Development Officer

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.

As the Sector Development Officer (Innovation & Emerging Technology Ecosystems), reporting to the Manager, Office of Technology and Innovation Sectors, you will:

• 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. Organise 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…