Business Development Officer – AI & Innovation

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Business Development Officer – AI & Innovation (Officer) will play a pivotal role in developing, analyzing, and implementing strategic business and innovative initiatives that support the college’s mission of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into academic, operational, and research functions.

This position combines business acumen, financial expertise, and technological insight, ensuring that the institution’s AI and innovation projects are both educationally impactful and financially sustainable. The incumbent will support decision-making across departments by conducting market research, feasibility analysis, and cost evaluations for AI-driven initiatives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to VP of Operations

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

Full-Time, Permanent

ANTICIPATED START DATE:

January or February 2026

COMPENSATION:

$72,500

WORK WEEK:

The Employee will work during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, for 37.5 hours per week (not including a 30-minute unpaid meal break per day). Flexibility will be required. Occasional overtime may be required

LOCATION:

The Burnaby and Vancouver Campus. Flexibility to travel between and work at both campuses will be required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a closely related discipline.
• Additional certifications or training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, or Digital Transformation are considered strong assets.
• At least one year of progressive experience in business analysis, accounting, and academic research coordination.
• Proven experience working within a college or university setting, familiar with academic structures and governance.
• Prior work in an AI Research & Development department providing business strategy, innovation support, and financial planning.
• Experience conducting cost accounting, AI hardware budgeting, market research, and institutional development projects.
• Strong knowledge of BC post-secondary education system and the university transfer systems (ex: BCCAT)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• In-depth understanding of AI applications in educational and operational environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and project management tools.
• Sound knowledge of financial modeling, market feasibility studies, and ROI analysis.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across academic and technical teams.
• Creative problem-solving mindset with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
• Clear understanding of institution operations, corporate structure and collaborations across departments

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Business Development

• Identify and assess new opportunities for AI integration, research collaboration, and institutional growth.
• Conduct detailed market research and competitive analysis to evaluate emerging trends in AI education and research.
• Develop business proposals, feasibility studies, and financial models to support management decisions.
• Prepare reports and strategic recommendations for the senior leadership team.

AI Implementation and Institutional Innovation

• Support various college departments in adopting AI tools for administrative efficiency, research enhancement, and instructional innovation.
• Lead AI project cost accounting and resource planning for both hardware and software deployments.
• Coordinate cross-functional AI demonstration projects and track outcomes for performance and scalability.
• Evaluate new AI vendors and solutions, balancing innovation potential with fiscal responsibility.

Industry Engagement and Corporate Training Development

• Lead business development initiatives focused on establishing partnerships with industry organizations to design and deliver AI implementation and corporate training programs.
• Identify and secure collaboration opportunities with corporations seeking customized AI solutions or workforce upskilling programs.
• Coordinate with the Academic Innovation team to align corporate training offerings with institutional objectives and market demand.
• Develop proposals, pricing structures, and partnership models to ensure financial sustainability and measurable outcomes of industry collaborations.

Financial and Performance Analysis

• Conduct ROI analysis, budgeting, and variance reporting for ongoing and proposed AI projects.
• Collaborate with finance and IT teams to ensure data accuracy and cost control.
• Provide financial forecasts and operational insights to optimize institutional innovation spending.

Academic Collaboration and Partnerships

• Work closely with academic research teams to translate AI research outputs into applied institutional strategies.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among business, academic, and technology units.
• Represent the college in professional conferences, industry forums, and partnership development meetings.

Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with institutional, provincial, and federal policies governing technology adoption and data management.
• Maintain detailed documentation of market analyses, business cases, and project performance metrics.
• Recommend continuous improvement measures and innovation benchmarks.

Academic AI Innovation Support

• Provide support to the Academic Innovation team by assisting with intellectual property research and assisting with patent research and registration.
• Work with the Alexander Innovation Centre (AIC).

How to Apply

If you are interested in the above position and you would like to apply, please e-mail your cover letter and resume with the e-mail title being “[Your full-name]_Business Development Officer 2025” to hiring@alexandercollege.ca.

Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be accepted. In your cover letter, be sure to tell us what you would bring to the team and why you’d be perfect for this role. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

No phone calls please.

Alexander College and the Alexander Innovation Centre are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.

Alexander College values the diversity of its community and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable learning and working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those from groups that have been historically underrepresented in post-secondary education, and we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples. Please note that Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.