Business Development Officer

The Federation of African Canadian Economics• National, CA, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for generating qualified lending opportunities by developing relationships with entrepreneurs, referral partners and Centers of Influence throughout Ontario. The BDO serves as the primary relationship builder during the early stages of the lending journey by identifying prospective borrowers, assessing financing needs, promoting FACE's lending solutions and guiding qualified clients through the initial application process. Working closely with Lending, Credit, Marketing and Client Services, the Business Development Officer contributes to sustainable portfolio growth while ensuring an exceptional client experience and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and responsible lending.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum five years' experience in business development, commercial lending, financial services or relationship management.
Experience developing referral networks and Centres of Influence.
Business lending products and financing solutions.
Small business financial statements and cash flow fundamentals.
Relationship management principles.
Business development and consultative selling.
CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
Microsoft 365 applications.
Exceptional relationship-building abilities.
Strong networking and business development skills.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and organizational capabilities.
Professional judgment and sound decision-making.
Self-motivation and accountability.
Excellent time management.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Collaboration and teamwork.
Client-focused service excellence.
Integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with entrepreneurs, SMEs or community lending organizations is preferred.
Demonstrated success achieving business development and relationship management targets.
Knowledge of community economic development and entrepreneurship ecosystems is considered an asset.
Fluency in English and French is desirable and considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute business development strategies that generate qualified lending opportunities within assigned markets.
Identify, prospect and engage entrepreneurs and small businesses requiring financing solutions.
Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified prospects aligned with organizational growth objectives.
Promote FACE's lending products, services and programs through proactive outreach, networking and relationship development.
Work collaboratively with other operational and support departments throughout the lending lifecycle.
Monitor and achieve established business development and qualified application targets.
Build trusted relationships with entrepreneurs throughout the client journey.
Conduct discovery meetings to understand business objectives, financing needs and overall client suitability.
Provide guidance regarding lending programs, eligibility requirements and application processes.
Manage client expectations through timely communication and professional service.
Utilize approved CRM to document relevant client interactions and business development activities.
Maintain ongoing relationships that encourage future financing opportunities and referrals.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Centres of Influence including but not limited to Chambers of Commerce, Business Associations, Financial Institutions, Professional Advisors, Accountants, Lawyers, Business Consultants, Economic Development Organizations, Incubators and Accelerators, Educational Institutions, Community Organizations.
Leverage these relationships to increase awareness of FACE, generate qualified referrals and strengthen Ontario's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Collaborate with Marketing and Community Engagement teams on outreach initiatives and campaigns.
Conduct all business activities in accordance with organizational policies, delegated authorities and regulatory requirements.
Share market intelligence, client feedback and industry trends to support continuous improvement.
Protect confidential client information.
Prepare activity and pipeline reports as required.
Escalate potential risks, fraud concerns or compliance issues appropriately.
Promote responsible lending practices that balance business growth with portfolio quality.