Industry Relations & Business Development Lead

About Toronto Metropolitan University

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

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 our new name of Toronto Metropolitan University, which will be implemented in a phased approach. 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 details

Reports to: Senior Program Manager, Catalyst Cyber Accelerator & Innovation.

Work Location: Brampton, Hybrid

Term: 2 years (with a strong potential of continued employment through extension or renewal)

This is an existing vacancy.

Employee Group: MAC

Start Date: ASAP

End Date: 2 years from the start date

Hours of Work:36.25

Grade:C42

Salary Scale:$70,448 to $112,535

Hiring salary range: Up to $95,000

Posting Date: October 30, 2026

Application close date: November 12, 2026

Additional Notes:

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications.
• 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.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• 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.