Strategist, Indigenous Client Services

Business Link Alberta • Calgary, AB

23h • CA$58,000 - CA$68,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Business Link Alberta (BLA) is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta. For over 30 years, BLA has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs through various channels including webinars, events, conferences, and one-on-one consultations. BLA also administers grant funding programs on behalf of the government and collaborates with a wide range of provincial service providers, funding organizations, and small business support agencies. BLA serves over 5,000 clients annually, including those in rural and urban areas.

The Position Summary outlines that the Strategist, reporting to the Manager of Client Service, will provide client-centered guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners for starting, growing, and strengthening their businesses. This role involves one-on-one engagements to offer practical, tailored advice, assist clients in navigating programs and connecting with ecosystem supports, and build their confidence in making business decisions. A specialized focus of this role is on Indigenous engagement, requiring the development and maintenance of relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, organizations, and business support partners across Alberta to enhance awareness of BLA's services and improve access to business supports. The Strategist will also contribute to continuous improvement by identifying client and community needs, gathering service delivery insights, and supporting data-informed enhancements to BLA's programs and services.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of small business and entrepreneurship; lived entrepreneurial experience is considered an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, organizations, or economic development initiatives, or an equivalent combination of professional, community, or lived experience.
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Indigenous Studies, or a related field; or a diploma combined with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, humility, and commitment to building respectful, collaborative relationships with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills; public speaking experience is an asset.
• Proficiency with research, CRM systems, Microsoft 365, digital tools, and virtual service delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, client-centered environment.
• Commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive, and client-focused service delivery.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License and willingness to travel regularly throughout Alberta.

Nice To Haves

• Lived entrepreneurial experience
• Public speaking experience

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored, one-on-one services to support entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta, with an additional focus on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
• Conduct client needs assessments and provide practical, actionable guidance aligned with each client’s business goals.
• Support clients in navigating programs, funding, and ecosystem resources.
• Build client capability, confidence, and decision-making skills through trusted guidance and ongoing support.
• Maintain a high standard of client service while fostering inclusive, welcoming, and respectful client experiences.
• Deliver workshops, webinars, and presentations, and educational programming through virtual and in-person formats to support entrepreneurial development.
• Support the development and delivery of programming that reflects the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs and Alberta’s diverse entrepreneurial community.
• Identify opportunities to improve accessibility, participation, and client outcomes through program delivery.
• Contribute to the delivery of programs and services aligned with organizational priorities.
• Accurately capture client interactions, outcomes, and community engagement activities within BLA’s CRM and reporting systems.
• Identify trends, service gaps, and emerging needs affecting entrepreneurs, including Indigenous businesses and communities.
• Share insights and recommendations that support evidence-informed improvements to programs, services, and client experience.
• Contribute to organizational reporting by maintaining accurate, timely, and complete client information.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and ecosystem partners throughout Alberta.
• Support BLA’s relationship-building with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, organizations, and ecosystem partners.
• Represent BLA at Indigenous community events, conferences, trade shows, networking events, and other outreach opportunities.
• Foster partnership opportunities that strengthen support for Indigenous entrepreneurship and expand awareness of BLA services.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver consistent, high-quality client service across BLA.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, learning, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.
• Support organizational initiatives that strengthen client impact, inclusion, and service excellence.
• Share knowledge and insights related to Indigenous entrepreneurship and community engagement with internal teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with comparable roles in other not-for-profit and government-funded organizations.
• Employer-paid extended health and dental benefits.
• Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions.
• Life, disability, and critical illness insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Hybrid work environment supporting collaboration and flexibility.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal, and wellness leave, plus a paid office closure between December 24 and January 1.
• Annual professional development allowance to support ongoing learning and career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree