Innovation Specialist

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Manager, Automotive and Mobility Strategy, the Innovation Strategy Specialist is responsible for the development and execution of strategic initiatives related to the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) portfolio within the automotive and mobility portfolio. The Innovation Strategy Specialist will work with the team to drive ecosystem activities, strategic initiatives, and key program deliverables. The Innovation Strategy Specialist will also support the

identification of strategic opportunities for the portfolio, including cultivating stakeholder relationships and partnerships, and identifying areas of growth and focus for the portfolio.

Your Contributions:

· Research opportunities to renew or expand programs, partnerships and subject areas. Develop these identified opportunities into compelling proposals.

· Lead the efforts on funding opportunities, including developing narrative, managing budget figures, engaging partners and overseeing all requirements.

· Support portfolio development by advising on strategy, recommending solutions, fostering external partnerships, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the portfolio.

· Collaborate with staff and ecosystem partners, including government, industry, postsecondary institutions, and innovation hubs, to execute on projects and strategic initiatives to advance program goals and objectives.

· Identify opportunities to deliver initiatives to support portfolio activities and to collaborate with key stakeholders across the province and globally.

· Monitor external environment (i.e. government policy priorities, industry developments and best practices) for trends, issues and opportunities to support Ontario’s automotive and mobility innovation ecosystem and respond to its needs.

· Liaise with various stakeholder groups across key initiatives, including project partners and government stakeholders for alignment with agreed upon deliverables and outcomes.

· Develop and deliver key portfolio content and externally facing documents including presentations, program information, news releases, and website content.

· Develop and deliver relevant project updates as required by key stakeholders, ensuring high-quality deliverables which meet the satisfaction of project funders.

· Work with team to leverage research and findings to support the identification and execution of strategic initiatives that enhance innovation across Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector.

· Develop and execute on marketing and promotional material, events, workshops, stakeholder engagement and outreach.

· Effectively design processes for engagement, communications, and project delivery, and actively supports program and/or delivery process improvements.

· Support the development of briefings and other strategic documents that reinforce delivery of thought leadership and strategic insights.

· Collaborate cross-departmentally including liaising with Business Development, Research and Insights, Program Management, Marketing and Communications and Skills and Talent teams as required.

· Other assigned tasks as required to support the organization and/or portfolio.

Your Attributes:

· A combination of formal, specialized education and relevant work experience.

· 3-5 years experience in project management, consulting, strategy development, industry and stakeholder engagement/management, public policy and/or communications and marketing.

· Experience leading complex strategic initiatives and projects with multiple partners and various types of stakeholders.

· Experience establishing and managing diverse stakeholder relationships (i.e. industry, government, internal) and defining and gaining stakeholder buy-in.

· Ability to respond to changing priorities of the day and thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment.

· Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, written, presentation preparation and delivery). Experience developing proposals and briefings would be an asset.

· Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to complex problems.

· Understanding of the innovation ecosystem, including the role that industry and academia, policy and planning, government priorities, and commercial endeavors play within this ecosystem.

· Automotive and mobility industry knowledge is an asset.

· Project management experience is considered an asset.

Your Strengths:

In keeping with OCI’s values of Collaboration, Empowerment and Leadership, Communication, Agility and Accountability, we seek candidates who are:

· Team players with highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaborate with people at all levels within the organization and externally.

· Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, efficient, organized and able to produce high quality work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage numerous conflicting and changing priorities simultaneously.

· Ability to work with minimal supervision and take accountability to address obstacles and overcome barriers by identifying possible resolution options and alternatives.

· Intellectually curious about developments and trends in a sector.

· Able to demonstrate integrity and ethics in decision making and in relationships with colleagues and clients.

· Able to reflect and promote OCI’s values through work with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

· Embody OCI’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).