RTDS Program Lead

Under the direction of the Senior Economic Development Officer, the Program Lead is responsible for the delivery, coordination, and overall success of the Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) for Simcoe County, Barrie, and Orillia. Key responsibilities include program administration, stakeholder engagement, financial management, performance tracking, and reporting.

The RTDS Program Lead will cultivate and promote a culture of innovation and collaboration across Simcoe County by bringing together postsecondary institutions, industry partners, accelerators and innovation centres, and government agencies. Through this leadership, the Program Lead will support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing, testing, and commercializing new technologies in automotive and smart mobility.

1.    Build and maintain strong relationships with public and private-sector stakeholders across Simcoe County and the Province of Ontario. Represent the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office on RTDS program committee(s), lead and/or participate in meetings, prepare program status reports, and provide recommendations to the Senior Economic Development Officer or Manager of Economic Development on program initiatives and committee activities to support RTDS objectives.

2.    Collaborate with regional stakeholders to support the development and implementation of an RTDS program plan. Implement processes to ensure continuous stakeholder input and engagement throughout the duration of the project.   

3.    Apply strong project management skills to plan, deliver, and oversee RTDS initiatives. Responsibilities include developing project charters, defining objectives and parameters, creating detailed schedules and timelines, identifying resource requirements, process mapping, and managing project execution. Activities also include ensuring timely and high‑quality deliverables, preparing regular status reports, leading project team meetings, resolving project issues, and developing, monitoring, and reporting on key performance indicators.

4.    Plan, develop, and manage program budgets for the RTDS. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with approved authorities, financial policies, and budget limitations. Complete program reporting aligned with partner contracts.

5.    Lead and/or work with department staff on enhancements and content updates to the Economic Development section of the County of Simcoe website and social media as it relates to the RTDS.

6.    Lead or support the creation of RTDS advertising, promotional, and marketing materials for use in print media, events, and responses related business and investment information requests.

7.    Organize, implement and represent the County of Simcoe at meetings and special events related to RTDS within Simcoe County or Ontario as required.

8.    Respond to inquiries about the RTDS and its programs, providing accurate and timely information to potential investors and clients, municipal partners, provincial agencies, and members of the public.

9.    Meet with business owners and government representatives to promote the RTDS and present relevant opportunities. Prepare information packages, deliver presentations.

10.    Analyze and monitor trends in the automotive and smart mobility sectors, identifying emerging opportunities and challenges. Provide insights and recommendations to the Economic Development Office to support informed decision‑making and strategic responses.

11.    Prepare high‑quality written materials including proposals, business cases, research and analysis / position papers, briefing notes, project status updates, presentations, correspondence, and reports for Committees and Council, for both internal and external audiences.

12.    Use CRM system and maintain records.

13.    Identify, research, and manage funding and grant opportunities to support RTDS initiatives. This includes securing industry engagement and contributions required to achieve program deliverables.

14.    Responsible for ongoing outreach with business community.  

15.    Comply with all applicable provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

16.    Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

17.    Perform other duties as assigned, including redeployment in emergency situations.

Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our corporate competencies: 

•    Acts with the Customer in Mind

•    Ensures Accountability

•    Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes

•    Collaborates

•    Communicates with Impact

•    Is Resilient

•    Requires a university degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Political Science, Economics.  This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy. 

•    Knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to the RTDS (e.g., automotive technology, smart mobility IT infrastructure, etc.)

•    Proven ability to foster a cooperative work environment with multiple, cross-functional stakeholders.  

•    Strong interpersonal, time management, presentation, multi-tasking, communication (both written and oral), and leadership skills.  

•    Strong project management, analytical, research and problem-solving skills.

•    Computer proficiency in MS Office software applications; word processing, spreadsheet and database computer skills required as well as map reading software is an asset.

•    Class G Driver's License and access to reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.

•    Criminal records check that is less than six (6) months old at time of hire.

•    Requires at least five (5) years' experience working in economic development or project management role, with proven experience in leading projects and/or programs.

•    Previous experience in a municipal environment will be considered an asset.  

•    Requires knowledge of community economic development theories and practices as well as knowledge of local and regional economic development potential and opportunities.

•    Strong understanding of municipal affairs, business principles, and market analysis, with solid knowledge of marketing and business promotion. Familiarity with the geographic and socio‑economic characteristics of Simcoe County is considered an asset.

•    Understanding of municipal government processes as well as the ability to interpret policies, regulations and legislation.

•    Demonstrated "Customer First" service treatment of customers, partners and colleagues.

•    Demonstrated flexible and positive approach and initiative in completing assignments.

•    This position requires periods of mental, aural (listening) & visual attentiveness as well operating a computer, taking minutes, focused concentration on detail, report analysis, developing/maintaining complex spreadsheets, etc.  

•    Management of multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.  

•    May be exposed to some stressful situations from time to time.    

•    Will also require some lifting of materials and setting up and take down of trade show booths etc. 

•    This position requires lengthy desk and computer work as well as occasional long days at trade shows or other special events.

•    This position is regularly required to work in addition to and outside of standard business hours.  

•    Some events may take place outdoors.

•    Travel within Simcoe County is required; as well, occasional travel beyond Simcoe County in the province of Ontario.

•    Occasional driving.

•    Ability to work remotely if required.