Strategist

Job summary

The Strategist delivers tailored, one-on-one guidance to entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses while navigating ecosystem resources. They also contribute to program development, facilitate workshops, and build relationships with community stakeholders to enhance service delivery.

Job details

STRATEGIST Business Link Alberta (“BLA”) is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta. For more than 30 years, BLA has helped thousands of prospective and existing entrepreneurs through webinars, events, conferences, and personalized one-on-one consultations. In addition to providing guidance on how and where to access support, BLA has also administered grant funding programs on behalf of the government. BLA collaborates with a wide range of service providers, funding organizations, and small business support agencies throughout the province. Each year, BLA serves more than 5,000 clients from across Alberta, including those in rural communities, and urban centers. Our Mission BLA helps Alberta’s small businesses start and succeed. Our Values Inclusive Impactful Non-Judgmental Our Culture Innovative Transparent Open-Minded Collaborative Respectful Belonging POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Manager, Client Service, the Strategist delivers client-centered guidance that supports entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. Through one-on-one engagements, the Strategist provides practical, tailored support, helping clients navigate programs, connect with ecosystem supports, and clarify their goals. The role focuses on building client capability and confidence, enabling informed decision-making at each stage of the business journey. The Strategist also plays a key role in strengthening the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through meaningful outreach and relationship-building, they increased awareness of services and ensure more entrepreneurs can access and benefit from available supports. In addition, the Strategist contributes to continuous improvement by capturing client insights, identifying emerging needs, and supporting data-informed enhancements to programs and service delivery. Key Relationships: Entrepreneurs and small business owners across all stages Internal service teams Ecosystem partners Community organizations serving diverse and underserved populations Indigenous and rural business support networks LOCATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT Home-based remote position within Alberta Preference for candidates based in or around Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat or Lethbridge Regular virtual client and team meetings Occasional in-person client meetings, events and community engagement within their region Occasional travel elsewhere in Alberta, approximately 4-6 times per year KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Client Guidance & Experience Deliver tailored, one-on-one services to support entrepreneurs and small business owners Conduct needs assessments and provide clear, actionable guidance Support clients in navigating programs, funding, and ecosystem resources Build client capability, confidence, and decision-making skills Program & Service Delivery Deliver workshops, webinars, and presentations to support entrepreneurial learning Contribute to the delivery of programs and services aligned with organizational priorities Data & Insight Contribution Accurately capture client interactions and outcomes in CRM systems Identify trends, gaps, and emerging client needs through service delivery Provide feedback and insights to inform program development and service improvements Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement Build and maintain relationships with ecosystem partners and community organizations Connect clients to relevant supports and services across the ecosystem Represent BLA at events and within the community Team Contribution Collaborate with team members to support consistent service delivery Contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement Support organizational initiatives that enhance client impact SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Client service and coaching Critical thinking and problem solving Relationship management and stakeholder engagement Communication and facilitation Systems thinking and resource navigation Cultural competency and inclusive service delivery Adaptability and resilience Collaboration and teamwork QUALIFICATIONS Post-secondary degree in Business or a related field, or a business diploma combined with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience. Strong understanding of small business and entrepreneurship; lived experience as an entrepreneur is an asset. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across diverse stakeholders. Strong communication and facilitation skills; public speaking experience is an asset. Proficiency in research, digital tools, and virtual service delivery. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, client-focused environment. Commitment to inclusive, client-centered service delivery. Valid Class 5 Driver’s License is an asset. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary aligned with comparable roles in other not-for-profit and government-funded organizations. Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal, and wellness leave, plus a paid office closure between December 24 and January 1. Anticipated Start Date: ASAP **This is a term position with an end date of March 31, 2027. Business Link Alberta is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We value collaboration, transparency, and innovation in serving Alberta’s small business community.

What you’ll do

The Strategist delivers tailored, one-on-one guidance to entrepreneurs to help them start and grow their businesses while navigating ecosystem resources. They also contribute to program development, facilitate workshops, and build relationships with community stakeholders to enhance service delivery.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a post-secondary degree in Business or a related field, or a business diploma with at least two years of relevant experience. A strong understanding of small business entrepreneurship and excellent communication and facilitation skills are required.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Vacation leave
• Personal leave
• Wellness leave
• Paid office closure between December 24 and January 1

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Teamwork · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• adaptability · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Critical Thinking · Preferred
• Coaching · Preferred
• Facilitation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Client service
• Coaching
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Relationship management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communication
• Facilitation
• Systems thinking
• Resource navigation
• Cultural competency
• Inclusive service delivery
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Collaboration
• Teamwork
• Service Improvement
• Hybrid Model
• Relationship Management
• Open Mindset
• Time Off Management
• Valid Driver's License
• Needs Assessment
• Program Development
• Research
• Biologics License Applications (BLA)
• Customer Relationship Management
• Business Support Systems
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Critical Thinking
• Entrepreneurship
• Public Speaking
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Presentations
• Relationship Building
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Systems Thinking

Job areas

• Consulting
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector
• Customer Service & Support
• Management & Leadership
• Strategist
• Unclassified Specialized Occupation

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