Business Development Officer - Workforce Development (Project)

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Job Description

About Bow Valley College

For 60 years, Calgary’s college has grown to prepare 14,000 students annually for meaningful careers in health care, social services, business, technology, and creative industries. Every program has a Work Integrated Learning requirement, ensuring students contribute to the workplace before they graduate. With a strong focus on advanced simulation training and Alberta’s evolving needs, Bow Valley College’s new Health Care Centre of Excellence is working to expand space and programs, aimed at graduating four-times as many health professionals annually by 2036. Proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, we combine innovative learning with hands-on experience. Home to Alberta’s only major e-sports arena and a state-of-the-art digital production hub. Learn more about the opportunities Bow Valley College creates for students, Calgary, and Alberta at bowvalleycollege.ca.

 

Position Summary

This is a full-time, project position with an anticipated conclusion in December, 2028.

Reporting to the Manager, Sales and Workforce Solutions, the Business Development Officer – Workforce Development is responsible for identifying and pursuing revenue-generating growth opportunities across existing and emerging markets. This position develops and implements strategic business development and sales initiatives to expand Bow Valley College’s workforce development offerings, strengthen its market presence, and increase non-government revenue.

Through comprehensive market research, business model analysis, and relationship development, the Business Development Officer identifies opportunities to respond to evolving industry needs and connects organizations with relevant training, education, and workforce solutions. The role works collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop innovative approaches that support the College’s strategic priorities and revenue growth objectives.

The Business Development Officer conducts in-depth market intelligence and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, customer needs, industry developments, and potential business opportunities at the local, national, and international levels. Using quantitative and qualitative data, the position evaluates market conditions, assesses business opportunities, and provides strategic insights to inform decision-making, product and service development, and future business plans.

The role contributes to the development of business cases, business models, funding proposals, and marketing plans, while establishing performance indicators to measure effectiveness, monitor progress, and guide future growth strategies.

A key responsibility of this position is to develop and execute comprehensive sales and business development strategies that generate new business, expand existing accounts, and achieve or exceed revenue targets. The Business Development Officer actively identifies and prospects potential clients, generates and follows up on leads, conducts cold-calling and outreach activities, develops proposals, delivers persuasive sales presentations, negotiates agreements, and closes contracts.

Working closely with clients and prospective partners, the position identifies workforce development needs, promotes the College’s training programs and services, develops tailored solutions, and ensures that client expectations and organizational objectives are met. The role also monitors sales performance, evaluates the effectiveness of existing strategies, and adjusts approaches to maximize revenue opportunities while maintaining competitive pricing and appropriate profit margins.

The position builds and sustains strategic relationships with businesses, industry associations, economic development organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, community organizations, and other external partners. Through networking, client engagement, presentations, and participation in industry events, the Business Development Officer promotes Bow Valley College’s value proposition, capabilities, and innovative approaches to workforce development. The role negotiates and prepares memoranda of understanding, contracts, and collaborative agreements; supports due diligence and partnership management; and monitors outcomes to ensure that relationships deliver measurable value.

The position also collaborates with the Marketing Department to plan and implement targeted outreach, promotional, and advertising initiatives that increase awareness of the College’s offerings and support business development objectives.

In collaboration with internal College stakeholders, the Business Development Officer contributes to the development and continuous improvement of sales processes, client engagement strategies, and systems that support the effective growth of non-government revenue. The position maintains accurate client records, sales pipelines, and contact information within the College’s customer relationship management (CRM) system and databases, using available automation tools to track leads, activities, performance measures, and progress toward business goals. The role prepares financial, operational, and sales reports as required and provides insight into market opportunities, pricing strategies, cost structures, and revenue performance.

Through effective communication and collaboration across the College, the Business Development Officer helps maintain a coordinated approach to client relationship management and ensures that business development activities align with institutional priorities.

The successful candidate demonstrates strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and a results-oriented approach to identifying opportunities and translating them into sustainable revenue growth. They bring the ability to analyze complex information, develop innovative solutions, build productive relationships, negotiate agreements, and communicate persuasively with diverse audiences. The Business Development Officer exercises sound financial judgment, manages competing priorities effectively, and responds proactively to changing market conditions and customer needs.

The position ensures that all business development and sales activities comply with applicable College policies and procedures, legislation, regulations, and guidelines while upholding the College’s commitment to effective partnerships, responsible business practices, and long-term organizational success.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree (Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or related fields)

· Minimum of 3 years of related experience in: working with industry and community partners, and/ or working within a business context, and/or analyzing markets and businesses.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Strong attention to detail, highly entrepreneurial, creative, open-minded, persistent, and highly collaborative.

· Ability to strategize and plan multiple high-priority deliverables with competing demands.

· Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

· An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered

Preferred Qualifications

· Fluency (reading, writing, and speaking) in language(s) other than English.

· In depth understanding of how complex relationships and interests of various stakeholders intersect and influence each other.

· Experience effectively engaging with culturally diverse stakeholders.

· Ability to identify and leverage strategically and/or tactically valuable opportunities.

· In depth understanding of the industries / marketplaces aligned with Bow Valley College programs.

· Project Management experience.

· Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

· Ability to problem solve through critical thinking.

· Ability to make and implement decisions.

· Corporate communications.

· Community liaison experience.

If your education was received internationally we will require you provide an international education assessment through IQAS, WES, or one of the other nationally designated organizations upon hire.

Closing Date: October 23, 2026

This opening is a Project (AUPE) position with an anticipated conclusion in December, 2028. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check.

Union :

AUPE

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.