Partnership & Business Development Officer

Date Posted: 12/15/2025Req ID: 46417Faculty/Division: VP - ResearchDepartment: Institutional Strategic InitiativesCampus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)Position Number: 00059033 Description:About us:The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possibleso that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best — advance understanding and apply new knowledge. 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.Your opportunity: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. This role works across all three campuses to develop strategies that grow partnerships and drive innovation.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 ideal candidate brings expertise in complex government procurement, navigating regulated environments, andbuilding relationships in aerospace and advanced technology sectors. 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.In addition to engaging external stakeholders, the Officer works closely with university researchers to develop and leverage partnerships through funded opportunities; provide expert knowledge of programs supporting industry-academic collaborations; implement strategies to cultivate new industrial partnerships; and facilitate connections between potential industry partners and university researchers.Your responsibilities will include: Identifying, developing and executing strategies for research and development collaborationsResearching and recommending new opportunities for externalcollaborations and partnershipsWriting grant applicationsWriting solicitation documentation in support of commercialization activitiesBuilding and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importancePromoting the University’s research capabilities to industrial, governmental and finance sectors to enhance research and innovation funding opportunitiesSettling partnership agreements and contract terms Essential Qualifications: Master's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline and/or Business, or acceptable combination of equivalent experienceSix 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 academiaMinimum one year experience in intellectual property management, research contracts or technology developmentDemonstrated success in securing funding or contracts for research programs through grants and/or partnership proposals within highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, energy or government)Experience in research and innovationstrategy development and implementation, preferably in an academic environmentExperience managing complex relationships, and superior ability to work collaboratively with faculty members and stakeholdersExcellent knowledge of the Canadian research landscapeStrong interpersonal skills; highly proactive, persuasive, and diplomaticExcellent entrepreneurial ability; demonstrated initiativeAbility to manage multiple priorities; strong project management skills; and ability to meet deadlines and time constraintsAbility to understand and articulate research goals and requirements of industry and academic contactsUnderstanding of research contracts, intellectual property, research applications and research funding opportunitiesTo be successful in this role you will be: Achievement orientedApproachableCommunicatorPersuasiveSelf-confidentTeam player Closing Date: 01/12/2026, 11:59PM ETEmployee Group: USW Appointment Type: Budget - Term  This is a two (2) year Term role, with the possibility of renewal.Schedule: Full-TimePay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:USW Pay Band 17 -- $109,761. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $140,365. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. Job Category: Administrative / ManagerialRecruiter: Anita ChooramanLived Experience StatementCandidates 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.