National Ecosystems Lead Inclusive Trade

EDC; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 109,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian financial Crown Corporation is seeking a National Ecosystem Lead for Inclusive Trade in Ottawa, Ontario. This role involves developing strategies for engagement with diverse organizations and managing partnerships to support equity-seeking groups. Candidates should have extensive experience in business development, partnership management, and a strong network within the Canadian ecosystem. The position offers a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Competitive vacation program

Comprehensive wellness programs

Professional Development

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in business development, partnership management, marketing, sales or international trade.
• Experience developing long-term strategies and robust reporting frameworks.
• Demonstrated interest and understanding of issues faced by diverse business owners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engagement strategies for Inclusive Trade organizations.
• Manage partnerships with government and community organizations.
• Coordinate EDC's engagement at key ecosystem events.

Skills

Project management

Networking

Interpersonal communication

Bilingual (English and French)

Education

University degree in business, finance, marketing, international relations, or related field

Job description

National Ecosystems Lead Inclusive Trade EDC•Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

How to apply

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: November 27 2025

Join the EDC Team!

At EDC we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets, reduce risks and achieve growth, all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade.

Position: National Ecosystem Lead Inclusive Trade Employment Type: Permanent Compensation Details:

• Business Development 19: Salaries typically range from $109,810 to $146,413 annually based on qualifications and experiences plus a performance-based incentive.

Location:

• Export Development Canada operates in a hybrid work environment currently requiring employees to work in the office 2 days per week. (subject to change)
• This role can be performed from EDC's headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs located in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, Brossard, Laval, Calgary, Halifax or Vancouver.
• Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

About EDC:

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation that offers innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help Canadian businesses explore new markets, mitigate risks and achieve growth.

Why Join EDC

• Collaborate with a diverse experienced team – Work alongside talented professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to drive success.
• Thrive in a supportive teamwork-driven environment – Flourish in a workplace where collaboration and mutual support are paramount.
• Impact global communities through sustainable growth in emerging markets – Make a meaningful difference by fostering sustainable development in key regions around the world.
• Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers, Best Diversity Employers, and a Top 100 Family‑Friendly Employer – Join a company celebrated for its commitment to excellence, diversity and work‑life balance.
• Enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards package:
  • Flexible benefits – Our program lets you choose coverage that suits your unique needs, including medical, dental, life and more. Plus we offer additional flex credits to tailor your plan even further.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan – Secure your future with a generous matching program that helps you save for retirement.
  • Competitive vacation program – Enjoy a work‑life balance with a competitive vacation program starting with 4 weeks of vacation and 2 floater days each year for permanent employees.
  • Comprehensive wellness programs – Stay healthy and happy with access to wellness initiatives, mental health support and fitness programs.
  • Professional Development – Advance your career with support for growth and development through conferences, language training and educational opportunities.

Team Overview:

The Inclusive Trade team is accountable for evolving and implementing EDC's strategy to strengthen and communicate our value proposition to help more Canadian companies owned by members of underserved groups.

As part of the Small Business and Partnership Group and in line with EDC's customer segment strategy, we focus our support for inclusive trade companies in the micro and small segment. Through our inclusive trade efforts we have a targeted strategy for Canadian companies owned by members of equity‑seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, Black and other racialised Canadians, persons with disabilities and those from the 2SLGBTQI community.

We believe that improving access to and the relevance of EDC's financial and knowledge solutions is essential for achieving our goal of helping more Canadian companies realise their international growth potential.

Our team works directly with business owners providing practical guidance and support as they navigate the exporter journey. We help companies identify opportunities, overcome barriers and connect with the right resources either through EDC or our network of partners.

Partnerships are central to our approach. We collaborate with financial institutions, government agencies and community organisations to extend our reach, address market gaps and ensure our products and services are relevant and accessible.

We coordinate EDC's presence at key ecosystem events, build strategic relationships and work with partners to develop new opportunities for inclusive trade businesses.

We are accountable for measuring our impact. The team tracks engagement, partnership outcomes and return on investment to ensure our initiatives deliver tangible results for the businesses we serve and for EDC. By continuously gathering market intelligence and feedback we refine our strategy and adapt our programs to meet evolving needs.

What you will be doing:

• Develop and implement engagement strategies and outreach programmes to advance relationships with Inclusive Trade organisations.
• Manage strategic partnerships with government agencies, ecosystem partners, financial institutions and community organisations to extend EDC's reach.
• Coordinate EDC's presence at key ecosystem events to ensure visibility and engagement with equity‑deserving exporter communities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver business development and programme‑level strategies for partners.
• Identify new business opportunities and expand EDC's partnership portfolio within the inclusive trade ecosystem.
• Track and measure the impact of partnership activities, including engagement and return on investment, to ensure initiatives deliver tangible results.
• Support the development and organisational alignment of both near‑term strategies and longer‑term roadmaps to improve EDC's accessibility and service relevance for Inclusive Trade companies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Inclusive Trade, providing insights and guidance for internal briefing notes, research, reporting, market intelligence, thought leadership, training, communications and general advice across the organisation and broader community.
• Gather and share market intelligence through direct engagement with the Inclusive Trade business community and ecosystem of partners to inform strategy and approach.

What we are looking for:

• Lived experience as a member of one or multiple equity‑deserving groups (women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, or 2SLGBTQI).
• Well‑developed network and experience working within the Canadian ecosystem supporting small and diverse businesses and exporters.
• Demonstrated interest and understanding of issues, challenges and barriers faced by diverse business owners.
• Experience developing long‑term strategies and robust reporting frameworks for measuring success of partnership activities.
• Strong project management capabilities and experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets.
• University degree in business, finance, marketing, international relations or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in business development, partnership management, marketing, sales or international trade.
• Knowledge of best practices in sales and relationship management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and French.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

What will make you stand out:

• Good knowledge of EDC's financial solutions.

Eligibility:

• EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian citizen, permanent resident or work permit). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements and whose applications are received by the closing date.
• Ready to make a difference. This is your chance to join a dynamic growing team and leave your mark on our organisation's development, finance and the world. Apply today!
• Want to learn more about EDC? Check our website.

EDCs Commitment to Employment Equity

• Export Development Canada is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities. At EDC we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed and be their truest selves.
• We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQI community.
• Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants interested in a career at EDC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC.
• Should you require any accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Recruitment team.