With offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is headed by people familiar with the needs of their particular market and the business advantages Ontario can offer it. We are also an important resource for local economic development offices interested in attracting foreign investment or finding export markets.
Situated in the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco, California, a unique three-year opportunity exists with the Ministry to represent Ontario in the Western United States. Bring your strong knowledge of global economic development and trade issues to promote and project Ontario's image for business opportunities.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
In this high-profile role, you will:
• Work closely with provincial and federal colleagues to drive investment and trade opportunities for Ontario.
• Actively promote Ontario as a destination for foreign direct investment and as a partner for international trade.
• Assist in determining specific priorities, objectives and strategies for trade, investment and general business relations with the Western United States.
• Propose to the Ministry annual programming for the Western United States and implement as approved.
• Raise Ontario's international profile through strategic channels, including media, social media and speaking opportunities.
• Initiate and support incoming business delegations from Ontario.
• Actively support the planning and implementation of Ministerial and Premier-led investment and trade missions.
• Provide advice to senior government and business leaders.
• Provide high-quality intelligence on California and the other Western United States.
• Work with various ministries, levels of government, private-sector companies and organizations, and academic institutions on opportunities to advance Ontario's interests in the Western United States.
Note: You will be working at the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco, California and be responsible for the Western United States geographic portfolio which includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington State.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• you are a Canadian Citizen
• you have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Security Clearance from the Government of Canada
• you have the ability to obtain and maintain Canadian Diplomatic Passport and Diplomatic Accreditation / Visa in host country (cannot hold citizenship of host country)
• you are able to undergo Medical / Fitness for Duty Assessment
Industry Knowledge:
• you have extensive knowledge of Ontario's business, economic and innovation interests and objectives in California and the Western United States to attract investment and trade and build Ontario's innovation ecosystem
• you have sound knowledge of Ontario's and the Western United States' governments, economies, decision-making processes and business cultures
• you have knowledge of policy development, decision-making and program delivery processes
Stakeholder Management and Consultation Skills:
• you can provide high-level consultation, advice and recommendations to senior officials to promote Ontario's business interests in the Western United States
• you have negotiation skills to guide and influence stakeholder decisions
• you demonstrate a high degree of political acuity to understand Ontario's and the Western United States' socio-economic and political issues and identify potential opportunities, issues and impacts
Leadership and Project Management Skills:
• you can oversee and manage office staff, assign tasks, track progress, and ensure project deadlines are met.
• you have analytical and problem-solving skills to synthesize complex and sensitive material and handle a wide range of business issues.
• you have leadership and project management skills to lead complex projects and initiatives.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• you have interpersonal and oral communication skills to give presentations, chair meetings and represent the organization.
• you have written communication skills to write high-level correspondence, briefing notes and reports.
Computer Proficiency:
• you can prepare spreadsheets, correspondence, conduct research and prepare reports using computer software
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!