Business Development Officer

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director, Desautels Career Management Services, the Desautels Toronto Lead (DTL) is responsible for growing student outcomes in the Greater Toronto Area, including full-time job placements, internships, mentoring relationships and alumni engagement levels. The DTL will nurture and expand employer partnerships, increase alumni engagement events, and establish career development initiatives. The role serves as a strategic bridge between students, alumni, employers, and the broader business community to create meaningful career opportunities and strengthen long-term institutional relationships. The candidate will seek out, develop, expand and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, industry associations, alumni, and community organizations to support recruitment, experiential learning, mentorship, and employment outcomes for undergraduate and master's students. In addition, the DTL will provide ad hoc career coaching support to students and alumni while fostering a vibrant alumni engagement ecosystem that advances mentorship, networking, and employer connectivity. This highly external-facing role requires strong business development, relationship management, and coaching capabilities, along with a deep understanding of Toronto’s labour market and corporate landscape.Primary Responsibilities:
Employer Partnerships & Business Development (~70%)
Works in close collaboration with the Career Management Services’ Business Development team to identify opportunities for development of internship, experiential learning, and full-time employment opportunities for undergraduate and master's students in the greater Toronto Area. Create and maintain strategic relationships, partnerships, and alliances with targeted industries, employers, business associations, and community organizations throughout the GTA. Develop diversified new business contacts aligned with student interests, career aspirations, and institutional priorities. Promote the Desautels Faculty of Management’s programs and talent pipeline to existing and prospective employers and increase visibility within high-growth employment sectors. Identify and development opportunities to connect students, employers, alumni, and industry leaders. Monitor labour market trends and provide relevant market intelligence to students, career coaches, faculty leadership, and stakeholders. Works with the Career Management Services team to ensure that opportunities are promoted effectively through career portals, newsletters, and targeted outreach. Validate key employment information directly with employers, including hiring processes, recruitment timelines, salary information, technical requirements, and desired competencies. Collaborate with student clubs, academic programs, employer partners and the Career Events Officer to deliver networking events, employer information sessions, industry treks, and recruitment initiatives. Track employer engagement activity, recruitment outcomes, and business development metrics through designated CRM platforms. Represent the institution at industry conferences, networking events, employer forums, and professional association meetings.Alumni Engagement & Mentorship (~20%)
Collaborate with Alumni Relations team to develop and implement coordinated outreach strategy and identify collaborative opportunities that support student success and alumni engagement objectives (and track results). Develop and execute strategies to re-engage alumni and strengthen their connection to McGill and Career Services. Build and maintain relationships with alumni across key industries and organizations throughout Toronto and beyond and facilitate alumni engagement initiatives including mentorship programs, coffee chats, networking events, career panels, employer spotlights, and industry roundtables. Design and manage structured mentorship programs connecting students, recent graduates, and experienced alumni. Recruit, support, and recognize alumni volunteers serving as mentors, speakers, recruiters, panelists, and industry advisors. Encourage alumni participation in recruiting, experiential learning, sponsorship, and industry engagement opportunities. Support the maintenance of a common (single) current database of alumni contact information. Develop industry-specific alumni networks that foster professional development and long-term engagement.Other:
Career Coaching & Talent Development (~10%)
Provide ad hoc one-on-one career coaching and advising to master's students seeking careers in Toronto, interns, and alumni. Support students with career exploration, job search strategies, networking, personal branding, resume development, interview preparation, and career transitions. Serve as an additional coaching resource for MBA students during periods of high demand and coaching capacity constraints. Deliver occasional workshops, webinars, group coaching sessions, and career development programs focused on employability and professional growth, focusing on the Masters programs. Collaborate with Career Services colleagues to identify student needs and develop targeted career programming. Support alumni seeking career advancement, career transitions, leadership development, and professional growth opportunities. Contribute to the development of scalable career services initiatives that extend support beyond graduation and promote lifelong career development. Evaluate coaching outcomes and continuously improve service delivery based on market needs and stakeholder feedback.Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
Education Master's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Human Resources, Career Development, or a related field. Career coaching certification is considered an asset.Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in business development, employer relations, career services, talent acquisition, alumni engagement, or a related field. Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships with employers and external stakeholders. Experience developing and managing alumni engagement, mentorship, or volunteer programs. Experience providing career coaching, talent development, or professional advising services. Strong understanding of Toronto labour market trends, employer recruitment practices, and industry sectors.Key Competencies
Business Development and Relationship Management Employer Partnerships and Corporate Engagement Alumni Relations and Volunteer Management Career Coaching and Talent Development Strategic Networking and Influence Stakeholder Engagement Communication and Presentation Skills Program Development and Project Management Data Analysis and Performance Measurement Initiative, autonomy, organizational skills, business savvyCompetitive benefits package
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)Competitive vacation policyTwo (2) personal daysTwo (2) floating holidaysNine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour DayPaid time off over the December holiday periodTuition waiver for regular employees and their dependentsUp to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permitsMinimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $73,470.00 - $91,840.00 - $110,210.00Job Profile:
MPEX-SAF2B - Student Services - Professional 2 Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Associate ProfessorPosition End Date (If applicable): 2027-10-11Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-10McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify.Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, View email address on ca.hrm.tc in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.
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