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STRATEGIST, INDIGENOUS CLIENT SERVICES

Business Link Alberta (“BLA”) is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta. For more than 30 years, BLA has helped thousands of prospective and existing entrepreneurs through webinars, events, conferences, and personalized one-on-one consultations. In addition to providing guidance on how and where to access support, BLA has also administered grant funding programs on behalf of the government.

BLA collaborates with a wide range of service providers, funding organizations, and small business support agencies throughout the province. Each year, BLA serves more than 5,000 clients from across Alberta, including those in rural communities, and urban centers.

Our Mission

BLA helps Alberta’s small businesses start and succeed.

Our Values

• Inclusive
• Impactful
• Non-Judgmental

Our Culture

• Innovative
• Transparent
• Open-Minded
• Collaborative
• Respectful
• Belonging

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Client Service, the Strategist delivers client-centered guidance that supports entrepreneurs and small business owners in starting, growing, and strengthening their businesses. Through one-on-one engagements, the Strategist provides practical, tailored guidance, helping clients navigate programs, connect with ecosystem supports, and build the confidence and capability to make informed business decisions.

While supporting entrepreneurs across all client groups, this role has a specialized focus on Indigenous engagement. The Strategist develops and maintains meaningful relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, organizations, and business support partners across Alberta to increase awareness of BLA’s services, strengthen connections across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and improve access to business supports.

The Strategist also contributes to continuous improvement by identifying emerging client and community needs, capturing service delivery insights, and supporting data-informed enhancement to BLA’s programs, partnerships, and service delivery.

Key Relationships:

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners across all stages of business
• Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, organizations, and economic development partners
• Internal Client Service and cross-functional teams
• Ecosystem partners
• Community organizations serving diverse and underserved populations
• Government agencies and Indigenous business support networks

LOCATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Offices in Edmonton and Calgary (hybrid model)
• Minimum three days per week in-office or in face-to-face settings
• Occasional travel within Alberta (as required)
• Availability to attend occasional meetings and events outside regular business hours.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Guidance & Experience

• Deliver tailored, one-on-one services to support entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta, with 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.

Program & Service Delivery

• 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

Data & Insight Contribution

• 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.

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Engagement

• 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.

Team Contribution

• 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.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Client service, coaching, and relationship management
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Communication, facilitation, and presentation
• Systems thinking and resource navigation
• Cultural awareness, humility, and inclusive service delivery
• Community engagement and relationship building
• Adaptability and resilience
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Planning, organization, and time management

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

COMPENSATION & 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.

Business Link Alberta is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We value collaboration, transparency, and innovation in serving Alberta’s small business community.

We welcome applications from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, community involvement, and lived experience will be considered.

Please note: This position is being advertised in both Calgary and Edmonton; however, only one position will be filled. The successful candidate may be based in either location.