Manager, Economic Development
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Non-Unionized opportunity in the Economic Development Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Manager, Economic Development
J0725-0618
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
The Manager, Economic Development is responsible for leading the department’s business retention, expansion, and attraction activities, delivering day-to-day operations, managing assigned staff, and supporting the Director and management team on medium and long-term strategic planning.
The business unit’s goals are to: (1) deliver business advisory services including site selection, corporate calling, and other core economic development services; (2) raise Vaughan’s profile as a destination for investment; and, (3) develop strategic sectors to future-proof the local economy. This will be achieved by serving local businesses to resolve issues as they arise, providing business and economic intelligence, working with local, provincial and national stakeholders, and working with internal departments to help them contribute to a climate of job creation.
As a member of the Department’s management team, the Manager will support with budget development and management, mentor and coach staff from across Economic Development, and collaborate with other municipal staff.
The Manager will routinely demonstrate that they are a self-motivated individual with high political acuity and problem-solving skills. They are well-organized individual and creative thinker.
At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
Responsibilities
Consistent Service Delivery
• Responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Economic Development unit, including overseeing office staff, project coordination, customer service and administrative functions/services.
• Manages business advisory services that provide our clients with the information they need to achieve economic growth.
• Responsible for maintaining existing projects and their budgets, and the development of new projects appropriate for the business unit.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other Economic Development offices
• Undertakes special projects and assignments as required.
Invest in Our People
• Assesses staffing needs; participates in the recruitment process.
• Manages assigned staff. Coordinates the work of staff including prioritization of work and guidance.
• Shares knowledge, skills and advice on strategies, programs and projects with staff.
• Manages, mentors, coaches, and guides staff members on project teams selected to plan and deliver activities.
• Provides Project Management leadership.
Effective Service Delivery
• Thought leader: current awareness of new trends in business, and economic development.
• Represents the Department and the Corporation with business clients, community leaders, government offices and agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations as required.
• Participates in Economic Development programs; and, in co-operation with other Economic Development Staff, assists and encourages the establishment, retention and expansion of new and existing businesses.
• Counsels and provides information to businesses or investors.
• Liaises with other City Departments, developers/realtors, utilities and other government agencies to facilitate and expedite development within Vaughan.
• Researches, plans and executes environmental scans of York Region and neighboring jurisdictions
• Creates and ensures proper maintenance of computerized database for the purpose of monitoring contacts and programs.
• Oversees, writes, reviews, authorizes and presents reports to Council and other government stakeholders.
Financial Sustainability
• Accountable for the business unit’s annual budget and multi-year business plan.
• Manages, prepares, monitors, identifies efficiency/mitigation measures, reports and presents an annual current and capital budget for the business unit.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Public Administration, Economic Development or related field, or suitable equivalent.
• Minimum of seven (7) years management experience related to business, community and economic development in private/public/not-for-profit sectors.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, team building, negotiation and mediation skills; considerable experience dealing with the public and elected officials.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, written and orally; report preparation is essential.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written/oral communication skills. Good problem-solving skills and ability to co-ordinate resources and support activities.
• Experience in market analysis, financial planning / forecasting, budget and business plan preparation and analysis, with a strong understanding of the government programs and services, rules and regulations for starting a small business.
• Experience in marketing and public relations with a good understanding of community stakeholders.
• Experience with proposal development and implementation.
• Proficient computer skills preferably MS Office suite, CRM, and social media.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability in, the City’s core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by August 29, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Manager, Economic Development
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Non-Unionized opportunity in the Economic Development Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Manager, Economic Development
J0725-0618
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
The Manager, Economic Development is responsible for leading the department’s business retention, expansion, and attraction activities, delivering day-to-day operations, managing assigned staff, and supporting the Director and management team on medium and long-term strategic planning.
The business unit’s goals are to: (1) deliver business advisory services including site selection, corporate calling, and other core economic development services; (2) raise Vaughan’s profile as a destination for investment; and, (3) develop strategic sectors to future-proof the local economy. This will be achieved by serving local businesses to resolve issues as they arise, providing business and economic intelligence, working with local, provincial and national stakeholders, and working with internal departments to help them contribute to a climate of job creation.
As a member of the Department’s management team, the Manager will support with budget development and management, mentor and coach staff from across Economic Development, and collaborate with other municipal staff.
The Manager will routinely demonstrate that they are a self-motivated individual with high political acuity and problem-solving skills. They are well-organized individual and creative thinker.
At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
Responsibilities
Consistent Service Delivery
• Responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Economic Development unit, including overseeing office staff, project coordination, customer service and administrative functions/services.
• Manages business advisory services that provide our clients with the information they need to achieve economic growth.
• Responsible for maintaining existing projects and their budgets, and the development of new projects appropriate for the business unit.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other Economic Development offices
• Undertakes special projects and assignments as required.
Invest in Our People
• Assesses staffing needs; participates in the recruitment process.
• Manages assigned staff. Coordinates the work of staff including prioritization of work and guidance.
• Shares knowledge, skills and advice on strategies, programs and projects with staff.
• Manages, mentors, coaches, and guides staff members on project teams selected to plan and deliver activities.
• Provides Project Management leadership.
Effective Service Delivery
• Thought leader: current awareness of new trends in business, and economic development.
• Represents the Department and the Corporation with business clients, community leaders, government offices and agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations as required.
• Participates in Economic Development programs; and, in co-operation with other Economic Development Staff, assists and encourages the establishment, retention and expansion of new and existing businesses.
• Counsels and provides information to businesses or investors.
• Liaises with other City Departments, developers/realtors, utilities and other government agencies to facilitate and expedite development within Vaughan.
• Researches, plans and executes environmental scans of York Region and neighboring jurisdictions
• Creates and ensures proper maintenance of computerized database for the purpose of monitoring contacts and programs.
• Oversees, writes, reviews, authorizes and presents reports to Council and other government stakeholders.
Financial Sustainability
• Accountable for the business unit’s annual budget and multi-year business plan.
• Manages, prepares, monitors, identifies efficiency/mitigation measures, reports and presents an annual current and capital budget for the business unit.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Marketing, Public Administration, Economic Development or related field, or suitable equivalent.
• Minimum of seven (7) years management experience related to business, community and economic development in private/public/not-for-profit sectors.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, team building, negotiation and mediation skills; considerable experience dealing with the public and elected officials.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, written and orally; report preparation is essential.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written/oral communication skills. Good problem-solving skills and ability to co-ordinate resources and support activities.
• Experience in market analysis, financial planning / forecasting, budget and business plan preparation and analysis, with a strong understanding of the government programs and services, rules and regulations for starting a small business.
• Experience in marketing and public relations with a good understanding of community stakeholders.
• Experience with proposal development and implementation.
• Proficient computer skills preferably MS Office suite, CRM, and social media.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability in, the City’s core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by August 29, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.