Manager, Business Development

Universities Canada is the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad. We are a membership organization providing university presidents with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation. Universities Canada advances the mission of our member institutions to transform lives, strengthen communities and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world.
As one of Canada’s premier advocacy organizations, we are seeking an accomplished, results-oriented Manager, Business Development to join our partnerships and programs team.

Reporting to the Director, Partnerships and Programs, the Manager, Business Development will drive revenue growth and partnership expansion for Universities Canada’s partnerships and programs such as the Scholarships Partners Canada (SPC), international mobility programs and Global Excellence Initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Revenue Generation

• Identify, cultivate and secure net-new funding opportunities through cold outreach, strategic prospecting, and network development.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of corporate, foundation, and government partnerships.
• Translate market insights and stakeholder feedback into actionable business opportunities.

Proposal Development & Contract Management

• Lead development of compelling proposals, concept notes, and funding applications.
• Manage contract negotiations, sponsorship agreements and multi-year funding commitments.
• Oversee proposal timelines, budgets and provide proposal development support to other internal teams as needed.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Advise senior leadership on strategic business decisions and partnership opportunities.
• Represent Universities Canada at conferences, industry events, and funder meetings.
• Lead marketing efforts and client relations for partnership programs.
• Manage and mentor a small team responsible for proposal development and partnership support.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree preferably in business administration, international development, marketing or a related field.
• At least 5+ years of progressive experience in sales and business development.
• Demonstrated sales success.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, private foundations and diverse external partners in program delivery and business development.
• Contract negotiation and contract management experience.
• Understanding of Canadian post-secondary education landscape and institutional priorities.
• Familiarity with corporate sponsorship, foundation funding, and government contribution agreements.
• Strong solicitation, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Strong written, oral communication and presentation skills. Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and compelling proposals and funding applications.
• Ability to manage human and financial resources.
• High degree of diplomacy, tact, judgment, and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, contract management software, and databases.
• Strong research and analytical skills.

Assets

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in the Canadian post-secondary education or non-profit sectors.
• Background in international development or scholarship program administration.

The position is based in Ottawa. Universities Canada has adopted a hybrid work model where employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

The hiring range for this position is $91,507 to $101,000; with the ability to progress to a maximum of $128,682. To ensure fair and equitable pay at Universities Canada, placement on the salary range will be based on years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position. Candidates who do not meet all of the position requirements may be considered in an underfill capacity, in which case the candidate would be hired at a lower level than the position level.
Universities Canada is a National Capital Region Top Employer. We offer a comprehensive benefit package which includes four weeks of vacation, an attractive pension plan, group insurance, free gym membership and scholarships for children of our employees.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to the human resources service, Universities Canada, via email at [email protected] by November 19, 2025.