Business Development Manager

Cdainstitute; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The CDA Institute is seeking an ambitious Business Development Manager to drive growth and financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Director of Operations and Strategic Relations, this newly created role 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 sponsors, foundations, donors, and strategic funding partners.

Qualifications

• Degree in business or related field required or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years in fundraising, business development, sponsorship sales, or partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospective sponsors, donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to increase sponsorship, grants, and partnerships revenue.
• Prepare high-quality funding proposals and coordinate customized opportunities.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across sectors including defence, technology, government, and academia.
• Manage the fundraising pipeline, forecast revenue, and report on progress toward targets.

Skills

Business development

Relationship building

Proposal writing

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, Political Science, International Affairs or related field

Job description

Location: In-person (Ottawa), 701 – 350 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8
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.

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.

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