Innovation Economy Specialist Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 51776)

Description

Are you a champion for Edmonton's local economy and business innovation? Do you bring customer-focused experience to helping businesses start, grow and thrive in Edmonton? The City of Edmonton is looking for an Innovation Economy Specialist who can deliver programs and services that enable business innovation, growth and new investment.

This position will take a leadership role in the planning and delivery of innovation programs on the Business Friendly Edmonton team, including the Edmonton Edge Fund and City As A Lab, and related services and initiatives that support local economic development. The Innovation Economy Specialist will liaise and coordinate with external stakeholders, business owners and colleagues across the City of Edmonton to support the growth of, and investment in, Edmonton's innovation economy to promote a vibrant and prosperous business community.

What will you do?

• Deliver and enhance programs and services within the Business Friendly portfolio that support local businesses grow and test new innovation 
• Lead projects that will contribute to determining the future direction of the Edmonton Edge Fund program, including those relating to strategic planning, research and engagement activities
• Manage and lead the strategic communications required for project delivery, including presenting to various audiences
• Regularly measure and report performance, progress and other updates to senior leadership
• Help business owners understand and navigate relevant regulatory processes, with a focus on those related to innovation and procurement
• Respond to inquiries relating to all business types, with a focus on innovative companies
• Work collaboratively with external agencies, including Edmonton Unlimited and Edmonton Global
• Prepare briefings, reports and presentations for City Council and Committees 
• Maintain collaborative partnerships and strategic communication with key stakeholders including City Council, local businesses, partners, agencies and other levels of government to deliver on shared objectives
• Ensure accountability of key project and funding agreement milestones through effective communication, monitoring, tracking and reporting
• Act in an advisory role to committees and teams regarding economic development procurement, new innovations and opportunities for the City to be the ‘first client' to Edmonton-based startups
• Respond to business development trends, economic trends, shifts in intensification and use, and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to align commercial strategies and advocate for process innovation
• Lead work that supports the management all phases of various economic development projects and programs (concept, planning, implementation, performance measures, close)
• Oversee project plans, including resource management and performance measurement, to meet annual work plan goals, economic objectives and performance benchmarks
• Establish logic models, evaluation systems and analysis tools to recommend and prioritize future program direction
• Support program development by providing research, analysis and recommendations