Business Development Specialist

Volunteer Centre of Calgary; Canada; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Canada is looking for a Business Development Specialist for a part-time, unpaid volunteer position. The role involves outreach, developing partnerships, and communication strategy related to youth empowerment. Ideal candidates have 2-3 years in similar fields and a relevant bachelor's degree. This position is part-time, requiring 8-10 hours per week and offers opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Benefits

Empowering youth development

Networking opportunities

Room for advancement

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in outreach, partnership development, or community engagement.
• Experience in fundraising or donor relations is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple outreach initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify new opportunities for outreach.
• Write engaging communications to sponsors and partners.
• Maintain a list of potential sponsors and community collaborations.
• Collaborate with the Partnerships & Development team.

Skills

Outreach and partnership development

Strong written and verbal communication

Organization and multitasking

Team collaboration

Interest in youth empowerment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or Public Relations

Job description

Overview

Also required for this position: We are looking for someone who can commit 8–10 hours per week and is genuinely passionate about supporting youth and contributing to Empowered Futures’ mission. The ideal candidate is professional, ethical, and collaborative, with a strong desire to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Role: Business Development Specialist — 8-10 hours per week (part-time, unpaid volunteer position). Ongoing engagement to support EF’s mission.

About Empowered Futures

Empowered Futures (EF) is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to empowering emerging adults as they navigate the transition into adulthood. Through mentorship, self-empowerment workshops, and accessible resources, EF helps young people build confidence, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and hope for their future. EF focuses on mental wellness and community building, creating meaningful connections between youth, mentors, and partners.

Responsibilities

1. Research and identify new opportunities. Contact sponsors, mentors, institutes, and partners through calls and emails to introduce EF’s mission and programs, and follow up to build relationships.
2. Write clear and compelling emails, letters, proposals, and presentations to connect with sponsors, donors, and community partners.
3. Use targeted communication, networking, and relationship building to expand EF’s mentorship community.
4. Help develop and adapt communication for sponsors and donors so that EF’s messages are consistent with its brand and campaigns.
5. Research, track, and maintain a list of potential sponsors, partnerships, institutes, and community collaborations.
6. Work with colleagues such as the Partnerships & Development Associate and the Applications & Grants Specialist to ensure outreach aligns with the Fundraising team’s goals.
7. Record outreach efforts and share regular updates with the Director of Partnerships & Engagement and the Engagement Lead.
8. Serve as a positive and professional representative of EF with external stakeholders.
9. Attend weekly Outreach & Partnerships team meetings and EF-wide town halls to stay aligned and informed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: 2–3 years in outreach, partnership development, community engagement, communications, or related fields. Experience in fundraising, donor relations, or sales is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Public Relations, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting outreach, engagement, or marketing materials.
• Organization & Multitasking: Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple outreach initiatives simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, remote, volunteer-based team environment.
• Passion & Alignment: Demonstrated interest in youth empowerment, mentorship, and community building.

Benefits

• Empowering emerging adults with their growth and development
• Innovating the movement towards mental wellness
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary senior board members
• Growing your professional network
• Room for advancement and growth within the organization

This is not a target-based role; however, we are seeking someone who is proactive and can set and work toward self-driven goals to grow in the position.

Note: Please be sure to check your inbox, including spam and junk folder, for any correspondence regarding your application status. Emails may occasionally be filtered by mistake.

Why volunteer for this opportunity?

• Empowering emerging adults with their growth and development
• Innovating the movement towards mental wellness
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary senior board members
• Growing your professional network
• Room for advancement and growth within the organization

Also required for this position: We are looking for someone who can commit 8–10 hours per week and is genuinely passionate about supporting youth and contributing to Empowered Futures’ mission. The ideal candidate is professional, ethical, and collaborative, with a strong desire to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the community.