Business Development Advisor

CAWST is looking for a Business Development Advisor to help secure and manage the funding partnerships that drive our mission forward. This is a hands-on detail-oriented role where you will be responsible for the full cycle of revenue generation and management from crafting persuasive proposals to managing grants sponsorships and partnerships with precision and care.

You will work closely with the Manager Global Partnerships and collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality on-time submissions and reporting while ensuring compliance with both funder and organizational requirements. The ideal candidate is organized proactive and committed to delivering accurate polished work within deadlines. If you thrive on building strong relationships and are motivated by clear professional execution this is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible global impact.

Location: CAWST is based in Calgary Alberta

Employment Type: Full-time permanent

Reports to: Manager Global Partnerships

Applicants must have valid Canadian work authorization to be considered for this role (e.g. open work permit permanent residency or citizenship). If you are not located in Canada please specify your Canadian work authorization type in your cover letter.

Specific Areas of Responsibility:

1. Business Development Grant Applications and Proposal Development:

   • Develop high value proposals to renew and grow existing projects and build new opportunities 

   • Support  the Manager Global Partnerships and other departments to draft and submit high-quality grant proposals.

   • Coordinate cross-functional teams to assemble the required documents and reports for grant submissions.

   • Provide data and support for the development of concept notes and proposals.

2. Funder Relationship Management:

   • Build and maintain relationships with grant officers and funder representatives to foster long-term partnerships.

   • Serve as the primary point of contact for funders regarding grant reporting and financial oversight.

   • Address funder inquiries and requests ensuring clear timely and professional communication.

3. Grant Management and Compliance:

   • Meet reporting deadlines renewal dates and compliance requirements for all active grants.

   • Ensure timely submission of all required reports working closely with finance program and partnerships teams.

   • Monitor grant spending to ensure compliance with funder requirements and organizational policies.

   • Keep abreast of changes in funder regulations and communicate necessary adjustments to the team.

   • Steward existing grants and supporting development of new business.

4. Internal Collaboration:

   • Work closely with the finance team to ensure that grant budgets are being accurately tracked and reported.

   • Provide training and guidance to internal teams on grant compliance reporting and funder expectations.

   • Assist in the development of processes and systems to improve grant management efficiency within CAWST.

Any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Manager Global Partnerships 

Qualifications :

What Youll Need to Succeed (Must-Haves):

• Undergraduate degree in economics business or related field

• 3 years of business development and/or project management experience
  Strong interest or experience in international development

• Passion for working in nonprofit or NGO environments

Bonus Points If You Have (Nice-to-Haves):

• Experience writing grants and proposals (3 years)

• Experience managing large institutional grants

• Familiarity with institutional funders like Global Affairs Canada or International Financial Institutions

Languages

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; written and verbal fluency in Spanish or French would be an asset

Desired Skills and Abilities 

• Strong proficiency in MS Office and CRM Systems

• Organized self-directed and able to work independently

• Service-oriented; consistently seeks to provide a high level of professional service to clients and colleagues

• Easily and quickly establishes credibility with clients and other stakeholders

• Professional and diplomatic approach; works well independently within teams and across teams

• Able to manage cross-cultural and cross-lingual relationships and situations

Additional Information :

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment: In-office (Monday - Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday - Friday when possible) with flexibility for in-person meetings and events. Please note that this role may require more than three days per week in-office on a regular basis so remote days are not guaranteed.

Benefits of Working at CAWST

• A meaningful role making a difference every day for people living without basic water and sanitation.

• A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered.

• Rich on-the-job experiences and professional development opportunities.

• Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.

When applying please include:

• A cover letter that tells us more about you past what we can see on your resume and why you are excited to work with CAWST. We will not consider your application unless this is included.

  • Please note: We would rather read a note from YOU than a formal letter from ChatGPT! 

• Your resume.

CAWST values equitable opportunities sustainable solutions and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural religious and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race sex disability religion/belief sexual orientation or age.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time