Business Development Manager

Conference of Defence Associations Institute; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Conference of Defence Associations Institute is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to lead fundraising and partnerships that sustain research programs, events, and strategic initiatives. The role reports to the Director of Operations and Strategic Relations and focuses on growing sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic funding.

The successful candidate will build a robust funding pipeline with corporate sponsors, foundations, donors, and strategic partners, while expanding the

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, Political Science, International Affairs, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage business development efforts by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating relationships with prospective sponsors, donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to increase sponsorship, philanthropic, grant, and partnership revenue while diversifying the Institute’s funding sources.
• Prepare high-quality funding proposals and coordinate the development of customized sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across defence, security, aerospace, technology, government, academic, and philanthropic sectors.
• Manage the fundraising pipeline and performance reporting by tracking opportunities, maintaining accurate records, forecasting revenue, and monitoring progress toward annual targets.

Skills

Business development

Relationship building

Networking

Proposal writing

Communications

Strategic partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Bachelor's degree in Non-Profit Management

Bachelor's degree in Political Science

Bachelor's degree in International Affairs

Job description

Salary: $70,000 – $90,000, plus benefits (commensurate with experience)

Deadline: August 21, 2026 (23:59 EST)

The Opportunity

The CDA Institute is seeking an ambitious and results-oriented Business Development Manager to help drive the organization’s growth and financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Strategic Relations, this newly created position will focus on identifying, cultivating, and securing new sources of funding to support the Institute’s research programs, events, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will lead efforts to develop a robust pipeline of corporate sponsors, foundations, donors, and strategic funding partners while helping expand the Institute’s reach and impact.

This role is ideal for a proactive professional who enjoys building relationships, pursuing opportunities, and turning conversations into meaningful partnerships.

About Us

Established in 1932, the Conference of Defence Associations is an umbrella organization for 48 member associations who represent over 400,000 active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The CDA connects the defence & security community in Canada that provides influence and visibility for member associations towards national engagement, as well as a hub where Canadians interested in matters of security & defence can converge for events, research, and analysis, as well as mentorship opportunities and job searches.

In 1987, the CDA founded a separate Institute as a charitable organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan registered charity organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. We aim to foster a fact-based and rational approach to dialogue regarding Canadian defence, security, and foreign policy priorities.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage business development efforts by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating relationships with prospective sponsors, donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to increase sponsorship, philanthropic, grant, and partnership revenue while diversifying the Institute’s funding sources.
• Prepare high-quality funding proposals and coordinate the development of customized sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across the defence, security, aerospace, technology, government, academic, and philanthropic sectors, representing the Institute at key stakeholder engagements.
• Manage the fundraising pipeline and performance reporting by tracking opportunities, maintaining accurate records, forecasting revenue, and monitoring progress toward annual fundraising targets.

Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, Political Science, International Affairs, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, business development, sponsorship sales, partnership development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success generating new revenue, securing sponsorships, or developing strategic partnerships.
• Experience working within the non-profit, association, public policy, government, defence, or related sectors.
• Experience writing proposals, grant applications, or business development materials.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong business development and networking abilities.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong proposal writing and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in French and English essential.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.