Business Development Assistant (13 Month Term)

Invest Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local economic development organization in Ottawa is seeking a Business Development Assistant to support various initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth. The role involves planning, coordination, and communication support, especially in the emerging technology sectors. The ideal candidate has a background in business administration and relevant experience, with a focus on collaboration and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of relevant work or internship experience in business development.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work within the artificial intelligence sector.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and coordination of business development initiatives.
• Draft and edit communications for stakeholder engagement.
• Liaise with internal teams to promote initiatives.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent written communication

Experience with CRM systems

Social media proficiency

Research and analytical skills

Project coordination

Education

Postsecondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)

Eventbrite

Job description

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

INVEST OTTAWA - GLOBAL EXPANSION

The Business Development Assistant supports Invest Ottawa’s mission to drive economic growth and innovation across the region. Reporting to the Senior Business Development Manager, Software, this role provides logistical, administrative, and communications support to initiatives that foster business expansion, attract investment, and strengthen strategic partnerships — with a particular focus on emerging technology sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• Corporate Pay Band A: $44,000 - $66,000
• Hiring Salary Range: $44,000 - $50,000
• Reason for opening: Backfilling an existing role

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and coordination of business development initiatives and industry consultations.
• Draft and edit communications for stakeholder engagement, including invitations, briefing notes, and follow-up correspondence.
• Liaise with internal teams (Marketing, Partnerships, Events) to promote initiatives across channels (email, LinkedIn, Twitter, Eventbrite)
• Support the development, planning, and execution of AI industry activities, such as meetings, roundtables, steering committees;
• Support the defence sector lead on the development, planning and execution of meetings and events
• Analyze participation data, feedback, and KPIs to measure initiative success and inform improvements.
• Coordinate logistics with internal and external stakeholders, including the Bayview Yards Events team.
• Manage scheduling, registration tracking, and event-day operations.
• Build positive relationships with local businesses, partners, and industry leaders.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact for participants, ensuring effective communication before and after events.
• Utilize Microsoft 365 tools and CRM systems to manage contact data and track stakeholder engagement.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• Postsecondary education in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant work or internship experience in business development, marketing, or event coordination.
• Experience with CRM and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in social media and event promotion tools (Eventbrite, LinkedIn, Twitter).
• Research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
• Possess a willingness to work within the artificial intelligence sector, as well as security and defence industries.

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all?
We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application
and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact [e-mail] to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.