Director, Strategic Partnerships

Position Summary

The Director, Strategic Partnerships is responsible for initiating, developing, and executing strategies and processes to promote OCI’s growth and sustainability.This role is a critical position at OCI and the successful candidate will act in coordination with the Executive Team to define short- and long-term strategies and work with internal and external stakeholders to execute on the strategies essential for the development of OCI. This role reports directly to the, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Development, Partnerships and International.

Who We Are

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is the province’s leading innovation engine, bringing together industry, academia, government, and investors to accelerate commercialization and scale Ontario-made technologies.

From AI and quantum to life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing, OCI powers the programs and partnerships helping Ontario companies grow, compete globally, and build the future, right here.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Lead staff, direct and indirect, by providing guidance and coaching, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction, and creating through his/her leadership a positive and stimulating work environment.

• Actively participating in relevant business associations, technical committees, and professional organizations to promote and grow OCI’s network.
• Leading key activities (e.g., committees of volunteer groups, advisory or review committees) or serving on corporate committees (e.g., Research, Commercialization, and /or Talent Committees), making proposal presentations, conducting project specific and business-case reviews, etc.).
• Tracking developments and keeping up to date on the latest technological and business developments within the province; including current knowledge of sector specific industry news, regulations, and contacts.
• Providing advice and support to other OCI support groups, e.g., Marketing / Communication and Finance groups on key initiatives.

Strategy and Delivery

• Strengthen and manage OCI’s strategic relationships with but not limited to domestic and international organizations, academic institutions, Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), Angel and VC investment communities and economic development entities.
• Direct the development of viable opportunities in partnership with key networks, negotiate partnerships and agreements and generate outcomes aligned with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) strategic and operating plans.
• In conjunction with the Executive Team, the Director is accountable for developing new opportunities, agreements, and partnerships and other new project initiatives to increase OCI’s reach and create additional opportunities.
• Accountable for identifying, contacting, and forging relationships with strategic partners as well as creating unique solutions-oriented strategies. Engage strategically with the public and private sectors and secure traditional as well as non-traditional industry-based partnerships to improve the impact, integration, and effectiveness of OCI’s investments.
• Act as the primary point-of-contact to active partners to ensure value is being created and to continue evolve the partnership through its lifecycle.
• Report KPIs to executives and conduct quarterly review with partners.
• Develop strategy, conduct negotiations, and drive activities to closure.
• Responsible for all aspects of the transaction through the coordination and facilitation of internal cross functional teams to identify and develop the strategic opportunities and partnerships.
• Engage with developing networks to facilitate the formation of effective partnerships between industry, research, the investment community, and government.
• Measure the performance of each partnered project and programs to quantify outcomes.
• Actively participate in relevant business associations, committees, and professional organizations to promote and grow OCI’s network.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Relevant post-secondary education, ideally in Engineering, Applied Science, Business, or equivalent
• Significant work experience in building partnerships at the government, corporate, and non-profit stakeholders is highly desired, however, some experience may be drawn from advisory positions in investment, legal or consulting firms.
• Experience in dealing with public sector funding along with federal and provincial contacts and network.
• Strong strategic thinking to develop creative and effective strategies to achieve the organization’s strategic partnership objectives.
• Ability to present effectively to stakeholders at all levels and lead discussions as a representative of OCI.
• Strong skills in strategic and quantitative analysis, project management, leadership, negotiation, and oral and written communication are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, managing internal and external teams.
• A proven collaborator and relationship builder with ability to understand different perspectives, seek mutually beneficial solutions and broker deals.
• Able to assume the role of both team player and team leader.

• Familiar with the “language” and terminology of industry, finance, government, and the academic community.

• Significant knowledge of Government agencies, Incubators, Accelerators, and their programs within Ontario Communities.
• Understanding of the Ontario innovation ecosystem and key stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment
• Standard office hours
• Onsite work with stakeholder partners
• Required to attend at events outside of normal business hours
• Travel 20 – 40% of the time within Ontario.

This role is being recruited to fill a current vacancy.

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.