Self Employment Specialist

Open Door Group (ODG), a mission-driven non-profit organization serving communities in Alberta and BC, is seeking a Self-Employment Specialist to join the Business Works Central Alberta (BWCA) team. This role supports individuals pursuing self-employment by guiding them through business concept development, planning, launch, and early implementation.

Wage: $32.18 to $39.33 per hour

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 hours per week

Location: Hybrid remote work opportunity. The primary work location for this position will be a home office but will have secondary work locations of the Open Door locations in Red Deer, Calgary, or Edmonton, depending on which community the successful candidate is located.

Anticipated

Start Date:

August 24, 2026

The Self-Employment Specialist is a member of the Client Services Team and plays a key role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to develop viable business concepts and plans. This position provides coaching and guidance throughout all stages of the BWCA program, from intake and assessment through business launch and post-program follow‑up.

You will work closely with the Program Manager and community partners to help ensure clients receive practical, informed support and feel prepared to present their business plans to a review panel. The role includes client recruitment, administration, business coaching, and community engagement to support successful self‑employment outcomes.

You will guide clients through the self‑employment journey, from initial concept development to business launch and early sustainability. This includes:

• Delivering virtual orientations and entrepreneurial skills workshops
• Debriefing assessment results and evaluating business concepts for feasibility and readiness
• Coaching clients on research, business planning, financial forecasting, marketing strategies, and regulatory requirements
• Reviewing business plans and preparing summaries for review panels
• Supporting clients to explore alternative pathways when business concepts are not viable

Following business approval, you will provide mentorship and implementation support, including sustainability planning, effective use of program funds, and compliance considerations such as income and tax requirements. You will connect clients with mentors, alumni, and community partners, and provide structured follow‑up support after program completion.

As a Certified Living Wage Employer, ODG is committed to offering more than just a job. Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility.

ODG is committed to transparent, equitable, and competitive pay structures, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance.

Enjoy a comprehensive 100% employer‑paid benefits package and an RRSP matching program. Your well‑being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance Program to support you. Invest in your future with our professional development fund. Pursue courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career.

If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about this work, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that career paths are not always linear. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.

• Diploma in Commerce, Business Management, Marketing, Financial Planning, or a related field
• 3 years business coaching experience, preferably with new entrepreneurs and diverse clientele
• An equivalent combination of education, entrepreneurial experience, business coaching, or community‑based experience will be considered

• Experience writing and reviewing business plans
• Experience coaching or supporting entrepreneurs or individuals pursuing self‑employment
  
  Working knowledge of small business development, marketing, financial forecasting, and operations
• Experience facilitating group…