Business Development Specialist Public Sector

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight andaccountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, and working within the Institutional Strategic Initiatives team, the Partnership & Business Development Officer advances financial support for university research through government, industry, and other partnerships, as well as related granting opportunities. The Officer will identify, negotiate, and secure partners and external funding to foster collaboration between the university’s research community, federal agencies, and large-scale industrial partners. The role supports projects that strengthen national technological sovereignty, advance dual-use innovations, and translate fundamental research into applied solutions meeting rigorous specifications and Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) required by government and regulated industry partners.
provide expert knowledge of programs supporting industry-academic collaborations; implement strategies to cultivate new industrial partnerships; Identifying, developing and executing strategies for research and development collaborations
Writing grant applications
Writing solicitation documentation in support of commercialization activities
Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance
Promoting the University’s research capabilities to industrial, governmental and finance sectors to enhance research and innovation funding opportunities
Settling partnership agreements and contract terms

Master's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline and/or Business, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
Six to seven years experience in business development with a demonstrated track record of success, preferably acting as a bridge between government agencies, large-scale industry, and academia
Minimum one year experience in intellectual property management, research contracts or technology development
Experience in research and innovationstrategy development and implementation, preferably in an academic environment
strong project management skills; Ability to understand and articulate research goals and requirements of industry and academic contacts
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Administrative / Managerial
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.