Eton College Canada is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Business Development & Partnerships to lead our external growth strategy. This is a senior leadership role for someone who is ready to be the face of the college — building relationships with government bodies, school districts, First Nations communities, non-profit organizations, and corporate partners to create new revenue streams and expand student pathways.
Currently, our revenue comes from B2C (direct student enrollment) and B2B channels. You will develop and own a third and fourth revenue stream through institutional partnerships and contract training.
Key Responsibilities
Government & Community Relations
- Represent Eton College as the primary point of contact with provincial and municipal government bodies.
- Build and maintain relationships with BC Ministry of Education, PTIRU, and relevant funding agencies.
- Identify and secure government funding opportunities including CEP, workforce development grants, and community employment programs.
- Develop partnerships with First Nations bands and Indigenous organizations to create culturally relevant training programs.
School District & Academic Partnerships
- Establish formal partnerships with BC school districts to develop dual credit and feeder pipeline programs.
- Negotiate credit transfer agreements with post-secondary institutions.
- Work with academic teams to design career-oriented programs that align with high school to college transition pathways.
- Represent Eton at education fairs, school board meetings, and community events.
Corporate & Employer Partnerships
- Build relationships with regional employers and industry associations to create co-op, practicum, and direct hiring pipelines for Eton graduates.
- Develop employer-sponsored training and upskilling programs that generate contract revenue.
- Identify industries with acute hiring needs and work with the academic team to develop certificate programs that meet those needs.
- Negotiate MOU and partnership agreements with corporate clients.
Non-Profit & Social Services Partnerships
- Partner with non-profit organizations to provide training solutions for their client populations.
- Develop funded training programs targeting employment re-entry, newcomer integration, and skills upgrading.
- Identify and apply for grant funding in partnership with non-profit community organizations.
Revenue Growth & Reporting
- Develop and own an annual partnership revenue target, with a clear plan for achieving it.
- Report monthly to the President on pipeline activity, signed agreements, and projected revenue.
- Track all partnership leads, conversations, and contract milestones using a CRM system.
- Collaborate with the B2C and B2B teams to ensure institutional referrals convert to enrolled students.
What You Bring
- 5+ years of experience in business development, partnership management, or institutional relations — ideally in post-secondary education, workforce development, or the public sector.
- Existing relationships with BC government bodies, school districts, First Nations organizations, or corporate HR/training departments.
- Proven track record of closing partnership agreements and meeting revenue or enrollment targets.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills — you are comfortable representing the college at any level.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and applying an equity lens to program development.
- Knowledge of BC post-secondary regulatory environment (PTIRU, PCTIA) is an asset.
- Experience identifying and securing government grants and workforce development funding.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
Work Location: In person
