Industry Relations & Business Development Lead

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (Catalyst) empowers individuals and organizations to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity. Together with our partners and collaborators, we work to realize a vision of healthy democracies and thriving societies, powered by safe and secure digital technologies.

Through our groundbreaking training and certification programs; unique commercial acceleration programs for cybersecurity start-ups and scale-ups; first-of-its-kind cyber range; wide-ranging public education programs; and influential policy interventions, the Catalyst helps drive Canada’s global competitiveness in cybersecurity.

The Catalyst is a not-for-profit corporation owned and operated by Toronto Metropolitan University and based in Brampton, ON. Hybrid work schedule with expectations 2 days in the Brampton offices.

The Opportunity

Build Partnerships. Drive Business Growth. Shape the Future of Cybersecurity.

Are you a relationship-builder who thrives on connecting industry leaders, identifying new opportunities, and turning strategic connections into meaningful partnerships? Join Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and play a key role in strengthening industry relationships and expanding opportunities that advance cybersecurity innovation and growth.

As Industry Relations & Business Development Lead, you’ll drive outreach and business development initiatives, cultivate new partnerships, and grow existing relationships with industry, organizations, and key stakeholders. Working closely with the Senior Manager and internal teams, you’ll identify emerging opportunities, understand industry needs, and help shape partnerships and programming that deliver value to both partners and Catalyst.

This is an opportunity to combine your business development expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to expand Catalyst’s industry network, increase its reach and impact, and help shape the future of cybersecurity education, innovation, and workforce development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develops and implements strategies to cultivate, strengthen, and expand relationships with current and prospective industry partners, stakeholders, and community organizations.
• Proactively identifies and assesses new partnership and business development opportunities that align with industry needs, partner interests, and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s strategic priorities.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with prospective and existing partners, serving as a key point of contact to coordinate discussions, engage internal stakeholders, address inquiries, and advance partnership opportunities.
• Conducts research on cybersecurity and AI industry trends, market needs, emerging developments, and the broader industry ecosystem to identify potential partners and opportunities for collaboration.
• Researches industry developments, government initiatives, economic development opportunities, and prospective collaborators to provide insights and recommendations that inform partnership strategies and future programming.
• Supports the planning and coordination of events, including identifying and engaging potential speakers, panelists, industry partners, and other contributors.
• Collaborates with internal teams to identify opportunities for new programs and initiatives that respond to industry needs, partner interests, and Catalyst’s strategic objectives.
• Tracks and evaluates partnership activities and business development outcomes, preparing reports, presentations, and updates on stakeholder engagement, partnership opportunities, and progress against strategic goals.
• Contributes to the development and refinement of partnership strategies and frameworks to identify, prioritize, cultivate, and grow relationships that advance Catalyst’s priorities.

Qualifications
To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Public Relations, Human or Social Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• A minimum of four years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or stakeholder relationship management within technology or other innovative industries.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse external stakeholders, including corporate partners, government organizations, economic development organizations, accelerators, and nonprofit organizations, and communicating the value of partnerships to prospective partners.
• Experience identifying and pursuing new partnership and collaboration opportunities, and developing presentations, pitches, proposals, and other materials to engage stakeholders and advance partnership goals.
• Knowledge of industry, government, and business environments, with the ability to build relationships and facilitate effective collaboration between external partners and Catalyst.
• Knowledge of program planning, design, development, and evaluation principles.
• Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to assess industry trends, evaluate potential partners and opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver engaging, clear, and informative presentations.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust, maintain stakeholder engagement, and support mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, databases, web-based applications, and social media platforms.
• Willingness and ability to travel to employer meetings in the area and occasionally across Ontario for stakeholder meetings, conferences, industry events, and program-related activities.
• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.

Additional Information (MAC)

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.