Director, Industry Development

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Commercialization Officer & VP, Industry Innovation, the Director, Industry Development will be responsible for sourcing opportunities to maximize engagement between the Vector Institute and leading companies within the Canadian AI ecosystem. Acting as both a business developer and relationship lead, the incumbent will be the primary day-to-day interface between industry sponsors and Vector research activities, ensuring coordination and delivery of Vector industry programmes to help meet the direct needs of industry sponsors within the enterprise space.

The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic thinking, sales acumen, and a foundational understanding of digital and emerging technologies, including awareness of AI, and their applications within the enterprise space. With a track record of securing significant accounts and driving revenue growth, the candidate will play a pivotal role in achieving Vector’s mission and driving more widespread adoption of AI in industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute on targeted plans, strategies, and relationships to proactively generate leads and increase the number of Vector enterprise-level sponsors;
Identify key market opportunities, develop innovative business development strategies, and execute tactical plans to drive revenue growth and market expansion;
Ensure strong and effective communication between Vector and industry sponsors; identify opportunities to articulate the value proposition of AI solutions to prospective customers while making sure such messaging resonates with their specific needs and challenges;
Identify, build, and nurture relationships with key stakeholders within large enterprises;
Proactively identify new opportunities for business growth and expansion;
Work closely with internal cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements and exceed expectations;
Promote sponsor participation in Vector’s additional value-add services such as involvement in Vector job fairs, and enrolment in Vector courses;
Develop, implement, and maintain ongoing progress reports, sponsor profiles, and other processes and tools designed to measure achievement of sponsorship goals, improve operational efficiency, and refine and reinforce strategies in a timely, proactive manner, utilizing Vector’s CRM system as needed, sharing these resources within the Industry Innovation team and broader organization as required;
Support partner work streams in the design and implementation of student-focused initiatives and programs such as job fairs, online job postings, and internships within industry that help to address AI talent needs;
Engage in the Canadian AI ecosystem to help position Vector as a critical element in leading and facilitating economic growth and social impact by participating in business and community events, and present at conferences, seminars, and workshops as a spokesperson for Vector; and,
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.

KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

Consistent track record of exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth through strategic business development initiatives;
Internal and external stakeholder feedback is such that Vector’s Industry Innovation team provides high-quality service, support, and impactful data/resources as required;
Sponsor feedback is such that Vector’s programs and offerings are valuable and help to improve and inform various internal processes; and,
Demonstrated ability to meet annually agreed upon revenue targets.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Holds, at minimum, an undergraduate degree; a graduate degree is considered an asset;
5-7 years of demonstrated success in cultivating and securing large multinational enterprise accounts;
Strong understanding of digital and emerging technologies, including an awareness of artificial intelligence, and their applications within enterprise settings is essential;
Must possess strong strategic thinking abilities, capable of identifying key market opportunities, developing innovative business development strategies, and executing tactical plans to drive revenue growth and market expansion;
Ability to operate with a sense of urgency and motivation is crucial in a fast-paced environment, thriving under pressure, possessing exceptional time-management skills, and being driven by ambitious goals and targets;
Excellent interpersonal skills, a consultative approach to sales, and the ability to foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with customers;
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effectively conveying the value proposition of AI solutions to potential customers;
Experience creating proposals, presentations, and other persuasive documents, in alignment with established organizational guidelines;
Adaptable to evolving market dynamics and possess a mindset of continuous innovation;
Collaborative team player;
Knowledgeable on the latest AI trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies, enabling them to articulate the value proposition of Vector AI initiatives to prospective customers effectively;
Deep experience and broad relationships across Ontario within industry is considered an asset; and,
Experience working with academics or within an academic environment or non-profit is considered an asset.

TOTAL REWARDS: The expected salary for this position will be $100,600 – $125,800 per year, plus benefits if applicable. The final salary offer will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, in alignment with the Vector Institute’s Compensation Policy and may differ from above.

The Vector Institute’s Total Rewards approach extends beyond traditional compensation and benefits. Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of supports that recognize and value employees, including vacation time, floater days, GRRSP, a Health Spending Account, a Summer Hours program, and flexible work arrangements.

POSITION STATUS: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Vector may use both internal and external third party AI-based tools to assist in the screening of applications for this posting. Any data collected will be used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with Vector’s External Privacy Policy and Use of AI-Based Tools in Recruitment and Selection Policy.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government. Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.
The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact hr@vectorinstitute.ai. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Check out the Vector Institute’s Careers Page to explore open opportunities at Vector and Follow Vector on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to stay connected with the latest developments in Ontario’s AI ecosystem and the Vector Institute.