Business Development Specialist

Ballad Consulting Group; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Business Development Specialist to enhance employment opportunities for Albertans through targeted training programs. This role involves building partnerships, securing job placements, and providing essential support to participants in the WERC program. The ideal candidate will be a proactive communicator with a passion for relationship-building and a strong understanding of the local labor market. Join a dedicated team focused on empowering individuals and making a positive impact in the community. If you are driven, resourceful, and ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Full benefits after probation

Flexible working conditions

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in job placement and customer relationship building.
• Ability to work independently and remotely while being a team player.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a business development strategy.
• Source and finalize quality placements for program participants.
• Provide pre-employment support including resume assistance.

Skills

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Entrepreneurial Skills

Self-Starter Skills

Client Service Skills

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Online Database Tools

Job description

Ballad

Our training programs at Ballad have built capacity in diverse areas including entrepreneurship, insurance, information and computer technology, construction, French language acquisition, hospitality, supply chain management, and more. We have delivered unique training programs for a variety of organizations, Indigenous Communities, and on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development, Ministry of Seniors, Community & Social Services, and Social Development Canada.

Regarding the WERC program, its goal is to develop and administer targeted skill enhancement training and job placement to help multi-barriered Albertans find and maintain employment.

The Opportunity

The Business Development Specialist will play a key role within Ballad’s WERC program. This program is designed to train Albertans to meet the dynamic job demands outlined by employers across multiple industries. When appropriate, paid job placements are provided to participants to apply their skills learned during the program.

The Business Development Specialist will be responsible for developing, recruiting, and managing partnerships within the employment sector in the Red Deer region of Alberta. The focus will be on securing quality job placements for WERC program participants.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong relationship-building, communication, entrepreneurial, and self-starting skills. They will seek out new employment opportunities across the region and match employers with program participants, understanding participant profiles to ensure successful placements and meet evolving needs.

As the primary resource for the program based in Red Deer, the Business Development Specialist will use sound judgment to develop credible, meaningful relationships with participants and stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality. They will work closely with WERC staff and participants to identify opportunities and resolve concerns.

Most business development efforts will focus in and around Red Deer.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a business development strategy to attract employers and agencies aligned with Ballad and the WERC program, promoting activities internally and externally.
2. Source and finalize quality placements benefiting both participants and employers.
3. Collaborate with program staff to identify suitable employers and participants for successful job matches.
4. Achieve a set number of job placements per month, managing employer relationships for at least 90 days.
5. Provide pre-employment support, including resume and cover letter assistance, application guidance, and interview preparation.
6. Assess employer alignment with participants’ skills, qualifications, and goals.
7. Coordinate job placement details, including hours, wages, and benefits, between participants and employers.
8. Stay informed about current employment opportunities and labour market trends.
9. Address attitudinal barriers and work to remove stigmas for non-traditional candidates.
10. Represent Ballad at career fairs, trade shows, and other events as needed.
11. Maintain accurate records in Ballad’s database and tracking reports.
12. Connect participants with employers for work experiences and placements.
13. Contribute to active service management to ensure client success.
14. Follow up and complete required reporting.
15. Perform general administrative duties and other responsibilities as assigned.

Experience

The ideal candidate will have proven experience collaborating with diverse groups, building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, and providing practical guidance for successful work placements.

The position requires the following skills, experiences, and abilities:

• Post-secondary education is an asset but not mandatory.
• Experience in job placement and customer relationship building is preferred (an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered).
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience with online database tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A genuine desire to build relationships with various client groups, employers, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional client service skills, with the ability to present ideas and services effectively.
• Initiative and resourcefulness in seeking placement opportunities and making connections.
• Professional, driven, charismatic, reliable, and confident personality.
• Experience with pre-employment strategies and knowledge of the local labour market are assets.
• Experience with diversity and inclusion programs is an asset.

• Ability to work independently and remotely, while being a team player, is required.

Further Notes

• Must hold a valid driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation will be based on experience.
• Full benefits are provided after a three-month probation period.

Candidates selected for interviews will need to provide three references. A secondary interview may include a presentation demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.