Business Development Officer

About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

At Olds College of Agriculture and Technology we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Olds College provides quality education in an environment that is designed to promote academic excellence and student success. There are many reasons to join Olds College and build a meaningful career in a community that is innovative, diverse and welcoming.

The Opportunity : This position will contribute to the overall achievement of the Olds College Field Crop Development Centre (‘OCFCDC’) Strategy as it relates to the drivers of being Externally Facing and Market Responsive. The role will will be based out of Lacombe, Alberta and report to the Program Director, Olds College Field Crop Development Centre in Lacombe. Working under the operational areas of Partnership and Market Development, the role will divide time among market development, building collaborations and partnerships, promoting the OCFCDC brand, and liaising with research groups within the OCFCDC and Olds College. The external facing elements of this role demand a high level of internal collaboration to ensure success.

Key Job Functions :

• Create and implement a decision-making framework to advance varieties developed at the centre to increase the adoption and use of centre varieties in feed and forage barley, malt barley, and triticale.

• Develop and implement a plan for increasing the commercialization and utilization of FCDC triticale varieties.

• Create and work with market insights and industry advisory groups to inform on trends, demand, and usage of barley and triticale to better target breeding and research priorities.

• Generate grant, sponsorship, & partnership revenues by:

• Developing and strengthening relationships with new and existing government, producer association, and industry funders, and

• Writing / producing / presenting / managing compelling and effective proposals, agreements and stewardship correspondence.

• Develop and implement a partnership development plan to identify, evaluate, and quantify potential new partners, grants, and funding opportunities that may result in cash and in-kind contributions towards the research and breeding of barley and triticale.

• Negotiate, develop, and manage contracts for commercialization of varieties and research funding with partners.

• Create and execute a comprehensive marketing, brand, and communications plan to promote FCDC research and outputs.

• Establish and strengthen collaborations with Olds College research and academic community to enhance value for Alberta agriculture.

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications at Olds College to organize extension activities such as field days and other events to celebrate and showcase FCDC research.

• Represent the FCDC and participate in the pertinent Seed industry meetings and events.

• Travel required.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required :

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Commerce, or Communications.
• Up to five years or greater experience in product commercialisation or market development and promotion in the public or private sector, experience in agri-business would be an asset.
• Proven capacity to see, evaluate, and act upon strategic opportunities, and a proven ability in grant and proposal writing.
• Proven skills in the area of facilitation and team building and a natural propensity towards collaboration and engagement.
• Demonstrated, well-developed influencing, negotiating and sales skills.
• Strong writing, presentation and networking skills.
• Demonstrated abilities in strategic planning and problem solving.
• Displays honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics in all decisions and actions.
• Experience in a scientific research environment will be an asset.

Conditions of Employment :

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan :

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)-
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits-
• Health/Personal Spending Account-
• Generous Vacation Leave-
• Paid Holiday Closure-
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave-
• Professional development and opportunities for growth- Hybrid work model