Director, Strategic Partnerships in Toronto

The Director, Strategic Partnerships is responsible for initiating, developing, and executing strategies and processes to promote OCI’s growth and sustainability. 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.

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is the province’s leading innovation engine, bringing together industry, academia, government, and investors to accelerate commercialization and scale Ontario-made technologies. From AI and quantum to life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing, OCI powers the programs and partnerships helping Ontario companies grow, compete globally, and build the future, right here.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead staff, direct and indirect, by providing guidance and coaching, creating a positive and stimulating work environment.
• Participate in relevant business associations, technical committees, and professional organizations to promote and grow OCI’s network.
• Track developments and keep up to date on the latest technological and business developments within the province.
• Provide advice and support to other OCI support groups on key initiatives.
• Strengthen and manage OCI’s strategic relationships with domestic and international organizations, academic institutions, and economic development entities.
• Direct the development of viable opportunities in partnership with key networks, negotiate partnerships and agreements.
• Accountable for developing new opportunities, agreements, and partnerships to increase OCI’s reach.
• Engage strategically with the public and private sectors to improve the impact of OCI’s investments.
• Act as the primary point-of-contact to active partners to ensure value is being created.
• Report KPIs to executives and conduct quarterly reviews with partners.
• Measure the performance of each partnered project and program to quantify outcomes.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• 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.
• Experience in dealing with public sector funding along with federal and provincial contacts.
• Strong strategic thinking to develop creative and effective strategies.
• Ability to present effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong skills in strategic and quantitative analysis, project management, leadership, negotiation, and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, managing internal and external teams.
• A proven collaborator and relationship builder.
• 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 innovation ecosystem and key stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office environment and hours.
• Onsite work with stakeholder partners.
• Required to attend 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.