Job ID: 58497
Job Category: Economic Development, Arts & Culture
Division & Section: Economic Development & Culture, EDC Business Growth Services
Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W
Job Type & Duration: 1 Temporary Full-time vacancy
Salary: $94,905.00 - $128,386.00
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 09-Sep-2025 to 23-Sep-2025

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Economic Development Officer will primarily support small businesses and main street activation through programming, coordination, and partnership via key initiatives such as CaféTO. This position will be required to collaborate with various City Divisions and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to support mainstreet businesses and outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants and bars. Some assistance will be directed to grant programs that support main street businesses and local economic resiliency. This position reports to the Manager, Main Street Initiatives in Business Growth Services.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline related to the job function or the equivalent combination of education and experience. An Ec.D. Designation and/or Certified Economic Developer or CEcD will be considered an asset.
• Considerable experience in economic development and working with internal/external clients and various stakeholders including Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s).
• Experience in the food sector and/or the restaurant sector and a thorough knowledge of issues and trends, including municipal governance policies, relevant legislation, standards and policies.
• Experience with community grants and the various stages of the grant management process.
• Highly developed research, analytical, conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills. Including the ability to conceptualize information, develop options and recommend solutions to support decision-making.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters as it relates to senior business executives, Council and other senior staff.
• Ability to negotiate persuasively and effectively and forge solid internal and external relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, external clients and other levels of government.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and produce effective results under tight timelines and adjust work priorities in response to competing demands.
• Ability to ensure project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• In-depth technical knowledge of relevant legislation affecting economic growth and competition in Toronto and proficiency in business administration, research, marketing, customer service and policy development.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for field work, would be an asset.

• Develops and implements detailed plans and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements.
• Delivers assigned projects and programs, ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality and a commitment to organizational performance and continuous learning.
• Conducts research into assigned area ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Ensures that the project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Provides project management and strategic advice for projects and activities. Coordinates inter-divisional programs, including program development, resource allocation, monitoring service standards and delivery levels.
• Advises companies currently located outside the City (and sometimes the country) on the advantages of Canada generally, and Toronto specifically. Includes providing advice on the Canadian and Ontario regulatory environment, as well as potential business locations.
• Advises companies on investment and expansion proposals (e.g. permits, planning regulations, and other approvals) and site relocation issues and opportunities including special projects involving land development, negotiations, and property acquisitions.
• Advises external clients (realtors, developers, and businesses) and internal clients (Councillors, other Economic Development divisions and City departments) on economic profiles, industry trends, and business activities and business investment opportunities in the City of Toronto.
• Researches and reports on a range of new projects and initiatives as they arise, including writing and preparing reports to City Council and Standing Committees
• Facilitates business expansion by acting as liaison between business owners and their development consultants and City Development Review staff to explain the City’s development requirements and practices (i.e. Development Charges, Development Review procedures, Building Permit processes).
• Recommends policies to assist in the retention of the City’s existing business tax base by identifying issues under the City’s influence and control which, if not resolved, might result in business migration to nearby municipalities. These include a wide range of concerns, and issues such as taxes and assessment, traffic, property standards, parking and access, and City licenses.
• Encourages the expansion of the City’s tax base by targeting those businesses most likely to expand (and thereby need a new location) in the near future and demonstrating the advantages of a Toronto location.
• Builds relationships through corporate calls and a contact network to monitor the business climate and continuously improve service delivery.
• Plans and co-ordinates promotional and prospecting events, including lead generation and management at international, national and local trade shows.
• Reviews, influences and provides comments on city wide policies, re-zonings, variances, site plan applications, and official plan amendments relating to their economic impact.
• Prepares reports for senior management making recommendations on changes in operational processes Liaises with City departments, government agencies, developers, banks, utilities, and other agencies to facilitate and expedite development and business expansion by resolving a wide range of municipal issues.
• Represents the Division at Community Council, City standing committees, boards and agencies. Prepares and delivers presentations to stakeholder groups (business groups, foreign delegations, public, and other levels of government).
• Liaises with City departments, government agencies, developers, banks, utilities, and other agencies to facilitate and expedite development and business expansion by resolving a wide range of municipal issues.