Job Description

About Us:

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) drives the development of Ontario's economy by helping create new jobs, products, services, technologies, and businesses. In partnership with industry, OCI co-invests to commercialize innovation originating in the province's publicly funded colleges, universities, and research hospitals. We also support and invest in early-stage projects, where the probability of commercial success and potential total return on innovation are substantial. Another expanding focus for OCI is the development of the next generation of innovators through our entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across Ontario. OCI's efforts are focused on sectors of the economy with the greatest potential to drive Ontario's future prosperity and global competitiveness: energy and environment (including water); advanced manufacturing; advanced health technologies; and information, communications technologies, and digital media. A trusted partner of government in program delivery, we are committed to advancing a whole-of-government approach as a means of streamlining funding application processes for companies and entrepreneurs.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Business Development, and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), the Assistant Vice President, Business Development is responsible for leading the Business Development team to deliver on all program objectives and targets, developing and implementing strategic initiatives that further Ontario Centre of Innovation's (OCI) role as a province-wide collaboration platform for innovation. Regionally deployed and client focused, the BD team delivers OCI-managed programs, identifying and bringing collaborators together, assisting with the development of funding proposals and ensuring projects deliver high-impact and outcomes for Ontario's economy.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide leadership and develop strategies to further OCI's mandate to maximize the commercial impact of research developed in Ontario's colleges, universities, and research hospitals and accelerate the development, commercialization, and adoption of emerging technologies. Develop and expand partnerships with colleges, universities, research hospitals, regional innovation centres, funding agencies, government bodies, and industries to drive collaborative R&D and the commercialization of new technologies. Lead a regionally deployed BD team to ensure delivery of all program targets. Lead in identification, planning, and execution of opportunities, strategies and initiatives that will increase OCI's impact on R&D and innovation in Ontario. Support the development of technology development and commercialization strategies. Support corporate exercises and operational functions, including participation in the development and execution of OCI's strategic plan, business plan, and various policies and programs. Create and steward relationships with key stakeholders across industry, government, and academia, including ensuring OCI is appropriately represented at conferences, events, meetings, and negotiations and serves as an expert point of contact. Deliver and measure agreed upon program outcomes, executing against funder and all other partner contract obligations. Establish, maintain, expand, and manage an effective operational team. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing business development team. Monitor the landscape of key stakeholders including government, industry, not-for-profit and provide counsel sharing insights with internal and external stakeholders. May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Minimum bachelor's degree: advanced degrees will be considered an asset. Robust, province-wide network; senior-level relationships with industry, academic and government stakeholders; trusted relationships with key players across Ontario's innovation ecosystem. Demonstrated, first-hand knowledge of R&D funding, business support, and innovation programs in Ontario and nationally. In depth understanding of the commercialization of academic intellectual property (IP), industry-academic collaborations, and the development and adoption of emerging advanced technologies. Proven experience in leading, engaging, and developing a results-oriented, high performing team. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including effective engagement with diverse and senior industry and research stakeholders. Solid understanding of financial information (including financial statements - balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement).


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