Business Development Lead, Community Partnerships

Child Development Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Business Development Lead to enhance community partnerships and expand mental health services for children. This exciting role involves developing strategies, conducting market research, and engaging with stakeholders to promote evidence-based programs. You will play a crucial part in ensuring that vital resources reach underserved communities, making a real difference in the lives of children and families. Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering partnerships and driving social impact while honing your expertise in business development. If you're ready to make an impact, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Team Collaboration Events

Health and Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• Proven success in meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to create presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-level industry research and market analysis.
• Identify and cultivate new clients through various outreach methods.

Skills

Sales Ability

Market Research

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Experience in Nonprofit Environment

Tools

Sales Management Software

Job description

Who we are

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community in the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most vulnerable members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by deeply caring and compassionate teams that guide children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

Who we need

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Implementation and Affiliate Relations, we are hiring a Business Development Lead, Community Partnerships, to join us for a one-year contract. As a member of the Pre-Implementation Team within CDI’s Scaling, Research, and Development Unit, you will shape and implement a national business development strategy, identify new markets, and develop partnerships with key stakeholders identifying communities interested in adopting our evidence-based programs. You will conduct research, prospecting, and cultivation activities to successfully engage these stakeholders and support the pre-implementation team to scale our programs under an annual licensing model.

Your focus will be on expanding the reach of Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) and Mothers in Mind (MIM) by identifying and securing partnerships with children’s mental health organizations, educators and school boards, government ministries and departments, organizations led by equity-deserving communities, and other potential partners and funders across Canada.

This is a full-time, one-year contract with the possibility of extension based on funding. The role is onsite at our 197 Euclid Ave location and requires at least 20% travel across Canada to engage with partners, attend industry events, and support program expansion.

What's in it for you

Impact and influence. You will be at the forefront of driving our SNAP and MIM program expansion by building relationships with community service providers and working with the Pre-Implementation team to guide adoption. Your work will help bring vital resources to new communities, ensuring more children and families receive the support they need.

Purpose. CDI values teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration, providing an opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals in marketing, research, and program development. You will lead in fostering partnerships, influencing decision-making, and contributing to CDI’s mission while developing your expertise in business development and social impact initiatives.

As our Business Development Lead, Community Partnerships, you will:

1. Conduct high-level industry research and market analysis. You will identify new markets and develop targeted business development strategies to expand CDI’s key programs, SNAP and MIM. You will research and identify departments, organizations, and funding bodies that support child and family mental health services. You will assess industry trends, analyze competitor programs, and provide insights to refine CDI’s unique value proposition.
2. Grow your knowledge. You will stay informed on sector trends, funding opportunities, and best practices in business development, social enterprise, and corporate partnerships. You will monitor evolving mental health and social services needs, ensuring CDI’s expansion strategy aligns with industry demands. You will provide insights to senior leaders and internal teams, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic growth.
3. Generate prospects. You will identify and cultivate new clients through existing networks, warm referrals, regional partnerships, industry events, and direct outreach (e.g., networking, cold calling, social media engagement). You will attend industry conferences, association events, and partner meetings to foster relationships, gather market insights, and drive engagement.
4. Present our value. You will develop compelling business cases and sales strategies, tailoring program offerings to prospective clients’ needs. You will schedule and lead presentations, guiding service providers through the program adoption and licensing process. You will clearly communicate CDI’s competitive advantages, overcome objections, and build consensus to drive new program implementations.
5. Foster relationships. You will nurture and strengthen long-term partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and service providers. You will engage stakeholders in pricing discussions, funding alignment, and implementation planning to ensure program sustainability and long-term success.
6. Report. You will generate weekly progress reports, track sales pipelines, and forecast business development targets for securing new program sites and partnerships. You will ensure CDI’s business development efforts are data-driven, measurable, and aligned with organizational growth goals.

What you bring:

1. The sales-ability. You are genuine, engaging, and purposeful. You operate with the highest integrity and seek opportunities to offer your clients reputable, proven solutions and programs. You have proven success in meeting and exceeding sales targets. You have a number of proven approaches to generating leads, growing interest, creating engagement, and closing sales. You have exceptional market research and analytical skills and can interpret trends, forecast needs, and set targets. You are comfortable using software tools to manage prospects and sales targets.
2. The industry knowledge. You believe in what we do and the growth potential we have. You have worked in a nonprofit environment and can grow a network of partners in nonprofit industries. You have a demonstrable ability to facilitate community partner relationships.
3. The interpersonal skills. You have exceptional communication skills. You can create presentations, generate reports, and forge connections by phone or email. You can work with and influence the decisions of stakeholders at any level. You are an active listener and can adapt your pitch and purpose to suit your audience, diving in to understand needs and offering solutions that meet requirements. You can create authentic connections and collaborate with diverse community members. You are a team player who prioritizes treating everyone equally and has respect and appreciation for individuals and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
4. The flexibility. You are willing and able to travel 20% of the time within and across Canada to meet with prospects and attend networking events. You are flexible to travel more often as needs shift.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

1. A virtual interview with our Talent Advisor to review your skills, interest in the opportunity, and the role.
2. An on-site interview with the Hiring Manager and an HR Representative to discuss how your experience in business development and program growth strategies aligns with the needs of our organization.
3. A final onsite interview with the Director, Impact & Scaling, to answer any remaining questions you may have about the role and team.

Other Requirements

1. All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
2. Credential verifications and references are required.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail]