Business Retention and Expansion Specialist - Closing June 8, 2026

Municipality of Port Hope•Port Hope, ON

2d•CA$66,579 - CA$77,888•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Retention and Expansion Specialist (“BR+E Specialist”) is a 1-year contract position which supports the delivery of a funded program, which involves a targeted community-wide Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) initiative, focused on manufacturing, energy-related firms and related supply chains, along with a Manufacturing and Energy Gap and Readiness Study. The program is designed to facilitate broad-based business support while addressing sector-specific opportunities tied to major nuclear and clean energy opportunities. The BR+E Specialist executes structured outreach and business visits, identifies expansion projects and barriers, mobilizes partner support, and provides quarterly dashboards and a final program report.

Requirements

University degree in Community or Economic Development, Project Management, Data Analysis, Marketing or related field.
An Economic Development designation, or ability to obtain within 2 years, is an asset.
Two (2) to Three (3) years work related experience.
Knowledge of municipal affairs and planning processes, manufacturing, energy and related supply chains, would be an asset.
Demonstrated ability to conduct structured interviews, analyze themes, and produce actionable recommendations and dashboards.
Excellent verbal communication skills including courtesy, tact, discretion, explanation, interpretation, negotiation, judgment, persuasion, analytical and presentation skills.
Excellent written communication skills including flexible writing style to meet the varied requirements of the work and medium being used; ability to write clear, concise messages and edit content, structure and spelling with high degree of quality and accuracy.
Advanced computer skills including expertise with MS Office applications, survey and data analytics tools, client and data management software.
Organization and time management skills, including ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
High degree of professionalism, political astuteness and interpersonal skills.
Valid and satisfactory ‘G’ driver’s license and access to own vehicle.
Valid and satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Nice To Haves

An Economic Development designation, or ability to obtain within 2 years, is an asset.
Knowledge of municipal affairs and planning processes, manufacturing, energy and related supply chains, would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead priority sector outreach and coordination: supply-chain development and attraction, capacity and workforce aligned initiatives and readiness micro-projects.
Build and deliver BR+E workplan: segmentation, target list, outreach cadence, visit scheduling, and reporting calendar.
Conduct structured business interviews/visits and administer surveys; document findings and next steps in the CRM.
Identify and manage an expansion/retention opportunity pipeline (projects, timelines, owners, barriers, required supports).
Lead issue management: triage barriers (workforce, land/buildings, utilities, approvals, supply chain), escalate through the Manager, and track resolutions.
Produce sector intelligence (manufacturing and energy + related supply chain) to inform targeted initiatives and strategy implementation.
Coordinate referrals and supports through partners (County, CFDC, workforce/training, utilities, Province/Fed) and track outcomes.
Provide quarterly reporting packages: dashboards, themes, emerging risks, recommendations, and measurable outcomes.
Develop BR+E tools for continuity: playbook, templates, database, and aftercare schedules.
Deliver a final report and presentation, including prioritized recommendations and partner “asks”.
Prepare concise, decision-ready materials (briefing notes, slide decks, partner updates, Council/SLT inputs) as assigned and maintain assigned records in CRM and contribute to pipeline reporting.
Coordinate the BR+E funded program communication strategy and website content with the Communications division to optimize communication opportunities and to promote program objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Economic Development or designate.