Job Description

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on August 15, 2025.

Posting Details

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Position Information

Position Title

Business Development and Engagement Lead

Position Summary

The role is responsible for leading the development and management of strategic partnerships that support work-integrated learning (WIL) initiatives at Red Deer Polytechnic. This includes cultivating relationships with businesses, organizations, and industry sectors to create opportunities for structured work integrated learning, systematic training, and institutional collaboration. The position works closely with internal stakeholders such as Associate Deans, WIL Coordinators, and faculty to align employer partnerships with academic programming and institutional goals.

Key responsibilities include overseeing employer engagement, supporting placement recruitment and retention strategies, securing funding through proposals and grants, and ensuring high levels of partner satisfaction. Through proactive communication and collaboration, the position plays a critical role in expanding RDP's value to external organizations and driving innovation in experiential learning.

Additionally, they support the business development initiatives and mentors the Career Service Consultants by providing strategic leadership through coaching, workload management, and professional development planning.
The incumbent will act as a point of contact for partners seeking to explore and establish WIL partnerships with Red Deer Polytechnic, representing the institution and its CEED Centre with professionalism and strategic insight.

Position Responsibilities

Business Development - Work Integrated Learning

Leads the identification and development of new relationships with businesses, organizations, municipalities and industry sectors for work-integrated learning initiatives in the broad categories of systematic training, structured work experience, and institutional partnerships Works with Associate Dean, CEED, to ensure that RDP has a robust network of organizations under contract to meet the demand of courses and programs with structured work experience. Advises and collaborates with WIL Coordinators and Associate Deans of Schools relating to ongoing partnerships with employers and placement agencies. Establishes and maintains long-term relationships with business partners, clients, academic partnerships and stakeholders related to work-integrated learning Supporting employer recruitment and retention through assessments in collaboration with faculty Responsible for preparing accurate and complete proposals, grants, summary reports, and final reports for the development work-integrated learning opportunities, ensuring compliance with institutional policies

Internal Partnering and Goal Alignment

Collaborate with appropriate departments, and schools within the Institution to increase partnership opportunities with individuals, businesses and industry Engage with schools and other RDP departments to continually augment RDP's value to external organizations and clients Serve as a key liaison to industry by collaborating with CEED team members and utilizing the MyExperience system to identify and track potential Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) partnerships, Co-Op opportunities, and job postings for the Career Services Job Board

People Leadership

Responsible for effective recruitment, selection, and training of Career Service Consultants in compliance with People & Culture policies and procedures, FOIPP, and collective agreements in support of a high performing team Manages and allocates workload when necessary and helps define priorities, approving the use of overtime when necessary. Provides leadership by disseminating information, providing feedback, advising and coaching/mentoring on an ongoing basis.

Continuous Growth and Acquisition of New Skills

Actively participates in training and professional development activities as they become available Actively acquires knowledge and skills related to the position Familiarizes self with policy and procedures in order to meet user needs

Required 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. Preferably a business-related degree. Driver's License A minimum of three (3) years of experience in business development, sales, and relationship development.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in an entrepreneurial environment Demonstrated relationship and partnership development experience Demonstrated effectiveness in subordinates' performance management Strong interpersonal, relationship development, conflict resolution and creative problem-solving skills Demonstrated political and professional acumen Strong communication skills in writing, oral communication, presentations, and writing contracts, and proposals Demonstrated ability to engage with senior level business leaders (Directors, Vice Presidents, CEO's, Board of Directors) in the community to understand complex scenarios and negotiate outcomes of mutual benefit to RDP and external stakeholders 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

Salary or Hourly?

Salary

Salary

$73,572 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 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students and 3,400+ learners with Continuing Education programming. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres in advanced manufacturing and energy innovation, the Polytechnic provides applied research opportunities, leadership in the social, economic, and cultural development of Alberta, and myriad lifelong learning opportunities.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is more than a post-secondary institution. It is a community of highly dedicated and skilled faculty, staff, learners, and partners who are making a positive impact on the world around us. Unbound by tradition, we are focused on producing the talent, solutions, and environments needed for Alberta's economy and society to thrive.

Red Deer Polytechnic's main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Metis 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

2025-A-132

Employment Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

09/08/2025

Position End Date (if term-certain)

FTE

1.0

Hours of Work

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Occasional varied hours.

Open Date

08/08/2025

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.

To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact

Peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca

.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on August 15, 2025.

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

Optional Documents