Development Associate jobs in British Columbia

TITLE: AI Business Development & Training Associate

POSITION OVERVIEW: This is a dual-function role combining business development with hands-on training facilitation. You will be on the front line of AIC's AI for Business growth — identifying prospective clients, building relationships with employers and organizations, communicating the value of AIC's programs, and converting interest into confirmed engagements.

You will also step into the training room. Once clients are onboarded, you will co-facilitate or lead AI workshops and readiness sessions, giving you a full view of the client journey from first conversation to program completion.

This is not a digital marketing role — a separate position covers that function. This role is about high-value human connection: strategic outreach, credible business conversations, relationship management, and closing. We are looking for someone who brings real business development experience and genuine, hands-on AI knowledge — not just awareness of the topic.

SALARY: $72,000 - $85,000 per year

LOCATION: Alexander College Burnaby and Vancouver Campuses. Flexibility to travel between campuses and attend off-site client meetings and training sessions may be required.

ABOUT ALEXANDER INNOVATION CENTRE (AIC):

Alexander Innovation Centre (AIC) is Vancouver's hub for applied AI research, workforce development, and business innovation. Operating from 570 Dunsmuir Street in Downtown Vancouver, AIC connects British Columbia's SME community with the practical AI skills and strategy they need to compete and grow.

Our Centre for AI Skills and Business Adoption delivers structured AI training programs, AI Readiness Diagnostics, and customized AI Adoption Accelerator engagements to employers and organizations across all industries. We are now expanding our business development capacity and looking for a driven, communicative associate to help grow this division.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, technology, information systems, education, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or a senior client-facing role
• Demonstrated track record of building pipelines, managing relationships, and closing B2B engagements
• Confident, credible communicator — able to hold strategic conversations at the owner, executive, and HR director level
• 2+ years of hands-on, practical AI usage — you actively use AI tools in your daily work and can speak to real outcomes
• Able to explain AI concepts and business value clearly to non-technical audiences
• Self-directed and results-oriented — comfortable managing your own outreach pipeline and reporting on progress
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience selling professional services, training programmes, consulting, or B2B solutions to SMEs or enterprise clients
• Ability to design or adapt training content based on client needs and industry context
• Experience facilitating or presenting to groups in a training, workshop, or advisory context
• Existing network within Vancouver's SME, HR, People & Culture, or business leadership community
• Multilingual skills (Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, or other languages relevant to BC's business community are a strong asset)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Business Development & Sales

• Identify and research prospective SME clients, employers, HR managers, and organisations across Metro Vancouver and BC
• Conduct outbound outreach via phone, email, LinkedIn, and in-person networking to generate leads for AIC's AI programmes
• Communicate AIC's value proposition clearly and persuasively to business decision-makers at all levels
• Conduct discovery conversations to understand a prospect's AI readiness needs and match them to the right AIC programme or entry offer
• Support the delivery of AI Readiness Diagnostic sessions as the initial client engagement
• Follow up on inbound enquiries, event leads, and Innovation Nights attendees to convert interest into confirmed engagements
• Maintain an organised pipeline of prospects and report regularly on outreach activity and conversion progress
• Represent AIC at community events, industry meetups, and Innovation Nights — acting as a knowledgeable, credible face of the organisation

Training Facilitation Support

• Co-facilitate or lead AIC's AI training workshops and programmes once clients are onboarded
• Help tailor programme content to specific client industries and organisational contexts
• Collect participant feedback and contribute observations to improve programme quality

WHAT AIC OFFERS:

• A high-visibility role at the forefront of AI business adoption in Vancouver
• Direct exposure to AIC's full program portfolio and client base from day one
• Flexible working arrangement that fits around your current commitments
• A collaborative, innovation-driven team at 570 Dunsmuir Street, Downtown Vancouver
• Access to AIC's AI infrastructure, research, and professional network
• Opportunity to build your personal brand in BC's growing AI ecosystem through Innovation Nights and community events

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No phone calls please. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Thank you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $72,000.00-$85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Vancouver, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

• Business development: 5 years (required)
• AI usage: 2 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person