Business Development Manager

Job SummaryThe Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan is a dynamic and growing unit that delivers the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and Master of Management (MM) programs. These programs emphasize responsible leadership, experiential learning, and strong engagement with industry partners across the Okanagan, British Columbia, and beyond.This position is an external-facing role responsible for expanding and deepening the Faculty’s network of employers, industry professionals, and alumni to create co-op, internship, project-based, and full-time employment opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate management students.Organizational StatusReports to the Director, Student Development within the Faculty of Management.Internally collaborates with:Student Development team (career advising, co-op, experiential learning)BCom and MM program directors and facultyUBC Okanagan Co-op Education programAVP Students – Career DevelopmentCentral UBC employer-facing units (UBCO VPRI, UR community engagement, and DAE)Externally, this position works with employers, hiring managers, senior executives, industry associations, alumni, and community partners.Work PerformedIdentifies, cultivates and secures co-op, internship, project-based, and new-graduate employment opportunities by proactively engaging employers across priority sectors relevant to BCom and MM programs.Conducts ongoing market, sector and competitive landscape analyses to assess hiring trends, emerging business skill requirements, and shifts om management-related fields that inform employer outreach strategies.Provides structured, evidence-based feedback to academic leaders, program directors, and curriculum designers regarding industry expectations, workforce needs, and evolving career pathways.Contributes to labour market and employer insights to the Student Development team to enhance advising practices, career education programming, and employer-relations strategies.Access to Business Communities (Primary Area of Responsibility)Builds, strengthens and manages relationships with employers, industry associations, community partners, and professional networks locally, provincially, and nationally to expand recruitment pipelines for Faculty of Management students.Conducts field-based outreach through company visits, sales calls, networking events, trade shows, panels, and conferences to promote Faculty programs and identify new partnership opportunities.Designs and facilitates employer–student engagement activities through networking events, information sessions, class visits, workplace tours, and online platforms.Develops and implements annual business development plans aligned with Faculty priorities, labour market demands and key performance indicators.Creates and manages employer account plans, deepening engagement with multiple business units to support sustained recruitment, project partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities.Partners with faculty to identify, scope, and secure industry participation in experiential classes, applied research collaborations and community engaged learning initiatives. Secures employer participation in panels, case competitions, and community-engaged learning opportunities.Travels to key markets outside the Okanagan as required (e.g., Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto).Service Excellence & Program SupportMaintains a high level of expertise in labour market trends, sector specific developments, employer recruitment practices, and talent pipeline strategies to advise both internal and external stakeholders.Supports employer introductions and strategic connections for a range of Faculty initiatives (research collaborations, applied learning projects, alumni engagement).Oversees the maintenance of accurate CRM records documenting employer interactions, labour market intelligence, and student employment outcomes, ensuring data integrity and usable analytics.Tracks, monitors, and reports on business development activities, including expenditures, outreach metrics, employer engagement results, and progress towards performance targets.Contributes to the development of marketing materials, communication strategies, and promotional campaigns that position the Faculty of Management as a partner of choice for employers.Supervises student workers or co-op students supporting employer outreach, reporting, or event execution.Participates in strategic planning processes, program assessments, and outcome evaluations.Consequence of Error/JudgementThis position represents the Faculty of Management and UBC Okanagan in all employer and community interactions. Errors in judgment may impact student employment outcomes, damage relationships with partners, and negatively affect the Faculty’s reputation and external presence. A high level of professionalism, discretion, and independent judgment is required.Supervision ReceivedWorks independently under the direction of the Director, Student Development, with general guidance provided through annual objectives and strategic planning discussions. Expected to exercise considerable initiative.Supervision GivenMay supervise student employees, co-op students, or temporary staff involved in marketing, research, or project support. May oversee contract work with external vendors.Minimum QualificationsUndergraduate degree in relevant discipline.Minimum of six years of related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse employers and industry partners.Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with willingness to continually develop intercultural and inclusive practices.Preferred QualificationsGraduate degree such as an MBA or Master of Management is an asset.Experience in business development, employer relations, sales, recruitment, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience in B2B sales, industry engagement, recruitment, or partnership development.Comfort with cold calling, outreach, and field-based business development.Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.Proficiency with MS Office; familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Maximizer and/or 12Twenty) is an asset.Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.Availability to support and attend events outside standard working hours, predominately evenings, but also early mornings or weekends.Some travel and evening work will be required.Valid BC Driver’s License and reliable access to a vehicle.