Job Opportunity: Analyst, Economic Transformation

About the Vancouver Economic Commission

The VEC’s mandate is to support the building of a prosperous, inclusive, zero-carbon and resilient economy in Vancouver.

VEC fulfils this mandate by working on an economic transition towards a just and economically resilient future for Vancouver, in which there is prosperity for all. VEC’s work is anchored primarily on collating and undertaking research and intelligence; providing expert insights to relevant policymakers; engaging stakeholders and rights holders in the business, academic and investor communities; and leading, partnering and overseeing select strategic initiatives, programs and events in the local economy orientated to VEC’s four-pledges for issues-based economic development.

At VEC, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.

Main Purpose and Function

The successful candidate will be VEC’s primary industry liaison and taking sole responsibility for the successful completion of the Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIaL) project.

DIaL is Canada’s leading flagship capacity-building project in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU), the Digital Supercluster, and industry partners. Its purpose is to strengthen the future resilience of Vancouver’s business community by helping organizations transition towards a digital economy. The project is designed for Vancouver business leaders who currently lack the skills, tools, knowledge, time, and financial capacity to leverage digitalization as an effective way to improve the resiliency and operations of their businesses.

As a member of the Economic Transformation team, the Analyst, Economic Transformation (“the Analyst”), is a temporary full-time role reporting to the Manager, Economic Transformation (“the Manager”), under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Economic Transformation (“the Senior Manager”).

The Analyst will actively identify and advise on the type of Vancouver businesses and leaders that should be recruited into the project to maximize project impact: These include businesses that are heavy contributors to Vancouver’s current economy and will be large contributors to the future economy and, on a sliding risk scale, are susceptible to impact/disruption from growing digitalization. Other responsibilities will include convene strategic forums, undertaking relevant research, and building meaningful relationships to advance the priorities of the DIal project.

Key Contacts and Reporting Relationships

The Analyst reports directly to the Manager, Economic Transformation, Innovation & Capital

Direct Reports include: N/A

The Analyst is expected to work with and support other VEC team members as needed and liaise professionally and respectfully with leadership within VEC and with VEC’s stakeholders.

Performance goals, workplans and work allocation will be reviewed on a regular basis with the Manager as approved by the Director and ultimately the CEO. These goals and workplans will be adapted from time to time as business and organizational needs evolve.

In addition to reporting to the Manager on any given work item, the Analyst may also report to or provide subject matter expertise to other leads on the project/initiative to which they are providing services. In these instances, the Analyst, takes direction concerning initiative decisions from the project/initiative lead and may seek consultation and support from the Manager, the Director, and ultimately the CEO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Day-to-day project leader for the VEC DIal project

Market Research and Analysis: working with the Manager, Economic Transformation to support DIaL research and analysis activities and related to the initiative, including, but not limited to:

• Support and coordinate the design and analysis of data gathering, data research, business surveys, enquiries and interview processes
• Undertake independent and guided research to actively identify Vancouver businesses and corresponding leaders to recruit into the project to maximize its impact
• Support the determination and articulation of the overall DIal project’s efficacy and outcomes, including data collection, analysis and report drafting

Project Administration:

• Support the administration and maintenance of appropriate project documentation over the life of the DIAL program as appropriate
• Support the Manager, Economic Transformation in proactively identifying and proactively problem-solving project issues, risks, time, quality and costs associated with the project
• Regularly report on progress against project plan and on specific deliverables to Manager, Economic Transformation
• Support SFU in drafting business leadership engagement, communications, and cohort recruitment plan
• Support SFU in proper project closeout at completion, including post-project evaluation, recommended changes for future similar projects, and appropriate documentation

Business Development and Marketing: work with marketing and communication staff to support the publishing and promotion of final outcomes of the DIaL project:

• Undertake outreach and engagement activities related to marketing the program to Vancouver’s SME community
• Work with the Manager and partner organizations to develop new learning cohorts and structures based on ecosystem needs and requirements

Other duties/responsibilities on VEC projects as assigned, subject to capacity and alignment

The Analyst may also be called on to support the Manager in tasks related to the planning or delivery for other VEC projects. Such tasks may include writing, notetaking or desktop research, and compatible projects under the Manager’s portfolio include but are not limited to the Angels for Climate Solutions program and Indigenous Investment Framework.

Minimum Position Requirements

Education and experience

• A minimum of a Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration, Economics, Urban Studies, Sustainability, Environment, Public Policy or equivalent
• A minimum of five years of experience and demonstrated skills in business advisory, economic development, program design & delivery, data analytics, and/or project management. Experience in project management is considered an asset including program delivery and exposure or work experience in the innovation or tech sectors OR a combination of education and experience that demonstrates passion and competency in the relevant fields listed above
• Formal training and experience in project management is considered an asset
• Formal training and experience in project management (including program delivery and exposure or work experience in the innovation or tech sectors) is considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The Analyst should have the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Strategic problem solving and analytical mindset. An analytical thinker who can systematically frame and analyse research/ data for an issue, opportunity or policy problem, and support the project/initiative lead in arriving at a solution that is supported by a balance of facts and good judgment.
• Project management. Demonstrated ability to follow direction, incorporate feedback, execute on a plan, recommend course corrections and take responsibility for the success of their portion of the project/initiative.
• Facilitation. Good facilitation skills, with the ability to bring together people with a diverse set of interests, styles, and areas of expertise, and to align them toward a unified goal
• Business relationship management. Ability to understand and support the Manager and/project lead on stewarding business relationships, based upon a solid understanding of both public sector and private sector business strategy, structure and dynamics.
• Professionalism. Ability to respect relevant protocols and confidentiality, to inspire trust and credibility, and to generally conduct oneself with tact and diplomacy.
• Technical. Strong computer competency in office productivity tools that can be leveraged to support business analytics and decision-making, including MS Office 365, webinar and virtual meeting platforms, and project management platforms.
• Curiosity/quick learner. An aptitude for and interest in learning about a wide variety of topics and aptitude for identifying new opportunities for growing the innovation and capital ecosystems in Vancouver
• Organisation and efficiency. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to concurrently manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to foresee business challenges, troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Communication. Good attention to detail alongside organizational, interpersonal and verbal/written skills.
• Optimism and positive attitude. Commitment to optimism for the future and a demonstrated willingness to engage in relationships/activities with respect and a cheerful outlook.

The VEC has a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.  All external applicants applying to the VEC are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and subject to this policy as a condition of ongoing employment.  Candidates may only be exempted from this requirement if they request and are approved for an accommodation based on a reason related to a Human Rights Code ground (such as disability). Such a request must be made during, not after, the recruitment process.

Other Conditions of Employment

This is a full-time, temporary position paying $62,692/year, plus benefits. VEC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual allotment of vacation, wellness days and sick leave, membership in a group health and dental insurance plan, and participation in the Municipal Pension Plan.

General office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm. Some evening and early morning hours may be necessary from time to time. VEC is currently operating in a hybrid remote-office mode; staff are expected to work at least two days a week in the office located on the 5th floor at 555 W 8th Avenue in Vancouver. The building is fully accessible and includes indoor locked bicycle storage and end of trip facilities. The remaining days of the week will be worked from a local remote location within Metro Vancouver. A laptop and accessories will be provided.

Application Process

Applications are now closed.