Business Development Specialist

RDP; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Pension plan

Vacation leave

Tuition benefits

Professional development funding

Job summary

Red Deer Polytechnic is seeking a Business Development Specialist to grow the Industry Training and Professional Education portfolio. You will build a pipeline, negotiate contracts, and manage forecasts while collaborating with ITPE and Industry Solutions to maximize opportunities for the institution.

You will partner with directors and coordinators to deliver client-focused training solutions, maintain key partnerships, and monitor market trends to drive strategic growth at RDP.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate in Business Administration, or related.
• Over 5 years of Sales and/or Business Partnership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrated Political, Professional and Financial acumen.
• Strong written and spoken communication; contract, proposal, and grant-writing experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficient in MS Office and virtual meeting tools; capable of adopting new tech.
• Experience with Monday.com, Raiser's Edge, or similar CRMs.
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate across departments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours on/off campus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts day-to-day business development tasks and helps set revenue targets for ITPE.
• Identifies and develops new opportunities with qualified customers for RDP.
• Creates demand for Red Deer Polytechnic training solutions.
• Develops and maintains long-term relationships with corporate clients.
• Monitors market intelligence and reports to the Director, ITPE.
• Collaborates with ITPE team to implement annual sales plans.
• Communicates sales progress, opportunities, and challenges to leadership.
• Partners with Client Relations to monitor satisfaction and drive service improvements.
• Manages risk associated with ITPE contracts and ensures timely hand-off to team members.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Negotiation

Education

Post-secondary training / Business Administration certificate

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Video & audio conferencing

Monday.com

Raiser’s Edge

CRM platforms

Job description

The Business Development Specialist ( BDS ), Industry Training and Professional Education ( ITPE ), identifies and cultivates relationships with potential clients for learning and development opportunities that are offered through Red Deer Polytechnic. While this position reports to the Director, Industry Solutions, it will be embedded in the ITPE Team within the Donald School of Business. Day-to-day direction will come from the Director, ITPE .

The BDS builds a pipeline of qualified prospects, initiates contract negotiations, and manages forecasts to achieve a specified individual target associated with the Industry Training and Professional Education portfolio while still recognizing business opportunities and partnerships that benefit RDP as a whole.

Position Responsibilities

• Conducts the day-to-day Business Development tasks and processes, providing input into establishing and achieving the identified gross and net revenue targets for ITPE
• Identifies and develops new business opportunities with qualified customers while representing Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and business acumen
• Creates demand for Red Deer Polytechnic business and training solutions
• Establishes and maintains long-term relationships with corporate clients and business partners
• Develops new customers through networking and the establishment of relationships with business contacts to develop solutions for current and future corporate training needs
• Monitors and accesses market intelligence with respect to Red Deer Polytechnic competitors and provides regular updates to the Director, ITPE
• Cultivates account relationships while working closely with ITPE Director to identify and close on top opportunities
• Works with ITPE Client Relations Coordinator to monitor client satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve service and meet customer expectations
• Liaises with other members of the Industry Solutions team on a coordinated approach to customer service and ongoing account management
• Collaborates with the Director, ITPE for the development and implementation of annual sales plan that meets the minimum and exceeds sales targets in alignment with the institution’s Strategic plan and School’s Business Plan
• Communicates sales progress, opportunities, and challenges
• Identifies and mitigates risks associated with ITPE contracts
• Creates effective communication channels with both Industry Partnership and Industry Training and Professional Education teams
• Identifies and collaborate on partnership opportunities that can expand to include other areas of the institution
• Hands-off projects and opportunities to appropriate team members in a timely fashion

Required Qualifications

• Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate in Business Administration, or related
• Over 5 years of Sales and/or Business Partnership experience
• Demonstrated experience in an entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated Political, Professional and Financial acumen
• Strong communication skills in writing, oral communication, and demonstrated experience in writing contracts, proposals, and grant applications
• Competence to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion
• Proficient in analytical, organizational and time management skills to complete work with multiple stakeholders with accuracy and attention to detail
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with demonstrated initiative and the ability to independently manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Proficient in common business software programs (Microsoft Office Suite) and other new processes and technologies such as video and audio conferencing, as appropriate
• Proficient using Monday.com, Raiser’s Edge, or other customer relationship management platforms is required
• Proven ability to work as an effective team member with others within the organization
• Ability to work flexible hours outside of normal working hours on and off campus

Preferred Qualifications

Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of university in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent

Salary or Hourly?

Salary $80,394 - $94,050 annually

Benefits and Compensation Information

Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
*Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic ( RDP ) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community .

Competition Number

Competition Number 2026-A-123

Employment Type

Employment Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 08/17/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

FTE

FTE 1.0

Hours of Work

Open Date

Open Date 07/30/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP , we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail] .