Director of Business Development & Administration

The CDA Institute is seeking an ambitious and results-oriented Business Development Manager to help drive the organization’s growth and financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Director of Operations and Strategic Relations, this newly created position will focus on identifying, cultivating, and securing new sources of funding to support the Institute’s research programs, events, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will lead efforts to develop a robust pipeline of corporate sponsors, foundations, donors, and strategic funding partners while helping expand the Institute’s reach and impact.
This role is ideal for a proactive professional who enjoys building relationships, pursuing opportunities, and turning conversations into meaningful partnerships.
Established in 1932, the Conference of Defence Associations is an umbrella organization for 48 member associations who represent over 400,000 active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The CDA connects the defence & security community in Canada that provides influence and visibility for member associations towards national engagement, as well as a hub where Canadians interested in matters of security & defence can converge for events, research, and analysis, as well as mentorship opportunities and job searches.
In 1987, the CDA founded a separate Institute as a charitable organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. The CDA Institute is a non-partisan registered charity organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. We aim to foster a fact-based and rational approach to dialogue regarding Canadian defence, security, and foreign policy priorities.
Manage business development efforts by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating relationships with prospective sponsors, donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
Prepare high-quality funding proposals and coordinate the development of customized sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships across the defence, security, aerospace, technology, government, academic, and philanthropic sectors, representing the Institute at key stakeholder engagements.
Manage the fundraising pipeline and performance reporting by tracking opportunities, maintaining accurate records, forecasting revenue, and monitoring progress toward annual fundraising targets.
Degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management, Political Science, International Affairs, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, business development, sponsorship sales, partnership development, or related fields.
Experience working within the non-profit, association, public policy, government, defence, or related sectors.
Experience writing proposals, grant applications, or business development materials.
Strong business development and networking abilities.
Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
Strong proposal writing and presentation skills.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in French and English essential.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and the name and contact information of three (3) references to Jennifer Giguère, Director of Operations and Strategic Relations, at ***email_hidden*** by August 21, 2026.
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