Business Development Specialist

Position Summary
The Business Development Specialist (BDS) is responsible for creating and growing new business opportunities with industry clients who need to increase their technical and business capacity through applied research and innovation. The position is primarily dedicated to generating demand, qualified opportunities, and revenue growth for The Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation (CMEI) by promoting the Centres’ technical solutions, building a pipeline of qualified prospects, initiating contract negotiations, and managing forecasts to achieve individual sales targets. While the position’s business development efforts are focused on the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation, the incumbent also recognizes and connects opportunities that may benefit other areas of Red Deer Polytechnic, ensuring business development activity remains coordinated and aligned across RDP.

The incumbent represents Red Deer Polytechnic to external corporate clients as the face of these Centres while acting as the primary contact for external clients and entrepreneurs who are interested in pursuing mutually beneficial relationships with Red Deer Polytechnic.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct the day-to-day Business Development tasks and processes for CMEI in alignment with KPIs set by the CMEI business plan
• KPIs include but are not limited to:
  • Number of qualified leads generated
  • Business opportunities including industry and grant funding to meet revenue goals
  • New industry partnerships developed
  • Opportunity conversion and maintenance rates; and other KPIs set jointly by the Directors, CMEI, and Industry Solutions.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities with qualified customers while representing Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and business acumen
• Create demand for Red Deer Polytechnic technical solutions
• Establish and maintain long-term relationships with corporate clients and business partners
• Connect into innovation ecosystem provincially and nationally
• Identify funding opportunities for CMEI (fee for service, grants, leveraged projects)
• Develop new customers through networking and the establishment of relationships with business contacts to develop solutions for current and future corporate technical needs
• Proactively monitor and access market intelligence with respect to Red Deer Polytechnic competitors and provide regular updates to the Director
• Accountable to ensure RDP maintains an image for quality technical work and services through professional, ethical conduct and high-level customer satisfaction
• Manage account relationships from initial contact through engagement and customer service, while working with the Director, CMEI, to close priority opportunities
• Regularly monitor customer satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve service and meet customer expectations
• Collaborate to develop and manage marketing plans to enhance Red Deer Polytechnic’s Centres in the marketplace and expand our reputation as a leader in applied research, technical services, and training
• Liaises with other members of the Industry Solutions team on a coordinated approach to customer service and ongoing account management
• Establish the strategic business development direction of the Centres in collaboration with Industry Solutions, and the Director of CMEI
• Work closely with the Centres to leverage Red Deer Polytechnic’s ability to provide total technical and innovation solutions
• Coordinate with Operations Team to develop budgets, write proposals, negotiate, and recommend recruitment of personnel to support project initiatives
• Responsible for making decisions regarding potential clients and ongoing relationships related to organizational alignments that affect the profile of Red Deer Polytechnic, the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing, and the Energy Innovation Centre

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate in Business Administration, or related
• Over 5 years of Sales and/or Business Partnership experience
• Demonstrated experience in an entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated Political, Professional and Financial acumen
• Strong communication skills in writing, oral communication, and demonstrated experience in writing contracts, proposals, and grant applications
• Competence to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion
• Proficient in analytical, organizational and time management skills to complete work with multiple stakeholders with accuracy and attention to detail
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with demonstrated initiative and the ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Proficient in common business software programs (Microsoft Office Suite) and other new processes and technologies such as video and audio conferencing, as appropriate
• Proficient using Monday.com, Raiser’s Edge, or other customer relationship management platforms is required
• Proven ability to work as an effective team member with others within the organization
• Ability to work flexible hours outside of normal working hours on and off campus

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of university in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent

Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
*Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.

Desired Start Date
October 15, 2026

Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.