Signal49 Research, formerly operating as The Conference Board of Canada, is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Signal49 Research undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Economics, Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

**We’re creating a new role to amplify and systematize business development and fundraising for research.**This role will support multiple Knowledge Areas (KAs) to identify, cultivate, and secure funding opportunities for Multi-Funded Research Centres and major, mission-driven projects addressing Canada’s “wicked problems.”

**Our Ideal Candidate is…**a seasoned business development professional who thrives in an impact‑driven environment. They excel at generating new opportunities, building strong relationships across industries and confidently communicating the value of our unbiased, evidence‑based insights. They bring the strategic acumen, communication strength, and drive required to connect leaders with our research. A strong foundation in consultative sales and relationship management, paired with existing connections and strong ability to build new relationships with executives and decision-makers is essential in this role. Above all, they are motivated by advancing research that helps solve Canada’s most pressing challenges.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.

About the Role

Business Development & Sales

• Generate new business by identifying funding opportunities, supporting pitch development and proposals, and contributing to and finalizing stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Lead outbound campaigns to actively promote our research and multi-funded centres.
• Be responsible for building research opportunities pipelines for multiple knowledge areas, to meet specific targets (e.g., $ value of opportunities at proposal stage, $ value of won opportunities, etc.).
• Proactively move opportunities through pipeline stages, engaging internal resources as necessary.
• Follow-up and qualify contacts from web registrations, promotions, events and other marketing and sales activities.
• Use vertical knowledge and industry insights to confidently discuss Signal49 Research’s research and products.
• Research prospective funders/customers to identify contacts and roles with decision-making authority.
• Actively use social media, email, phone, in-person meetings, and various creative customer engagement approaches to secure scheduled appointments.
• Build and maintain a visible, prioritized pipeline aligned with KA strategies and organizational impact goals, tracking engagement and outcomes through CRM.

Relationship Management

• Initiate and nurture strong, trust-based relationships with senior decision-makers and policy leaders.
• Coordinate outreach, briefings and touchpoints and ensure timely follow-ups.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure high-quality project delivery and value.

Collaboration with Knowledge Areas

• Provide leadership and guidance on business development best practices across Knowledge Areas.

• Strategize and collaborate with Knowledge Areas colleagues and stakeholders to support new opportunities.

• Rapidly get up to speed on new topics and stay current on emerging policy issues, and sector trends to identify opportunities.

• Track trends in research funding and policy windows; brief KA leads on high-probability opportunities.

About You

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum seven years’ experience consultative B2B sales, business development or account management preferably within research, consulting or professional services.

• Post‑secondary education in business administration, marketing, economics, public policy, or a related field.

• Existing relationships at senior levels within relevant organizations and industries, capable of immediately generating leads and opportunities (not legally restricted by non-competition or similar agreements).

• Proven ability to generate meetings with senior executives and advance opportunities through the sales cycle.

• Track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales and pipeline development targets in a complex, consultative sales environment.

• Proficiency using CRM platforms to manage pipelines and track activity. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics is considered an asset.

• Comfortable working with multiple teams; adept at asking smart questions, synthesizing inputs, and reconciling academic rigor with funder needs.

• Curious, adaptable, and energized by learning new domains (policy, economics, health, technology, sustainability etc.) at a generalist level.

• Exceptional communication skills, demonstrating professionalism, confidence, and strong business acumen tailored to varied audiences and decision makers.

• Strong negotiation abilities, with experience navigating multi‑stakeholder discussions to advance opportunities.

• Skilled at identifying buying centres, mapping key decision‑makers, and building networks that support successful outreach and engagement.

• Ability to work independently with a high degree of ownership, while collaborating effectively across internal teams.

• Ability to travel within Canada.

• Bilingualism in both English and French is an asset.

Benefits

At Signal49 Research , we believe that putting People First is key to our success and attracting the best people. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada with a budget to set up your home office.

• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated. We take pride in our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent that drives our success through our Recognition programs.

• Healthcare benefits from Day One to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including a $2,500 benefit for Psychologist, Social Worker or Psychotherapist services

• Work/Life Balance: In addition to 20 days annual vacation, we close between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, observe 13 holidays per year and offer Friday afternoon closures.

• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan: We care about your future and offer a pension plan with a 5% match from Day One

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): We understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging and EFAP supports you and your family during difficult times.

• Maternity and parental leave top-up plan

The hiring zone for this position is $96,900-$114,000 for candidates from any Canadian province or territory. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, specific skillsets, as well as market and business considerations. The full compensation band for this position ranges from $96,900 - $131,100. The recruiter can share more information about compensation for the position during the hiring process. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within Signal49 Research. We are actively seeking to fill this role with a qualified candidate.

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to Signal49 Research. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email recruitment@signal49.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in Signal49 Research. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.