Manager, Economic Development

Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice-Principal, Economic Development, the Manager, Economic Development (MED) drives the University’s external engagement agenda by identifying, shaping, and supporting collaborative projects that advance the priorities of the Queen’s Strategic Research Plan 2025-2030 (SRP). The MED scans market and policy trends, connects faculty with public- and private-sector stakeholders, and facilitates agreements that translate research excellence into social and economic value.

Working with researchers, departmental leaders, and institutional research services, the MED steers initiatives that support research, enable talent mobility, and attract collaborators to Queen’s and the Kingston region.

The MED also champions ecosystem-building activities—such as cluster development, commercialization readiness, and community innovation programs—that enhance Queen’s standing as a partner of choice.

Through stakeholder mapping, opportunity assessment, and purposeful outreach, the officer ensures each engagement aligns with SRP themes, equity principles, and regional growth objectives.

The officer also provides tactical support to the Queen’s Partnerships & Innovation (QPI) team.

Job Description KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Support the AVP, Economic Development in developing, and steering, economic and business development strategies to accomplish institution goals.

Overseeing associated large programs and initiatives.

Map Queen’s research strengths to external partner needs using SRP themes (e.g., Advanced Materials, Next-Generation Computing, Health, Sustainable Societies). Identify, qualify, and advance partnership leads; prepare capability decks and non-confidential summaries.

Contribute, support and foster Mitacs student internships with Queen’s researchers.

Steward strategic partner relationships and track activity in the client relationship management (CRM) system.

Support landscape analysis in priority area SRP themes.Economic Development & Ecosystem Building Collaborate with municipal, provincial, and federal economic-development agencies to attract R&D investment to Kingston and Eastern Ontario.

Promote Queen’s talent, facilities, and start-up pipeline at industry events and conferences.

Support regional cluster projects or Tier One research centres that leverage SRP objectives.

Conduct initial market and IP assessments on invention disclosures; prepare marketing briefs; perform due diligence and help develop business cases for startup formation.Data, Metrics, and Reporting Maintain accurate records of leads, agreements, and outcomes; generate quarterly metrics for AVP, Economic Development.

Lead the economic-impact narratives for institutional and government reports.

Establishes, monitors, analyzes and reports on metrics and makes strategic recommendations.Project & Event Coordination Plan campus visits, matchmaking sessions, and outreach events; manage all logistics and briefing materials.

Lead special projects assigned by AVP, Economic Development Managing and executing projects, setting clear timelines and expectations for goals and outcomes, leads the implementation and on-going execution of VPR University wide initiatives.Inclusive & Respectful Engagement and Work Direction Embed I-EDIAA principles and respectful partnership practices, including Indigenous community engagement, in all activities, consistent with SRP commitments.

Plan, prioritize and manage the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching.

Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendations regarding employee selection.

Manage performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.

Assess staff training and development needs, and ensure that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.

Other duties as required in support of the Vice-Principal Research portfolio.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS University degree in Business, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field; graduate degree an asset.

Minimum 7-10 years experience in research partnership development, technology commercialization, or economic development.

Knowledge of one or more SRP domains (e.g., AI, advanced materials, life sciences). Familiarity with federal/provincial R&D programs and economic-development incentives.

Experience negotiating research or commercialization agreements.

Proficiency with CRM and MS Office; ability to travel domestically.

Proven experience with writing and editing in a variety of formats.

Consideration may be given to equivalent combination of education and experience.

Review full job description, requirements, and special skills online.