Senior Economic Development Officer

Service Area: Infrastructure, Development, and Environment Department: Economic Development and Tourism Work Location: City Hall, 1 Carden Street Work Mode: Hybrid (3 days a week in office)Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position Salary Range: $97,148.69- $121,435.86 per yearAffiliation: Non-Union Posting Period: November 11, 2026 to December 2, 2026 11:59 p.m.

The Senior Economic Development Officer will be responsible for developing and leading economic development programs that enhance Guelph's position as a competitive and prosperous location for private and public investment that will positively contribute to the City's employment and non-residential tax base. Guided by the City of Guelph's Corporate Strategic Plan, and the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy the successful candidate will help advance the goals and objectives set out in these plans and the Community Vision - to be the city that makes a difference.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement investment attraction strategies and action plans.
• Prepare comprehensive site selection proposals for new investment and respond to inquiries from companies, developers, site selectors and industrial, commercial and institutional brokers.
• Build and sustain credible, long-term relationships with clients, industry associations, realtors, cluster and sector groups, public sector organizations, service providers and other stakeholders to enhance lead generation and client servicing.
• Lead investment attraction activities for targeted growth sectors by identifying prospective investors, promoting Guelph's business advantages, conducting strategic outreach, and supporting site selection and investment decision-making.
• Lead economic development and trade events, delegations, incoming and outgoing missions, industry conferences, etc.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of investment attraction activities, business intelligence, client interactions, and investment outcomes within the corporate CRM system to support performance reporting, relationship management, and strategic decision-making.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date records of available employment lands and commercial, industrial, and office properties, including on- and off-market opportunities, to support timely responses to investment attraction, site selection, and business expansion inquiries.
• Represent the City and participate in various committees and local, regional and provincial economic development organizations as required.
• Carry out other departmental and corporate duties as required.

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above normally acquired through a Degree in Business/Commerce, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, and/or closely related field and progressive experience in the field with demonstrated background in business, economic development planning, real estate and land development, business development, sales and marketing. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, investment attraction, business development, site selection, real estate development, or a related field.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating economic development programs, initiatives and strategies.
• Experience working directly with businesses, investors, developers, site selectors, industry associations and government partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build, influence, and sustain effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including staff, Council, government agencies, investors, businesses, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, and community partners.
• Demonstrated project management experience leading complex initiatives, programs, or business development projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and established timelines and budgets. Formal project management training or certification is considered an asset.
• Strong business and economic development acumen, with the ability to understand investor needs, market trends, site selection considerations, and factors influencing business growth and location decisions.
• Ability to think and act strategically in a political and community-based service environment.
• Excellent verbal and written 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 sensitivity in complex situations
• Ability to manage and use database programs such as Microsoft Dynamics. Experience using AMANDA would be considered an asset.
• Valid class G Driver's licence with good driving record and a reliable vehicle to be used on corporate business, Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver's abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that is has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements.
• This position requires frequent local, regional and some international travel with extended overnight stays.

Hours of work35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This role will require a minimum of 3 days in office.

How to applyClick "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by December 2, 2026.

Hiring Process TransparencyThe City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.