Business Development Specialist (Temporary) Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives
Business Development Specialist (Temporary) Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives
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Job Description
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The Opportunity
Date Posted: July 28 2025
Posting Deadline: August 5 2025
Department: Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives
Type of Employment: Temporary Full Time (through June 30 2028)
Group Affiliation: $78724 - $101455 (annually)
At Saint Marys University you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility diversity and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the Universitys success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Business Development Specialist (Temporary) to join our Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives Team.
What we offer
As a team member at Saint Marys we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Defined Contribution Pension plan
- Vacation
- Personal days
- Hybrid Flex Option
- Professional development
- Holiday closure
- Summer hour schedule
- Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit
Job Information and Responsibilities
The Business Development Specialist plays a critical role in driving strategic growth for the universitys Healthcare Pathways Initiative (HPI) and Executive and Professional Development (EPD) programs. This position focuses on identifying partnership opportunities cultivating client relationships and developing tailored learning solutions for organizations and professionals. The ideal candidate brings a blend of sales acumen strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape.
Under the direction of the AVP Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives the Business Development Specialist will:
Market Development & Outreach
- Identify and target new corporate and industry partners to expand the reach of
- executive and professional development offerings and communicate the EPD Value
- proposition to external and internal clients and stakeholders.
- Managing relationships with external associations (such as HR) in order to build the
- units reputation as a professional development and executive education provider of
- choice
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends gaps and competitive positioning.
- Represent the institution at industry events conferences and networking functions.
Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary contact for prospective and existing clients.
- Build long-term relationships with organizational stakeholders (e.g. HR leaders
- L&D managers C-suite executives).
- Understand client needs and work cross-functionally with academic teams to
- propose custom or open-enrollment solutions.
Healthcare Pathways Initiative (HPI)
- In collaboration with the Director PDSI and Director EPD initiate contact with leaders in Nova Scotia healthcare units provincial health care associations and others to determine programming needs and how Saint Marys programming matches and identify additional program development opportunities for the HPI initiative.
- In collaboration with the Director PDSI and Director EPD explore opportunities for expansion of HPI developed programming beyond the NS borders to determine online delivery opportunities.
Sales & Revenue Generation
- Achieve enrollment and revenue targets for professional programs.
- Create and manage sales pipelines using CRM systems (e.g. CRM Recruit Salesforce HubSpot).
- Develop proposals pitch materials and client presentations in collaboration with marketing and academic staff.
Program Strategy Support
- Collaborate with faculty and program directors to develop market-responsive offerings.
- Contribute to pricing positioning and go-to-market strategies.
- Support pilot initiatives and assess ROI for new programs or delivery formats (online hybrid in-person).
Experience and Education Requirements
To be the successful Business Development Specialist you will have:
- Bachelors degree required; Masters degree (MBA MEd or related) preferred.
- 3-5 years in business development B2B sales or corporate partnerships-preferably in higher education executive education or professional services.
- Proven track record of building strategic partnerships and meeting revenue targets.
- Strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to understand client needs and translate them into educational solutions.
- Familiarity with learning and development trends and corporate training ecosystems.
- CRM and data analytics proficiency (e.g. PowerBI Salesforce).
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a customer-centric focus.
- Existing network within HR talent development or corporate training sectors.
- Experience in executive education online learning or continuing education programs.
- Knowledge of instructional design or program development processes
Application Details
Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on Apply Now and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three Professional References
Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
At Saint Marys University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians Indigenous peoples racialized persons/visible minorities persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process please contact Talent Acquisition at emailprotected.
A little bit about us
Saint Marys University
Saint Marys University is one of Canadas top primarily undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations leadership in entrepreneurship and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts Science Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canadas best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Marys provides our more than 6400 students with a place that fosters possibility excellent research opportunities and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax Nova Scotia on Canadas east coast Saint Marys University is marked by iconic buildings green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Marys University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a World without limits.
Learn more about working at Saint Marys University here and follow us on LinkedIn Facebook Twitter and Instagram!
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
