Ontario Centre of InnovationVerified Job Source

Manager, Strategic Sponsorships

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Aug 12, 2026
1 position

$110,000–$115,000 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Manager, Strategic Sponsorships is responsible for developing and executing sponsorship strategies to generate revenue for DiscoveryX and other OCI initiatives. This role involves cultivating high-value corporate partnerships, managing sponsorship pipelines, and overseeing the delivery of activations to ensure brand alignment and organizational growth.

Job details

Position Summary Reporting to the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, the Manager, Strategic Sponsorships leads the development and execution of sponsorship and funding strategies for DiscoveryX, Ontario’s premier innovation showcase and conference, and other Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) marketing and communications initiatives. This role is responsible for generating sponsorship revenue, securing high-value corporate sponsors, and delivering strategic activations that advance OCI's brand and support organizational priorities. Working across Marketing & Communications, Business Development, Programs, Strategic Initiatives, and Executive Leadership, the Manager will help position OCI as Ontario's premier innovation convenor while developing sustainable, year-round sponsorship revenue streams. Who We Are The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is the province’s leading innovation engine, bringing together industry, academia, government, and investors to accelerate commercialization and scale Ontario-made technologies. From AI and quantum to life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing, OCI powers the programs and partnerships helping Ontario companies grow, compete globally, and build the future, right here. Key Responsibilities Sponsorship Development * Develop and execute an annual sponsorship strategy aligned with OCI’s organizational, event, and communications priorities. * Identify, cultivate, negotiate, and secure high-value sponsorships, branding partnerships, and event-funding opportunities. * Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective sponsors, including corporates, industry associations, government agencies, municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and innovation ecosystem organizations. * Lead sponsorship negotiations, renewals, and multi-year agreements to maximize revenue, retention, and long-term value. * Diversify sponsorship revenue through year-round programs, branded content, awards, thought leadership, and other initiatives. * Build trusted relationships with senior executives, government stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovation partners. * Track sponsorship performance, revenue targets, and pipeline activity, and sponsor engagement, providing regular reports and recommendations. DiscoveryX Growth Strategy * Lead the sponsorship sales and revenue strategy for DiscoveryX and other major OCI events. * Develop compelling sponsorship packages and customized opportunities that align with sponsor objectives and enhance attendee experience. * Create persuasive proposals, presentations, business cases, and funding submissions that communicate DiscoveryX’s reach, impact, and value proposition. * Secure anchor sponsors across priority sectors including AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, mobility, cleantech, and digital technologies. * Collaborate with internal teams to engage exhibitors, investors, academic institutions, and government organizations, and ecosystem stakeholders that strengthen the conference. * Identify new markets, sponsorship models, and revenue opportunities that support DiscoveryX’s long-term growth. * Represent OCI at conferences, networking events, and meetings with prospective and existing sponsors. Sponsor Activation and Experience * Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to integrate sponsors into campaigns, content, media relations, digital marketing, and social media. * Develop sponsor-recognition plans, brand activations, executive engagement opportunities, and thought leadership initiatives. * Ensure sponsorship deliverables meet OCI brand standards and create meaningful value for sponsors and audiences. * Oversee the delivery of sponsorship commitments in collaboration with internal teams. * Produce post-event impact reports, ROI analyses, and success stories that demonstrate sponsor value and support renewals. Strategy and Continuous Improvement * Monitor sponsorship trends, market opportunities, and competitor activity to inform future strategies. * Develop annual sponsorship forecasts, revenue targets, and growth plans. * Measure sponsor satisfaction, retention, activation performance, and ROI. * Use performance insights and sponsor feedback to strengthen offers and relationship-management practices. * Recommend innovative sponsorship models and revenue opportunities that support OCI's evolving priorities. * Other duties as assigned. Qualifications * 7–10 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, business development, fundraising, corporate relations, or a related field. * Demonstrated success securing six-figure sponsorships, multi-year agreements, and complex corporate commitments. * Experience developing sponsorship packages, proposals, presentations, funding submissions, and executive-level business cases. * Exceptional relationship-building skills with experience engaging senior executives, government officials, industry leaders, and other influential stakeholders. * Sound knowledge of event sponsorship, brand activation, integrated marketing, and sponsor engagement. * Excellent negotiation, presentation, communication, and influencing skills. * Strong commercial judgement and the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling sponsorship opportunities. * Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders while delivering measurable revenue results. * Experience using CRM systems and sponsorship-performance metrics is an asset. * Passion for innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and Ontario's innovation ecosystem. Success Measures Within the first 12–18 months, the Manager will be expected to: * Increase sponsorship revenue through new, expanded, and renewed corporate commitments. * Establish a year-round sponsorship strategy that supports DiscoveryX and broader OCI initiatives. * Grow multi-year sponsorship commitments and senior level corporate relationships. * Build a diversified funding pipeline that reduces reliance on single-event sponsorships. * Strengthen sponsor satisfaction, retention and demonstrated ROI. * Support the long-term sustainability and growth of major events while strengthening OCI's brand and influence across Ontario's innovation ecosystem. This role is being recruited to fill a current vacancy. OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have 7–10 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, business development, or corporate relations with a proven track record of securing six-figure agreements. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable revenue results.