MINJobs posting: Economic Development Officer
June 1, 2025
Municipal Information Network

Economic Development Officer

Organization:
City of St. Catharines
Region:
Ontario
Application deadline:
June 20, 2025
Type:
Full time
Category:
Economic development
Description
Join us to shape the future of St. Catharines!

About the City:

At the City of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in The City of St. Catharines - Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027. Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring, not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development and Government Relations, the Economic Development Officer plays a key role in designing and implementing initiatives that strengthen St. Catharines’ appeal as a prime destination for both private and public investment. These efforts aim to boost employment opportunities and grow the city’s non-residential tax base.

Guided by the goals and objectives of the City’s Strategic Plan the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Vision of St. Catharines to be a safe, innovative, sustainable, and carting city today and for future generations.

What You Will be Doing:

  • Create and implement viable programs that enhance St. Catharines’ competitiveness, investment readiness and business climate, including business retention & expansion, real estate, land and infrastructure planning and other related economic development projects.
  • Develop a working knowledge of key industry growth sectors in St. Catharines, identify prospective investment and expansion leads and follow up with outreach calls, visits, meetings and/or real estate tours.
  • Deliver service excellence and act as a key ambassador for business investment/expansion clients and address requests regarding ICI real estate, municipal fees, development approval processes (zoning, planning and permitting processes, etc.), timelines and other municipal matters.
  • Respond to requests for information and investment/expansion inquiries and prepare responses in a timely manner.
  • Facilitate meetings with clients and staff, collect required information and attend pre-consultation, site plan review, and/or Council meetings, with business clients.
  • Maintain economic development networks and connect businesses and potential investors to municipal, provincial and federal government resources, funding programs, business support services and resources that offer solutions and support their growth.
  • Represent the City and participate in various committees of local associations that promote and encourage economic development.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets and metrics.
  • Carry out other departmental and corporate duties as directed by Management.
  • Identify and apply for funding opportunities from upper levels of government to support departmental initiatives
Requirements

About You:

Qualifications:

  • A university degree in Business/Commerce, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Public Administrator or similar field of study.
  • Three (3) years recent experience in economic development, planning, real estate and land development, business development, and sales/marketing. 
  • An affiliation with the Economic Development Council of Ontario, Economic Development Association of Canada, Ontario Professional Planners Association and/or Canadian Institute of Planners would be considered an asset.
  • Certificate in Economic Development or active pursuit of the certificate is preferred.

Skills:

  • Familiarity with local government functions and procedures, as well as the local economic, cultural, and political landscape.
  • Relationship building skills and the ability to initiate, develop, influence and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders both internally and externally, including staff, council, higher levels of government, business, community organizations and academia sectors.
  • Project management skills to manage projects within set timelines and budgetary constraints.
  • Ability to think and act strategically in a political and community-based service environment.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to communicate and work with all levels of staff, stakeholders and the general public.
  • Exceptional judgement and political acuity in complex situations.

Other Requirements:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software.
  • Experience using AMANDA would be considered an asset.
  • Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence, Class “G”, with a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle to be used on corporate business.
  • This position requires frequent local, regional and some international travel with extended overnight stays.
  • Proven completion of Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training. 
  • A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
Salary & Benefits

What’s in it for you:

  • Salary & Benefits: Get a competitive salary plus health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage (for eligible positions).
  • Pension Plan: Enjoy enrollment in the OMERS pension plan with matched contributions for a secure retirement. Learn more at OMERS.
  • Flexibility: Achieve work-life balance with our hybrid work environment (for eligible positions).
  • Professional Development: Access training and development funds to support your career growth.
  • Make Your Mark: Share your ideas, drive change, and leave a lasting impact through modernization efforts.
  • Great People: Work with a supportive team and a leadership team focused on growth and success.

Other Job Details:

  • Pay Rate: $85,831 to $100,409
  • Employee Group: Non-union
  • Department: Economic Development and Tourism Services
  • Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
  • Work Mode: Hybrid
  • Work Location: 50 Church St
  • Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Number of Openings: 1
  • Job ID: 2025-127
  • Posted Date: May 29, 2025
Other relevant information
Additional Information:
To ensure fairness and efficiency in our recruitment process, we kindly request that all applications be submitted through our official portal at www.stcatharines.ca/jobs. Applications received through other channels will not be considered. We also advise applicants to maintain up-to-date contact information and regularly check their spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding their application may be directed there.

For applicable positions, the recruitment process will be conducted using video conference technology. Please note that for certain roles, in-person interviews may be required.

They City of St. Catharines does not use AI Technology in any part of the recruitment process.

Employment Equity, Inclusivity and Accommodation:
Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment, the City of St. Catharines is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We encourage applicants to inform the Human Resources Division of any accessibility needs to ensure they are accommodated throughout the recruitment and selection process.