Vice President, Investment Attraction and Business Development

Company Description

Halifax Partnership is Halifax, Nova Scotia's public-private economic development organization. The Partnership drives and accelerates economic growth by selling and marketing Halifax to global business and talent, helping businesses reach their full potential, and tracking and reporting on Halifax's economic progress. The Partnership's strong network of Investors and partners are committed to building an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Halifax.

Role Description

The Partnership is seeking a Vice President, Investment Attraction and Business Development. This full-time position located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is responsible for leading Halifax's business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies. As a key member of the leadership team, the VP reports to the Chief Operating Officer and supports Halifax Partnership's mandate to grow Halifax's economy, strengthen its national and global competitiveness, and increase the region's GDP.

The successful individual will provide visionary leadership to develop business growth opportunities in key sectors of strength for Halifax, while deepening relationships with local companies to support their expansion and ongoing success. This position leads strategic initiatives to position Halifax as a competitive destination for national and international companies and fosters global partnerships that enhance the region's attractiveness.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the organization's investment attraction and trade strategy aligned with
• People. Planet. Prosperity. Halifax's Inclusive Economic Strategy
• Provide insight and leadership on global market trends, trade opportunities, and investment priorities.
• Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, municipal, provincial, and federal partners.

Investment Attraction

• Lead initiatives to attract domestic and foreign business investment to Halifax.
• Promote Halifax's value proposition to targeted sectors and markets.
• Represent the organization at high-profile international trade missions, conferences, and local networking events.
• Build strong relationships with corporate executives, site selectors, and investment officers abroad, Invest Nova Scotia, ACOA, Global Affairs Canada, and Invest in Canada.
• Prepare and present business cases with the support of the Economic Research and
• Market/Communications Team

Business Development

• Support local businesses in overcoming barriers to exporting and accessing new markets.
• Collaborate with government agencies and industry partners to create trade programs and matchmaking opportunities.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for commercialization and scale-ups.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a team of Directors and Account Executives focused on investment, trade, and business retention and expansion.
• Set performance targets and ensure accountability for results.
• Manage departmental budgets, work plans, KPIs, and reporting requirements.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and service excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with public and private sector partners, including municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
• Act as a key liaison with international organizations and trade associations.
• Communicate the region's economic progress and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Track and report on Economic Impact of the work in conjunction with our Economic Research
• team.

Qualifications:

Education

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Experience

• Minimum ten years' professional experience in business, relationship development and sales/account management, including strategy, marketing, financial management, and supervisory experience.
• Experience communicating with senior business and political leadership.
• Proven experience in successfully obtaining buy-in and leading initiatives that require extensive consultation over extended periods
• Experienced, innovative leadership with the ability to form and motivate teams in a service delivery model and work with senior leadership and community partners
• Ability to travel internationally as required

Skills

• Strong and articulate communicator with keen follow-up and reporting
• Strong negotiation, deal-making and influencing skills
• Strong understanding of Halifax's economic landscape, priority sectors, and regional strengths
• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Organized, resourceful, efficient, with attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence senior decision-makers
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Relationship management and diplomacy
• Leadership and team development
• Results-driven and adaptable in a fast-paced environment