Partnership & Business Development Officer

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 109,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Toronto is seeking a Partnership & Business Development Officer to enhance financial support for university research through collaborative partnerships. The ideal candidate will have expertise in government procurement and develop strategies for industrial collaborations. This role requires a Master's degree, significant experience in business development, and a proven track record of securing research funding. The position promotes university research capabilities to various sectors.

Qualifications

• Six to seven years experience in business development or related field.
• Minimum one year experience in intellectual property management or technology development.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding for research programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and execute strategies for collaborations.
• Write grant applications and solicitation documentation.
• Build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Project management

Proactive and persuasive communication

Understanding of research grants

Education

Master's Degree in STEM or Business

Job description

Partnership & Business Development Officer

Date Posted: 12/15/2025

Req ID: 46417

Faculty/Division: VP - Research

Department: Institutional Strategic Initiatives

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Position Number: 00059033

About us: The Vice‑President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best – advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity: Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, and working within the Institutional Strategic Initiatives team, the Partnership & Business Development Officer advances financial support for university research through government, industry, and other partnerships, as well as related granting opportunities. This role works across all three campuses to develop strategies that grow partnerships and drive innovation.

The Officer will identify, negotiate, and secure partners and external funding to foster collaboration between the university’s research community, federal agencies, and large‑scale industrial partners. The ideal candidate brings expertise in complex government procurement, navigating regulated environments, and building relationships in aerospace and advanced technology sectors. The role supports projects that strengthen national technological sovereignty, advance dual‑use innovations, and translate fundamental research into applied solutions meeting rigorous specifications and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) required by government and regulated industry partners.

In addition to engaging external stakeholders, the Officer works closely with university researchers to develop and leverage partnerships through funded opportunities; provide expert knowledge of programs supporting industry‑academic collaborations; implement strategies to cultivate new industrial partnerships; and facilitate connections between potential industry partners and university researchers.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying, developing and executing strategies for research and development collaborations.
• Researching and recommending new opportunities for external collaborations and partnerships.
• Writing grant applications.
• Writing solicitation documentation in support of commercialization activities.
• Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance.
• Promoting the University’s research capabilities to industrial, governmental and finance sectors to enhance research and innovation funding opportunities.
• Settling partnership agreements and contract terms.

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline and/or Business, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Six to seven years experience in business development with a demonstrated track record of success, preferably acting as a bridge between government agencies, large-scale industry, and academia.
• Minimum one year experience in intellectual property management, research contracts or technology development.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding or contracts for research programs through grants and/or partnership proposals within highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, energy or government).
• Experience in research and innovation strategy development and implementation, preferably in an academic environment.
• Experience managing complex relationships, and superior ability to work collaboratively with faculty members and stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge of the Canadian research landscape.
• Strong interpersonal skills; highly proactive, persuasive, and diplomatic.
• Excellent entrepreneurial ability; demonstrated initiative.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities; strong project management skills; and ability to meet deadlines and time constraints.
• Ability to understand and articulate research goals and requirements of industry and academic contacts.
• Understanding of research contracts, intellectual property, research applications and research funding opportunities.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented.
• Approachable.
• Self‑confident.
• Team player.

Closing Date: 01/12/2026, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget – Term (two‑year Term role, with the possibility of renewal.)

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 17 – $109,761, with an annual step progression to a maximum of $140,365. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Recruiter: Anita Chooraman

Lived Experience Statement: Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Diversity Statement: The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

Accessibility Statement: The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].