Reporting to the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, the Manager, Strategic Sponsorships leads the development and execution of sponsorship and funding strategies for DiscoveryX, Ontario’s premier innovation showcase and conference, and other Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) marketing and communications initiatives. This role is responsible for generating sponsorship revenue, securing high-value corporate sponsors, and delivering strategic activations that advance OCI's brand and support organizational priorities. Working across Marketing & Communications, Business Development, Programs, Strategic Initiatives, and Executive Leadership, the Manager will help position OCI as Ontario's premier innovation convenor while developing sustainable, year-round sponsorship revenue streams.

The Ontario

Centre of Innovation (OCI) is the province’s leading innovation engine, bringing together industry, academia, government, and investors to accelerate commercialization and scale Ontario-made technologies. From AI and quantum to life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing, OCI powers the programs and partnerships helping Ontario companies grow, compete globally, and build the future, right here. Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective sponsors, including corporates, industry associations, government agencies, municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and innovation ecosystem organizations.

Lead sponsorship negotiations, renewals, and multi-year agreements to maximize revenue, retention, and long-term value. Diversify sponsorship revenue through year-round programs, branded content, awards, thought leadership, and other initiatives. Build trusted relationships with senior executives, government stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovation partners.

Track sponsorship performance, revenue targets, and pipeline activity, and sponsor engagement, providing regular reports and recommendations. Secure anchor sponsors across priority sectors including AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, mobility, cleantech, and digital technologies.



Collaborate with internal teams to engage exhibitors, investors, academic institutions, and government organizations, and ecosystem stakeholders that strengthen the conference.

Identify recent markets, sponsorship models, and revenue opportunities that support DiscoveryX’s long-term growth. Represent OCI at conferences, networking events, and meetings with prospective and existing sponsors. Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to integrate sponsors into campaigns, content, media relations, digital marketing, and social media.

Strategy and Continuous Improvement Measure sponsor satisfaction, retention, activation performance, and ROI. Use performance insights and sponsor feedback to strengthen offers and relationship-management practices. 7–10 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, business development, fundraising, corporate relations, or a related field. ~ Demonstrated success securing six-figure sponsorships, multi-year agreements, and complex corporate commitments. ~ Experience developing sponsorship packages, proposals, presentations, funding submissions, and executive-level business cases. ~ Exceptional relationship-building skills with experience engaging senior executives, government officials, industry leaders, and other influential stakeholders. ~ Strong commercial judgement and the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling sponsorship opportunities. ~ Experience using CRM systems and sponsorship-performance metrics is an asset. ~ Increase sponsorship revenue through new, expanded, and renewed corporate commitments. Grow multi-year sponsorship commitments and senior level corporate relationships.

Build a diversified funding pipeline that reduces reliance on single-event sponsorships. Support the long-term sustainability and growth of major events while strengthening OCI's brand and influence across Ontario's innovation ecosystem. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. #

📌 Head of Manufacturing Strategy & Innovation (Toronto)
🏢 Ontario-Centre-of-Innovatio
📍 Toronto