes. The position represents the department on committees, at ecosystem events, and stakeholder meetings, supports cross-government collaboration to align innovation efforts across departments and agencies, and develops and maintains tools, templates, training and outreach materials, and communication products to support program delivery and increase awareness of provincial innovation priorities.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in public policy, business administration, economics, technology, innovation, economic development, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience developing or supporting public policy, strategic initiatives, or programs related to innovation, technology, economic development, research, commercialization, or technology adoption, including research, analysis, drafting, and coordination.
• Working knowledge of Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, including post-secondary institutions, applied research centres, incubators and accelerators, investors, industry organizations, technology organizations, and commercialization pathways.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners, and organizations to advance shared priorities and initiatives.
• Experience conducting research and analysis, including assessing trends, opportunities, risks, and strategic options, and preparing briefings, reports, recommendations, or other decision-support materials for senior leadership or decision-makers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify opportunities and risks, exercise sound judgement, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience coordinating projects, programs, working groups, or multi-stakeholder initiatives, including developing or monitoring work plans, timelines, deliverables, documentation, and status reporting.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively with senior leaders, stakeholders, and partners.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise materials for technical and non-technical audiences.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Must possess and maintain a valid full stage Manitoba Class 5F driver's license or equivalent and have continuous access to a personal vehicle.
• Must be able to travel throughout the Province as required to carry out the responsibilities of the position, includes early morning and evening meetings, as required.

Why Work for Manitoba Government

The Manitoba government values its employees, recognizing the important role that each person plays in delivering exceptional services, programs and support to the province. Your important contributions are recognized with a comprehensive package of benefits, including an attractive salary, pension plan, health and wellness benefits, and other supports to encourage work-life balance.

Financial Security

• Attractive salaries
• Defined pension plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Long-Term Disability Plan

Benefit Plan

• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Commitment to Health and Wellness

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time-off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options

Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as inhouse training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.