About the role

The Ontario Government is working to create jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians. Your mission as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade will be to support the government’s efforts to make Ontario a place to grow by:

  • boosting Ontario’s profile as a world leader for business and investment
  • promoting domestic and international trade
  • improving employment opportunities across the province

This is a one-of-a-kind senior executive opportunity to lead an organization responsible for fostering a resilient and globally competitive economy. Government experience isn’t essential but being a courageous, authentic change agent is. If you are character-driven, forward-focused and interested in making a difference, we’re looking for you.

Whether you’ve driven change in the private or public sector, you have the requisite credibility to bridge interests and create conditions where businesses can thrive - making Ontario the best place to invest, work, live and succeed.

Our call for applications closed on August 11, 2019. Thank you for your interest in this unique leadership role with the Ontario Public Service.

We are currently in the process of reviewing applications. We will contact candidates who sparked our interest very shortly.

Some key dates to note in your calendar:

  • First round interviews: early to mid-September
  • Second round interviews: mid-to-late September
  • Ideal start date for successful candidate: late October to mid-November

What can I expect in this role?

You will report to the Secretary of the Cabinet who is the Head of the Ontario Public Service. You will be a trusted advisor who works closely with the most senior levels of government and liaises regularly with the Minister’s Office.

As the most senior executive in the ministry you will execute a bold vision to make Ontario “Open for Business” and deliver on this key Government priority.

In this critical role you will:

  • Drive innovation and economic growth: By attracting foreign investment and encouraging companies with high-growth potential to scale and compete globally.
  • Promote international trade and economic immigration: By increasing the number of Ontario exporters, diversifying export markets, and representing Ontario’s interests in international trade agreements.
  • Help commercialize discoveries and innovations: By increasing collaboration between research and industry, and partnering with universities, colleges and hospitals.
  • Model inspirational and inclusive leadership: By building strong, ethical and values-based relationships within the ministry and across ministries, other levels of government and businesses.

Security clearance requirement

  • If you are the successful candidate, you must successfully complete an Ontario Provincial Police security screening check.

How do I qualify?

Inspirational and inclusive leader

  • You’re a proven and resilient change leader with senior leadership experience, who understands what Ontario’s economy needs to prosper both now and in the future.
  • You have used your exceptional strategic leadership skills to manage risk and deliver results in complex organizations with numerous partners and significant fiscal challenges.
  • You thrive in environments of ambiguity and complexity, and have successfully fostered organizational cultures that are diverse, inclusive and accessible.

Astute strategist

  • You have deep knowledge of Ontario’s economic levers and a distinguished record of relevant public sector, private sector or combined accomplishments.
  • You’ve led business operations in new directions within the context of an evolving economic landscape.
  • You’re a sophisticated communicator with the ability to engage in complex stakeholder negotiations and influence peers, stakeholders and decision-makers.

Valued business partner

  • You can anticipate opportunities, issues and trends and provide advice to establish policies, programs and priorities that meet the expectations of various stakeholders.
  • You have a proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with stakeholders across government sectors, other jurisdictions and the private sector.
  • You have in-depth executive experience with policy development, strategic planning, financial and resource management.

Trusted advisor

  • You have exceptional political acuity and advisory skills to provide the Secretary of the Cabinet, the Minister and the Premier’s Office with candid, non-partisan advice within a relationship of trust, good judgement and discretion.
  • You act with integrity and are aware of your impact on people and organizations.

If you would like further information about this key leadership role, please contact Marguerita Gonsalves, Manager, Leadership Practices at marguerita.gonsalves@ontario.ca.

  • The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer and is committed to diversifying its senior leaders.
  • If you require communication in another format and/or accommodation to apply, please contact the Executive Programs and Services Branch at DMSearch@ontario.ca.

Living in Ontario

This role will be based in Toronto, Ontario, a world-class city at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor and a key connection point to in-demand markets and talent across the province.

Learn more about Ontario

Learn more about Toronto

Lake Ontario from Toronto Harbour with the CN Tower in view

About the Ontario Public Service

The Government of Ontario includes ministries, agencies and Crown corporations. Its workforce of 60,000+ public servants is called the Ontario Public Service (OPS).

The OPS:

  • helps the government of the day to develop and deliver policies and programs
  • is politically neutral and remains in place through elections
  • works in diverse areas (for example, policy, communications, technology and program delivery)
  • is governed by the rules set out in the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006

Learn more about the OPS