Senior Economic Development Officer / Development Concierge

Senior Economic Development Officer / Development Concierge

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
• Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
• A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies.  For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
• Certification as a Living Wage Champion.
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
• Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.
• Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
• Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
• Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.

…And so much more!

What you will do:

Reporting to the Manager of Business Development, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide priority support to major non-residential development, relocation and/or expansion projects that generate economic impact and key sector growth.
• Promote the City of Waterloo and Generation Park as a location of choice and build relationships with the local business community to drive business expansion, retention and new investment.
• Collaborate with municipal, regional, provincial and federal government officials and private sector representatives to increase investment and opportunities in the City of Waterloo.
• Support implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Contribute to Business Retention, Attraction and Investment goal and objective setting.
• Develop initiatives and strategies for business expansion and retention and promote these through business visitation, proposals, tours, strategic marketing and advertising campaigns, fam tours etc.
• Project management of key initiatives required to expedite completion of Generation Park, including managing requirements of subdivision agreements, future site development and ensuring compliance with City policies, standards and regulations.
• Work with purchasers of city land in Generation park to guide applicants through the planning process.
• Develop key relationships with internal staff in numerous divisions and external partners and agencies to mediate and resolve escalated files and advance key non-residential development applications.
• Review future site plans for compliance with Generation Park Sustainability Standards.
• Coordinate Economic Development comments on relevant Planning Applications.
• Represent the City at networking events, business development outreach meetings and real estate/developer forums or trade shows.
• Represent the City as a location of choice to senior business executives, incoming delegations and other investment representatives.
• Maintain an up-to-date community profile report on the City of Waterloo, including economic statistics and indicators, local businesses and services.
• Undertake regular reporting through briefing notes, reports and presentations to Council and Senior Leadership.
• Perform additional duties and undertake special projects as assigned.

What you will bring:

• University degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Local Economic Development, Urban Planning or related discipline with a minimum five (5)+  years recent and relevant experience within the field of economic and/or business development with a proven track record of success and results. An equivalent combination of education, experience and training in related areas will be considered.
• Eligibility for certification in the Economic Developers Association of Canada.
• Previous experience managing land development projects an asset and familiarity with regulatory approvals such as municipal zoning, planning and building requirements and processes.
• Demonstrated familiarity with local economic development best practices including investment attraction and business retention and expansion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and marketing skills including preparing and delivering presentations, reports, and promotional marketing pieces.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict/problem resolution skills with a strong focus on customer service.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong negotiation, facilitation and leadership skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Work efficiently in a high volume, fast paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion.
• Knowledge of the Municipal Act, Planning Act, and related legislation would be considered an asset.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of software.
• Requirement to work a flexible schedule including in the office, remotely and after hours (as required).
• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

What we will require:

• A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City will be required as a condition of hire.
• Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualification, if applicable.
• Applicants may be required to undergo testing as part of the recruitment process.

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.

Our use of AI during recruitment:

Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.

Staff Association:

Qualified and eligible City of Waterloo Staff Association applicants will be considered first for this posting.