Business Development Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a purpose-driven, highly relational Business Development Specialist to bring our mission to life by engaging responsible businesses to join the UN Global Compact and to help shape the future of sustainable development in Canada.

As the Business Development Specialist, you will lead outreach and engagement efforts with Canadian medium and large businesses of all sectors, driving national recruitment through a structured pipeline management process. Responsibilities include prospect research, cold calling, qualifying inbound leads, securing discovery meetings, and maintaining a healthy and organized pipeline of prospective participants, ultimately securing new businesses.

This role also supports active member companies in nurturing and retaining relationships and tracking their evolving priorities and challenges, as needed to support overall Engagement efforts.

The Business Development Specialist will report to the Senior Director, Engagement and Marketing and will operate in a flexible hybrid work environment, with a minimum of two days per week in the Toronto office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Participant Engagement & Business Development

• Research, identify, qualify, cultivate, and steward corporate members to generate new business and deepen existing partnerships.
• Develop customized cultivation and solicitation strategies based on each company’s ESG priorities, marketing interests, business context, and resource capacity.
• Consistently track engagement activity and maintain accurate participant records using Salesforce (CRM).
• Collaborate with the Programmes and Marketing teams to promote and deliver regionally relevant activities and events that engage prospective companies and promote participation in the UN Global Compact.
• Represent UN Global Compact Network Canada at local, regional and national conferences and events, building relationships and generating leads.
• Partner with our Global team to host joint-events and explore collaborative recruitment opportunities.
• Work closely with the Marketing team on activations, pitches, presentations, and events to support recruitment and retention.
• Leverage insights from market trends and internal data to refine engagement strategies and enhance value propositions.

Sales & Relationship Management

• Build credibility and trust with key decision-makers across industries to engage companies throughout the recruitment pipeline.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of client needs and a consultative approach to support companies along their sustainability journey.
• Engage participants through regular touchpoints (calls, emails, meetings) and deliver high-quality customer service.
• Maintain a strong account management mindset to ensure long-term Participant retention and satisfaction.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3+ years of experience in B2B sales, account management, corporate partnership or corporate fundraising, with a proven track record of meeting revenue targets.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple relationships and move prospects through a pipeline effectively.
• Proficient in Salesforce or similar CRM tools; experience with Asana is an asset.
• High level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to communicate persuasively to different stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to extract insights and drive decisions.
• Written and verbal fluency in English; French language skills are a strong asset.

Preferred

• Experience working in sustainability, and ESG in a B2B environment.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote team.
• Familiarity with the UN Global Compact or other global sustainability initiatives.

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation & Benefits Package

• Competitive salary with bonus program based on organizational and individual performance.
• Extended health and dental benefits for you and your dependents.
• Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Parental leave top-up to support growing families.
  

A Commitment to Wellness

• Flexible hybrid work model supporting work-life integration.
• Workspace at the Centre for Social Innovation, a vibrant co-working space in Toronto.
• Minimum of three (3) weeks of vacation, plus paid time off between Christmas and New Year.
• Six (6) paid sick days and three (3) personal days annually.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and personal support.

A Culture of Learning & Growth

• Professional development fund and team-wide learning opportunities.
• Stretch assignments and cross-functional collaboration.
• Local and global exposure to sustainability networks and thought leadership.
  

An Inclusive & Purpose-Driven Workplace

• Accessible office environment in downtown. Toronto near public transit and parking.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
• Opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization advancing the SDGs and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.

Meaningful Work with Global Impact

• Join a global network driving business leadership on sustainability.
• Engage with forward-thinking companies and help shape the future of responsible business in Canada.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume outlining your fit for this position to hr@globalcompact.ca by October 10, 2025 at 5 PM.

We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals representing Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQI2S+, disabled communities, and those with intersectional identities.

Must be eligible to work in Canada.

Selection Process

• Initial Screening: HR team will conduct two screening calls (30 and 15 minutes).
• First-Round Interview: 45–60-minute panel interview focused on experience and competencies.
• Second-Round Interview: 45–60-minute deep-dive on engagement and strategic fit.

Join Us

This isn’t just another business development role. At the UN Global Compact Network Canada, you’ll be part of a mission to help companies align with global principles and create lasting impact. If you're a strategic relationship-builder who wants to make a difference in the world, we want to hear from you!