Business Development Specialist

Position Information

Position Title

Business Development Specialist

Position Summary

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 collaborates 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 Monday.com, 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 or equivalent

Salary or Hourly?

Salary

Salary

$80,394 - $94,050 annually

Benefits and Compensation Information

Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.

• Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta,

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community .

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

2026-A-123

Employment Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

08/17/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

FTE

1.0

Hours of Work

Open Date

07/30/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact View email address on ca.workus.org .

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents