Ecosystem Development Specialist

Introduction

The Innovation Grants Branch of the Innovation and New Technology Department supports the growth of Manitoba’s technology and innovation sectors through strategic programs and partnerships. Its work focuses on accelerating business innovation, promoting commercialization and supporting investment.

To be considered for this competition you must submit an application form. See below for further instructions.

Duties:
The Ecosystem Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and advancement of provincial innovation priorities through policy analysis, program development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. This includes translating government priorities into actionable policy recommendations and program frameworks, analyzing data, trends, gaps, and opportunities to inform evidence-based decision making, and preparing briefings, reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and external stakeholders.

The Specialist builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external innovation ecosystem partners, including universities, applied research centres, incubators and accelerators, investors, and industry associations, to advance shared priorities and strengthen the province’s presence within innovation spaces.

The Specialist also supports the coordination and delivery of pilot projects and technology adoption initiatives by tracking deliverables, monitoring milestones, coordinating logistics, and working with stakeholders to support successful implementation and commercialization outcomes. The position represents the department on committees, at ecosystem events, and stakeholder meetings, supports cross-government collaboration to align innovation efforts across departments and agencies, and develops and maintains tools, templates, training and outreach materials, and communication products to support program delivery and increase awareness of provincial innovation priorities.

Qualifications:

Essential
:

Completion of a post-secondary degree in public policy, business administration, economics, technology, innovation, economic development, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience developing or supporting public policy, strategic initiatives, or programs related to innovation, technology, economic development, research, commercialization, or technology adoption, including research, analysis, drafting, and coordination.

Working knowledge of Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, including post-secondary institutions, applied research centres, incubators and accelerators, investors, industry organizations, technology organizations, and commercialization pathways.

Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners, and organizations to advance shared priorities and initiatives.

Experience conducting research and analysis, including assessing trends, opportunities, risks, and strategic options, and preparing briefings, reports, recommendations, or other decision-support materials for senior leadership or decision-makers.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify opportunities and risks, exercise sound judgement, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.

Experience coordinating projects, programs, working groups, or multi-stakeholder initiatives, including developing or monitoring work plans, timelines, deliverables, documentation, and status reporting.

Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively with senior leaders, stakeholders, and partners.

Strong…