Job ID #31993: Director, Economic Development

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31993: Director, Economic Development
• Union: Non-Union
• Job Description ID #: 2539
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city
  by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 3, 2026.
• Duration: Permanent Full-Time
• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy. 
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  

DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the General Manager of Planning & Economic Development, the Director, Economic Development will assume direct responsibility for Economic Development activities for the City of Hamilton. Responsible to develop and implement effective and measurable programs designed to retain and attract business investment, promote economic growth, revitalize strategic commercial districts and corridors, provide financial incentive programs and maximize employment opportunities for the residents of Hamilton. The Director will ensure that the City’s Real Estate Strategy is delivered with alignment to Council Priorities, City Goals and Objectives. The Director is a strategic thinker who thrives in a demanding, results-oriented environment.  The Director has a management style that believes in delegation and employee empowerment while, at the same time, providing guidance and leadership when necessary. 

Goals and objectives include generating non-residential assessment growth and job creation, improving efficiencies and focusing on corporate priorities, internal and external customer service, administrative streamlining, establishing long term continuous improvement principles, looking at alternative service delivery opportunities, as well as best practices.

GENERAL DUTIES

Lead, produce, and implement the Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP), the division’s comprehensive 3–5‑year strategic workplan approved by Council, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, stakeholder needs, and long‑term economic development objectives.

Implement, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of three business sections including Business Investment & Sector Development, Commercial Districts and Small Business and Corporate Real Estate) Plan and prepare recommendations for the enhancement of same as required.

Lead and collaborate with Planning & Economic Development colleagues to facilitate and advance industrial and commercial growth and development, ensure coordinated processes, responsive service delivery, and alignment with corporate economic priorities.

Provide strategic direction for marketing and research initiatives that advance the priorities of the Economic Development Division, strengthen Hamilton’s profile, and promote the City as a premier location to invest, live, work and play.

Co-ordinate the gathering, assimilating and production of development information required to increase the awareness of business development opportunities in the City, to encourage the retention and expansion of existing industry and   to attract new business investment into the community. Lead a team that responds to specific requests regarding business opportunities in the City of Hamilton by providing the requested information and data to the client’s site selection specifications.

Co-ordinate the promotion of City industrial parks for business development purposes including the provision of advice and information related to land division, site selection, site plan approval process, building permit process, commercial development assistance and general assistance programs.

Oversee the Division’s workplan and strategic initiatives to generate foreign direct investment (FDI) and represent Invest in Hamilton on the Consider Canada City Alliance (CCCA) Board of Directors and other Provincial and Federal government‑focused organizations and agencies when required.

Lead efforts to revitalize strategic commercial districts and support small business growth including providing resources to businesses and entrepreneurs through the Hamilton Business Centre, develop and administer financial incentive programs and associated Community Improvement Plans supporting revitalization efforts as well providing supports to the City's 12 BIAs.

Oversee the management of all strategic and portfolio planning activities related to the City’s real property interests, assets, portfolio planning exercises and effective real estate procedural and advisory services for the City of Hamilton.

Lead a team that is responsible for negotiating real property transactions in support of client groups across the organization, providing valuation services, administering the corporation’s leases and licenses, as well as leading major real estate related initiatives in support of the City’s strategies.

Develop and maintain a mutually beneficial working relationship with clients, realtors, developers, bankers, lawyers, financial institutions, appraisers, government officials, etc., for the purpose of promoting business development activities with the community.

The Director position is the primary contact for all media enquiries related to Economic Development in the City and must be available for regular appearances on local and regional television stations, community cable, and radio talk shows.   The Director is also expected to deliver approximately 25 speeches/presentations per year to different business groups, community organizations, and investment forums.

Direct the preparation and present to Council the Economic Development annual operating and capital budget and monitor adherence to same.

Administer, co-ordinate and direct the ongoing activities of the Economic Development Division by delegating and assigning work to staff ensuring maximum utilization of human resources and monitoring and evaluating individual staff performance and providing support and guidance for staff development as required.

Preparation of major (and often confidential) Committee reports and presentations related to economic development investment decisions in Hamilton.

Representation of the Planning & Economic Development Department on corporate and community committees, boards, and task forces, including the following; Corporate Emergency Control Group; General Issues Committee Agenda Review; Mohawk College Enterprise Centre; Association of Municipalities of Ontario Economic Development Task Force; Hamilton Economic Summit; etc.

Ensure that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties.  Ensure that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures.  Ensure that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. University Degree in Business Administration, Economics or Marketing, together with a substantial number of years' experience in a multi-disciplinary environment related to economic development, small business, planning, marketing/sales, development engineering and statistical research/analysis. An Ec.D. or C.Ec.D. Certification would be an asset.
2. Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
3. Must have previous experience in a Municipal/Regional government and must have a proven track record of managerial competence and in particular capital and operating budgets.
4. Must demonstrate a proven track record of strong leadership, innovative and creative thinking with a strong commitment to achieving results.  Must demonstrate a high level of personal integrity.
5. Must possess outstanding communications skills, both written and presentation.
6. Must have a working knowledge and experience with Human Resources matters and Collective Agreements.
7. Extensive experience in Corporate Real Estate and particularly transactions, portfolio management, valuation, lease administration, and major property initiatives.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal with elected officials, government departments, all levels of management, staff and the general public.
9. Must have proficient computer skills and the ability to work with City and external data bases (e.g. GIS and CRM tools, etc).

SALARY: Salary Grade 11

$ per annum

HOURS: 35 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

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Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.