SECTOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

2d•CA$96,566 - CA$132,880•Hybrid

About The Position

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 3 million people. Consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, innovation, and culture - and the heart of one of North America's largest Technology and Innovation clusters. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service as a Sector Development Officer (Innovation & Emerging Technology Ecosystems) within our Economic Development & Culture Division. Position Overview: Toronto is one of North America's fastest-growing technology hubs, home to a dynamic ecosystem of AI, fintech, cleantech, life sciences, food processing, and advanced manufacturing innovators. As the Sector Development Officer specializing in Innovation & Emerging Technologies, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening Toronto's global competitiveness by leading strategies and investments that provide resources, services, and sector-specific branding to accelerate growth across the city's thriving technology sector - with particular focus on high-impact, high-growth domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other frontier technologies. The ideal candidate brings a strategic, forward-looking perspective on technology and innovation ecosystems, a growth mindset, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. You understand the trajectory of emerging technologies - particularly AI and its cross-sector applications - and can translate that understanding into actionable strategies that drive sustainable business expansion, improve productivity, attract domestic and foreign investment, and create high-quality jobs in Toronto's technology industries. You will leverage your strategic vision and innovative mindset to: Enthusiastically and unapologetically champion Toronto's AI and emerging tech ecosystem, positioning the city as a globally recognized destination for AI research, talent, commercialization, and tackling difficult problems Drive sustainable business growth by identifying opportunities within emerging technology verticals and connecting companies to the resources needed to scale Attract and support investment from venture capital, corporate, and institutional sources into Toronto's tech and innovation economy Support job creation in high-growth, future-focused technology sectors Track emerging trends and disruptive technologies to ensure the city's sector strategies remain current, competitive, and responsive to shifts in the global tech landscape Develop and contribute to the tactics related to Toronto's AI Economic Development Strategy, currently underway, helping shape the city's long-term approach to AI-driven growth A motivated relationship-builder, you excel at cultivating collaborative partnerships across industry, academia, government, and other key stakeholders to co-develop and implement strategies that strengthen Toronto's standing as a global leader in technology and innovation. You bring credibility with tech founders, researchers, and investors alike, and you're energized by the fast pace of change that defines the emerging technology space - especially the rapid evolution of AI and its expanding role across every sector of the economy.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree in Business, Economics, Public Policy, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning or a related field, combined with considerable experience in the Innovation and Emerging Technology ecosystem and thorough knowledge of issues and trends, including relevant legislation, standards, and policies affecting economic growth and competition in Toronto.
Considerable knowledge of artificial intelligence, including current capabilities, trends, applications, and the evolving policy, regulatory, and investment landscape shaping AI's impact on economic growth and sector competitiveness.
Considerable experience developing complex, long-term strategic plans, and innovative and entrepreneurial programs to help drive business growth.
Considerable experience building professional networks and managing extensive industry relationships in the technology and innovation sectors.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate, present, negotiate, and develop solid internal and external relationships.
Familiarity with sector and industry structures, industry supply chains, business operations (e.g., value chains), developments, trends, and issues.
Familiarity with the industry, both domestically and globally, and the ability to maintain an effective network within the industry, is an asset.
Proficiency in business administration, research, marketing, and policy development.
Sound executive judgement, ability to work in a multi-level stakeholder environment, dealing diplomatically with a range of internal and external stakeholders (e.g., City Councillors, Senior Leadership, and Industry Representatives).
Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to analyze technology sectors, industries, and companies and lead the development of options recommendations for sector-specific policies and strategies that drive growth and investment in emerging technologies.
Knowledge of relevant employment legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Ability to support Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity, and respectful workplaces.
Ability to obtain a valid Ontario Class "G" driver's license, and access to a reliable personal vehicle for use on City business and travel to various work locations.
Ability to occasionally work flexible hours, which may include evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the industry, both domestically and globally, and the ability to maintain an effective network within the industry, is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead comprehensive strategies that enhance global competitiveness, drive business growth, and foster job creation in collaboration with industry, academia, other levels of government, and key economic development stakeholders for the City's technology and innovation sectors.
Support the Economic Development & Culture Division in implementing the City's Economic Growth Agenda, focusing on strategic priorities outlined in the City's 10-year action plan to boost competitiveness in Toronto's technology and innovation sectors.
Manage assigned projects within approved budgets, ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of organizational performance, work quality, continuous improvement, and learning.
Conduct research, prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholder groups on industry trends, competitive issues, regulatory and policy issues, and workforce development opportunities.
Provide input into and administer assigned budgets, ensuring expenditures are controlled and maintained; including seeking estimates for services and evaluating proposals, quotes for services, and recommend expenditures.
Prepare funding proposals, leveraging funding from public and private sector sources supporting tech ecosystem growth.
Provide strategic insights and data-driven analysis to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, policy formation, and decision making across Toronto's technology and innovation sectors.
Develop and cultivate strategic partnerships with stakeholders and international investors to drive job creation, attract investment, and enhance global competitiveness in high-growth technology sectors.
Provide economic analysis, advice, and intelligence to businesses, investors, and other internal and external stakeholders, providing insights on industry trends, competitiveness issues, workforce issues, regulatory changes, economic forecasting, and opportunities for growth to enhance Toronto's economic landscape.
Design and develop annual sector work plans and budget requests.
Coordinate the City's participation in domestic and international trade shows, conferences, and other events to promote Toronto's Technology and Innovation sectors to local, national and international businesses, delegations, and investors.
Support the development of marketing materials and communication strategies that highlight Toronto’s strengths in technology and innovation. Organize and participate in sector-specific events that showcase local talent and innovation.
Develop and inform policy initiatives to improve Toronto's attractiveness for tech startups and innovation-based businesses, focusing on areas such as access to capital, workforce development, and infrastructure enhancements.
Identify ecosystem gaps and recommend strategic interventions, partnerships, and resources to support a robust pipeline of high-potential tech companies.
Represent the City at senior-level public/private advisory committees and boards, and the division/City at inter-divisional and inter-governmental teams and projects.
Advise City Councillors and senior management regarding company specific and sector business issues, as well as on sensitive matters.
Perform administrative tasks related to partnership agreements, payments, and program delivery, and develop targets and criteria to measure the effectiveness and success of programs, activities, and projects.
Manage client service activities on a confidential basis including the provision of direct advice and assistance to companies, business associations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Develop reports, press releases, content for industry publications, speaking notes, and presentations for senior management and Council, and external communications.
Inform clients on municipal, provincial, and federal funding programs available to industry.
Negotiate and manage sponsorship agreements.
Develop the annual sector workplan and budget to incorporate new economic development projects, programs, and partnerships with other agencies and the private sector to implement the strategy and supplement the Division's budget. Additionally, organize revenue-generating activities and keep up to date on industry trends, outlooks, and developments.
Advise and facilitate business network development.