Overview

The Business Growth and Outreach Lead is responsible for leading and implementing strategies and initiatives that stimulate the growth of Kitchener’s ecosystems. The growth and ongoing development of the City’s business sectors including technology, digital media, manufacturing, food production, innovation, and financial services is a primary focus. Developing strong relationships with existing, expanding and new businesses is essential. Strong academic and Industry experience provides the foundation to lead strategic high profile economic development projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities

Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion

• Leads and implements strategies and initiatives that stimulate the growth of the City’s Make it Kitchener 2.0 Economic Development Strategy.
• Builds and manages a client portfolio and sales funnel of prospective, existing and expanding businesses, through the adoption of Salesforce.  Works with corporate executives and decision makers to interpret and understand their financial outlook in order to support their expansion and development decision making process.
• Actively builds and manages partnerships with key industry growth partners such as Waterloo Economic Development Corporation, Communitech, Velocity, the Accelerator Centre, Medical Innovation Exchange, and post-secondary institutions.
• Actively builds and manages relationships with key building owners, developers and real estate agents/brokers.  Analyzes and summarizes development proformas and criteria in order to support their decision-making process.
• Represents the City at trade shows and investment meetings, leads investment tours, supports foreign direct investment initiatives and liaises with Federal, Provincial and Regional Government Agencies to resolve client concerns and access program funding.
• Supports the growth of the city’s local skilled labour force, strengthening the ecosystem with the goal of retention of jobs locally.

Stewardship of Development Assets

• Actively builds partnerships and a unified business community effort to advance the Innovation District, including the Health Sciences Campus, future Bramm Yards and Business Parks
• Support the City’s sustainability objectives by promoting adoption with the business community
• Support the implementation of the City’s Sustainable Development Goals within Make it Kitchener 2.0 and integration with the business community

Sales & Recruitment

• Actively seeks out, and negotiates with, prospective tenants for the City’s various business facilities, such as 44 Gaukel. 
• Responsible for nurturing client relationships from prospect stage through to lease/acquisition completion.
• Actively seeks out funding and sponsorship opportunities to support the City’s economic development initiatives

Project Management

• Leads various high profile economic development projects and initiatives, including strategic actions of Make It Kitchener 2.0.  This includes project conception, community engagement, strategy development, terms of reference, project charter, the coordination of resources, and solicitation of funding.
• Coordinates all aspects of financial incentive programs, such as the Startup Landing Pad Program.
• Ensures the delivery of City-funded services by partner organizations, such as Communitech, Velocity, and the Accelerator Centre

Education

• 4-year degree in business, economic development, real estate, marketing, sales or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of related and relevant experience including business development, sales, relationship management, and industry participation.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing and implementing major projects, including a track record of successfully completing projects within scope, on-time and on-budget.
• Experience with, and working knowledge of, marketing, sales and brand development principles.

Experience continued

• Preference may be given to candidates with direct experience in the field of economic development
• Preference may be given to candidates with direct experience with startup innovation companies

Skill Equivalency (if applicable)

• 3-Year Degree/Diploma with minimum 7 years related and relevant experience OR
• An undergraduate degree with a Master’s degree with minimum 2 years of related and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute a project plan that collaboratively engages a variety of stakeholders while ensuring project timelines are met.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices and theories of economic development, real estate, business growth and investment.
• Ability to analyze and interpret key corporate financial documents (ex: balance sheets, income statements, financial statement notes, proformas, etc.).
• Ability to establish new client relationships, foster relationships and complete sales transactions.
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, communication and organizational skills
• Superior written, oral and presentation skills, with demonstrated strength in report writing and presentation skills; proven ability communicating effectively at all levels of both internal and external organizations.
• Demonstrates an ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Please note that the salary grade for this position is under review.