• Job ID: 35420
• Job Category: Economic Development, Arts & Culture
• Division & Section: Economic Development & Culture, EDC Business Growth Services
• Work Location: various locations, see below
• Job Type & Duration: 2 Permanent, 2 Temporary vacancies(24 months)
• Salary: $93,500.00 - $119,274.00
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 4
• Posting Period: 20-JUN-2023 to 04-JUL-2023

Work Locations

North York Civic Center, 5100 Yonge St

City Hall, 100 Queen St W.

Etobicoke City Center, 399 The West Mall

Job Summary:

The Business Growth Services Section within Economic Development & Culture is hiring 4 Economic Development Officers to take on a variety of projects and programs across 3 units.

Reporting to the Manager, Business Retention & Expansion or Manager of Business Improvement Areas or Manager of Main Street Initiatives), the Economic Development Officer will act as a key liaison between the City and businesses in order to support main street vibrancy, economic growth and prosperity, job creation and community development.

Successful applicants may be assigned to vacancies in BGS units responsible for Business Retention and Expansion, Business Improvement Areas-Ontario Line Liaison, or Main Street Initiatives.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements detailed plans and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements associated with business incubation, business retention and expansion, and community economic development.
• Delivers assigned projects and programs through effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality, and a commitment to organizational performance and continuous learning.
• Negotiates and implements innovative solutions to complex project challenges involving multiple stakeholders to achieve assigned objectives.
• Prepares, develops and negotiates agreements with suppliers, contractors, other divisions, partner organizations, and community groups.
• Conducts research into assigned areas taking into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Ensures that the project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Advises companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs on the advantages of locating and expanding their business in Toronto, including sharing information on the Canadian and Ontario regulatory environment and potential business locations.
• Liaises with City divisions and advises companies and their (development) consultants on investment and expansion proposals (e.g. permits, planning regulations, development charges, development review process and other approvals, etc.), site relocation issues, and related opportunities involving land development, negotiations, and property acquisitions.
• Advises external clients (realtors, developers, entrepreneurs and businesses) and internal clients (Councillors, other divisions and City departments) on economic profiles, industry trends, and business activities and business investment opportunities in Toronto.
• Researches and provides policy advice and comments on various issues (e.g taxation, parking, property standards, licensing, re-zonings, variances, site plan applications, etc.) impacting Toronto's business environment and competitiveness, business incubation, and community economic development.
• Builds relationships through corporate calls and a contact network to monitor the business climate and continuously improve service delivery.
• Plans and co-ordinates promotional and prospecting events, including lead generation and management at international, national and local trade shows and conferences.
• Liaises with City departments, government agencies, developers, banks, utilities, universities, and other agencies and organizations to facilitate retail, commercial and business development and operations.
• Participates in the development and implementation of reporting and tracking systems for business incubation, retention and expansion, and community economic development activities and outcomes.
• Represents the Division at Community Council, City standing committees, boards and agencies.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to stakeholder groups (business groups, foreign delegations, public, and other levels of government).
• Supports the development of partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for enhanced economic prosperity and inclusion.
• Liaises with the private sector, City divisions, Business Improvement Areas, government agencies, academia, not-for-profit, and other organizations to facilitate business incubation, retention, expansion and community economic development in Toronto.
• Facilitates and initiates the development of partnerships to support both existing and new incubation organizations/advisory boards
• Advances creative and innovative place making initiatives to support the recovery and rebuild of Toronto’s Main Streets.
• Manages the Main Street Innovation Fund program including overseeing the budget & cash flow, driving marketing & communications, building relationships with recipients, and coordinating approvals with the Federal funding partner, FedDev Ontario.

Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline related to the job function or the equivalent combination of education and experience. An Ec.D. Designation and/or Certified Economic Developer or CEcD will be considered an asset.
2. Considerable experience in economic development and or Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s) including developing and implementing plans and recommending policies.
3. Considerable experience advising internal and external clients and various stakeholders.
4. Experience interpreting and applying municipal governance policies, issues, all relevant legislation, municipal programs and services.
5. Strong communication skills (written and verbal), and the ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, senior management, staff at all organizational levels of client divisions, outside agencies and other levels of government.
6. Highly-developed research, analytical, conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills. Ability to conceptualize information, develop options and recommend solutions to support decision-making.
7. Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters as it relates to senior business executives, Council and other senior staff.
8. Ability to negotiate persuasively and effectively, and forge solid internal and external relationships.
9. Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and produce effective results under tight timelines, and adjust work priorities in response to competing demands.
10. Ability to ensure project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
11. In-depth technical knowledge of relevant legislation affecting economic growth and competition in Toronto and proficiency in business administration, research, marketing, customer service and policy development.
12. Possession of a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and access to a vehicle for field work, would be an asset.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity .

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request . Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process .