Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Automotive

The Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Automotive and Mobility is responsible for developing and executing the communications strategy and external-facing program activities, including events, stakeholder engagement, and program initiatives. This individual will leverage strategic relationships, networks and program insights, and apply proven communication, networking, and problem-solving skills to help deliver on program objectives and maximize the benefit for all stakeholders.

About Us:

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) drives the development of Ontario's economy by helping create new jobs, products, services, technologies, and businesses. In partnership with industry, OCI co-invests to commercialize innovation originating in the province's publicly funded colleges, universities, and research hospitals. We also support and invest in early-stage projects, where the probability of commercial success and potential total return on innovation are substantial. Another expanding focus for OCI is the development of the next generation of innovators through our entrepreneurship fellowships and programs for students and youth across Ontario. OCI's efforts are focused on sectors of the economy with the greatest potential to drive Ontario's future prosperity and global competitiveness: energy and environment (including water); advanced manufacturing; advanced health technologies; and information, communications technologies, and digital media. A trusted partner of government in program delivery, we are committed to advancing a whole-of-government approach as a means of streamlining funding application processes for companies and entrepreneurs.

OVIN (Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network), led by OCI, is the Government of Ontario's flagship initiative to support the future of the automotive and mobility sector. Through innovative programming, business and technical supports, and testing and demonstration sites, the OVIN initiative is driving the commercialization of advanced technologies and cultivating the capacity of a province-wide network to drive future mobility solutions.

Your Contribution:

• Lead the delivery, review, and continuous improvement of OVIN's communications strategy, including the development of communication assets, such as press releases, briefing documents, social media posts, speaker notes and keynote presentations.
• Engage stakeholders in the creation and execution of industry-leading events and education opportunities (conferences, meetups, workshops, panels, hackathons, best practices, etc.).
• Manage the development of creative assets, such as digital ads, marketing collateral, promotional videos, and other relevant products.
• Collaborate in the planning, design, development, and deployment of promotion of programs, partnership opportunities and strategic initiatives.
• Engage, develop, and maintain strong networks with stakeholders in the automotive and mobility sector, including individual and corporate contacts, post-secondary institutions, research partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Foster and identify partnership opportunities with industry to benefit OCI and the ventures we support including automotive and mobility industry organizations and government bodies.
• Identify conferences, speaking, media, and publication opportunities to promote and address the needs of our stakeholders and promote the OVIN/OCI brand.
• Keep abreast of industry and/or domain knowledge and activities, including current events, breakthroughs, trends, regulatory issues and key contacts and possess a solid understanding of the global industry to support thought leadership.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership, communicating opportunities and escalating risks when appropriate.
• Interface and liaise with stakeholders; work cross-functionally across departments to assemble resources and ensure the successful delivery of projects
• Identify, develop and manage outcomes, and work with the OCI marketing and communication team to develop, communicate and publish success stories.
• Other duties as assigned, with occasional attendance as required with events outside of normal business hours, and occasional travel within Ontario.

Your attributes:

• Formal, specialized education (4-year university degree). Business or Communications/Marketing degree preferred.
• Automotive and mobility experience would be an asset.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with proven ability to develop strategic communications, promote programs and initiatives, and execute on education and awareness activities.

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience in a strategic communications role, including project management skills, planning and executing on strategic initiatives in order to accomplish goals and deliver outcomes within constraints such as time, budget, and quality standards.

• Familiarity with best practices related to communications products and social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) to ensure audience engagement
• Demonstrated ability and attitude for developing and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, and ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external teams. -
• Partnership development and networking experience particularly working with senior level private and public sector representatives.
• Proven operational experience, working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment with demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Innovative, enthusiastic and high-energy self-starter, with demonstrated experience taking initiative and capitalizing on opportunities.
• Consummate professional, able to represent the organization in all circumstances.

Your Strengths:

• In keeping with OCI's values of Collaboration, Empowerment and Leadership, Communication, Agility and Accountability, we seek candidates who:
• Are team players with highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaborate with people at all levels within the organization.
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, who are efficient, organized and able to produce high quality work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage numerous conflicting and changing priorities simultaneously.
• Have an ability to work with minimal supervision and take accountability to address obstacles and overcome barriers by identifying possible resolution options and alternatives.
• Are intellectually curious about developments and trends in the sector.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethics in decision making and in their relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Reflect and promote OCI's values through work with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office hours
• Occasional attendance at events outside of normal business hours.

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.