Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead
Top Benefits
About the role
EnabledTalent is hiring on behalf of one of our clients for a Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead. This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven professional who enjoys building partnerships, developing new business opportunities, and working within Canada's startup and innovation ecosystem. If you have experience working with startups, incubators, venture capital firms, accelerators, universities, or founder communities—and enjoy turning conversations into meaningful partnerships—we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As the Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead, you will be responsible for building a strong pipeline of high-growth companies by developing relationships across Canada's innovation ecosystem. You'll work closely with founders, ecosystem partners, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, universities, and industry associations to identify opportunities, generate qualified leads, and convert them into successful program participants. This role combines business development, strategic partnerships, sales, and ecosystem engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Lead Generation Build and manage a pipeline of qualified companies through outbound prospecting, referrals, networking events, LinkedIn, email campaigns, and strategic outreach. Identify high-potential startups using platforms such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Crunchbase, Tracxn, and similar research tools. Conduct discovery meetings to understand business needs and present solutions aligned with program objectives. Maintain a healthy sales pipeline and consistently generate qualified opportunities.
Sales & Pipeline Management
Manage the complete business development cycle from prospect identification through successful conversion. Guide prospective companies throughout the application process while delivering an exceptional experience. Monitor pipeline activity, conversion metrics, and sales performance. Achieve quarterly business development and partnership targets.
Strategic Partnerships
Build long-term relationships with: Startup incubators and accelerators Venture capital firms Universities and innovation centres Founder communities Trade associations Ecosystem partners across Canada Develop referral partnerships that generate a consistent pipeline of qualified opportunities. Represent the organization at conferences, networking events, startup programs, and industry engagements.
CRM & Reporting
Maintain accurate CRM records of outreach, meetings, partnerships, opportunities, and outcomes. Track key business development metrics including outreach performance, response rates, pipeline health, and conversion rates. Prepare reports and continuously improve outreach strategies using performance data.
Qualifications
Education Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field. MBA or Master's degree is considered an asset. Equivalent experience in business development or partnerships will also be considered.
Experience
3–5 years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Partnerships, or Account Management. Experience within startups, innovation ecosystems, venture capital, accelerators, incubators, or entrepreneurship programs is highly preferred. Proven success building partnerships and converting leads into business opportunities. Strong presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Technical Skills
Experience using CRM platforms such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, or similar. Proficiency with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Crunchbase, Tracxn, or equivalent prospecting tools. Strong knowledge of Google Workspace and CRM reporting.
What You'll Bring
A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. Excellent networking and relationship-building skills. Strong commercial awareness and business development experience. Confidence engaging with founders, executives, investors, and ecosystem partners. A results-driven approach with the ability to meet and exceed targets.
Benefits
Health & Dental Benefits Vision Care Life Insurance Paid Time Off On-site Parking Team Events & Company Activities If you're passionate about building meaningful partnerships, supporting high-growth companies, and contributing to Canada's innovation ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today through EnabledTalent. EnabledTalent is recruiting on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed confidentially by our recruitment team before being shared with the hiring organization.
Not the right fit? Search for Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Enabled Talent
Enabled Talent is a global AI-powered employment platform designed to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and inclusive job opportunities. We match talent based on skills, accessibility needs, and personalized digital profiles, while supporting employers, nonprofits, colleges, and governments with tools to foster equitable hiring. Our mission is to make the future of work inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all.
Similar Jobs
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead
Top Benefits
About the role
EnabledTalent is hiring on behalf of one of our clients for a Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead. This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven professional who enjoys building partnerships, developing new business opportunities, and working within Canada's startup and innovation ecosystem. If you have experience working with startups, incubators, venture capital firms, accelerators, universities, or founder communities—and enjoy turning conversations into meaningful partnerships—we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As the Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead, you will be responsible for building a strong pipeline of high-growth companies by developing relationships across Canada's innovation ecosystem. You'll work closely with founders, ecosystem partners, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, universities, and industry associations to identify opportunities, generate qualified leads, and convert them into successful program participants. This role combines business development, strategic partnerships, sales, and ecosystem engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Lead Generation Build and manage a pipeline of qualified companies through outbound prospecting, referrals, networking events, LinkedIn, email campaigns, and strategic outreach. Identify high-potential startups using platforms such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Crunchbase, Tracxn, and similar research tools. Conduct discovery meetings to understand business needs and present solutions aligned with program objectives. Maintain a healthy sales pipeline and consistently generate qualified opportunities.
Sales & Pipeline Management
Manage the complete business development cycle from prospect identification through successful conversion. Guide prospective companies throughout the application process while delivering an exceptional experience. Monitor pipeline activity, conversion metrics, and sales performance. Achieve quarterly business development and partnership targets.
Strategic Partnerships
Build long-term relationships with: Startup incubators and accelerators Venture capital firms Universities and innovation centres Founder communities Trade associations Ecosystem partners across Canada Develop referral partnerships that generate a consistent pipeline of qualified opportunities. Represent the organization at conferences, networking events, startup programs, and industry engagements.
CRM & Reporting
Maintain accurate CRM records of outreach, meetings, partnerships, opportunities, and outcomes. Track key business development metrics including outreach performance, response rates, pipeline health, and conversion rates. Prepare reports and continuously improve outreach strategies using performance data.
Qualifications
Education Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field. MBA or Master's degree is considered an asset. Equivalent experience in business development or partnerships will also be considered.
Experience
3–5 years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Partnerships, or Account Management. Experience within startups, innovation ecosystems, venture capital, accelerators, incubators, or entrepreneurship programs is highly preferred. Proven success building partnerships and converting leads into business opportunities. Strong presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Technical Skills
Experience using CRM platforms such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, or similar. Proficiency with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Crunchbase, Tracxn, or equivalent prospecting tools. Strong knowledge of Google Workspace and CRM reporting.
What You'll Bring
A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. Excellent networking and relationship-building skills. Strong commercial awareness and business development experience. Confidence engaging with founders, executives, investors, and ecosystem partners. A results-driven approach with the ability to meet and exceed targets.
Benefits
Health & Dental Benefits Vision Care Life Insurance Paid Time Off On-site Parking Team Events & Company Activities If you're passionate about building meaningful partnerships, supporting high-growth companies, and contributing to Canada's innovation ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today through EnabledTalent. EnabledTalent is recruiting on behalf of our client. All applications will be reviewed confidentially by our recruitment team before being shared with the hiring organization.
Not the right fit? Search for Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Lead jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Enabled Talent
Enabled Talent is a global AI-powered employment platform designed to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and inclusive job opportunities. We match talent based on skills, accessibility needs, and personalized digital profiles, while supporting employers, nonprofits, colleges, and governments with tools to foster equitable hiring. Our mission is to make the future of work inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all.