ABOUT MDR STRATEGY GROUP

MDR Strategy Group is a professional services social enterprise dedicated to supporting non-profits, public sector organizations, and regulators navigate and excel in strategic communications, public engagement, organizational leadership and design, and forward-thinking and responsible AI strategy.

Our work is grounded in social impact, innovation, and public interest leadership.

We are a leading consulting partner for Canada’s regulatory sector and proudly deliver high-impact services, training, and digital products such as The Registrar magazine, RegulatoryJobs.org, and the AI in Regulation conference.

THE ROLE

An inaugural role for the firm, the Director of Strategic Partnerships, will lead the charge in achieving MDR’s ambitious growth targets. You will be responsible for driving revenue, expanding our client base, and positioning our firm as the go-to partner for mission-driven and public interest organizations.

A hybrid position, the successful candidate must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the leadership team, you will identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities while building strong, lasting relationships with existing and prospective clients, collaborators, and community influencers across Canada and abroad.

This role blends business development, sales leadership, brand positioning, and strategic foresight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Business Development Strategy

• Design and implement a results-driven business development strategy aligned with MDR’s values and annual revenue goals.
• Identify growth areas across MDR’s service offerings, products, and markets.
• Set quarterly and annual sales targets and monitor performance metrics.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable sales and outreach plans.

Identify and Pursue Opportunities

• Build and manage a pipeline of new leads through research, networking, and outreach.
• Lead engagement with prospective clients from introduction through to close.
• Leverage existing sector knowledge to uncover needs and position MDR as the right-fit partner.
• Collaborate with the CEO and directors to shape tailored proposals and service offerings.

Procurement Leadership

• Oversee the preparation of winning proposals and bids for major contracts, often under tight timelines.
• Coordinate internal resources to ensure proposals reflect our strategic strengths and social impact mission.
• Maintain a library of case studies, testimonials, and materials to support business development.
• Review RFPs and funding opportunities regularly, ensuring fit with MDR’s scope and values.

Build Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, influencers, and community leaders.
• Establish strategic alliances that extend MDR’s reach and deepen impact.
• Represent MDR at industry events, forums, and roundtables.
• Seek out opportunities for joint ventures, subcontracting, or co-delivery with aligned partners.

Client Retention and Expansion

• Collaborate with project leads to identify new opportunities within existing accounts.
• Monitor client satisfaction and ensure timely follow-up on feedback and future needs.
• Develop account plans to support long-term partnerships and referrals.
• Anticipate and respond to evolving client priorities and challenges.

Market Intelligence

• Track trends and developments in public interest sectors, including regulation, non-profits, and AI.
• Conduct competitor and market analysis to guide strategic positioning.
• Report insights and recommendations to the leadership team for new offerings or shifts in approach.
• Share intelligence with relevant teams to ensure alignment across communications and service delivery.

Brand and Thought Leadership

• Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for MDR in public and sector-facing contexts.
• Contribute to thought leadership through speaking engagements, publications, and op-eds.
• Support MDR’s visibility and credibility in the public interest and regulatory space.
• Champion our social impact mission in all external relationships and business development efforts.

Leadership Team Contribution

• Participate in leadership team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-organizational initiatives.
• Contribute to decisions affecting MDR’s strategic direction, culture, and operations.
• Support and mentor team members in business development and relationship management skills.
• Model values-based leadership in pursuit of growth and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

Background

We’re looking for a driven and experienced professional who brings the following:

• A minimum of eight to 10 years of progressive experience in business development, strategy, partnerships, or related roles within a professional services, consulting, or public sector environment. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding growth targets is essential.
• A university degree in business, communications, public administration, or a related field is necessary.
• A master’s degree or additional training in leadership, marketing, or public policy is considered an asset.
• Deep familiarity with the non-profit, public sector, or regulatory landscape in Canada. Understanding of social enterprise models and mission-driven consulting is highly valued.
• Bilingualism (French/English) welcomed
• Prior experience in client services or consulting firms essential
• An understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in organizational design or communications a critical asset

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Comfort with CRM tools and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams

COMPENSATION

We offer a generous salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses. The compensation package also includes health and dental benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (EDI)

• Sensitive and confident working in an EDI-empowered organization.
• Deep personal interest in environmental, health, and social justice issues.

TO APPLY

If this opportunity appeals to you and you feel you have the right skills, motivation, and energy to support this exciting firm, please click on APPLY NOW and upload your  cover letter and resume in one document outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.