Business Development Specialist

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 , 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…