Business Development Specialist

Drive growth. Fuel innovation. Shape the future of Nova Scotia.

Invest Nova Scotia empowers businesses of all sizes to leverage our province's natural advantages and deliver world-class solutions for Canada and global markets. Through our focus on three key areas of economic growth: start-up and venture capital, scale-up and export, and investment attraction, we're helping Nova Scotia become an economic success story. Together, we turn local potential into lasting prosperity.

As a provincial crown corporation reporting to the Department of Growth and Development, our team is as innovative and energetic as the clients we serve. We are a client and people-centric organization, and we care deeply about the work we do, guided by our values and our passion to help the companies we work with grow and succeed.

Job Opportunity: Business Development Specialist (Permanent)

In this role, you will play an important part in advancing our investment attraction efforts with research, lead generation, and outreach within your assigned sector(s), with a focus on aerospace & defence and/or AI and the digital economy. You will help us identify companies with growth potential and connect them with the right opportunities in Nova Scotia. Using a thoughtful, relationship-focused approach, you will engage with key decision-makers, understand their business priorities, and help them see how Nova Scotia could support their expansion goals.

What You'll Do

You'll identify and qualify companies with growth potential, building on leads from our Strategy and Research, and Marketing teams to research their expansion plans, assess their alignment with Nova Scotia, and identify key decision-makers. You'll initiate contact with prospective companies, track and manage leads in our CRM, and build professional relationships over time. You'll also support the development of content and targeted campaigns, share Nova Scotia's value proposition, and connect prospective companies with the Investment Attraction team. You'll support sales events and trade shows; co-host events as required and take on other related responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree or a two-year diploma in Business, Science, Commerce, or a related field, along with at least three (3) years of experience in direct sales or business development.

You also bring:

• Experience in aerospace & defence and/or AI and the digital economy
• Strong working knowledge of Salesforce and LinkedIn
• Experience creating and sharing content through digital and social media channels
• Comfortable using project management tools and Microsoft 365
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to build relationships and deliver a high level of client service
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working independently
• Open to testing new approaches and recommending process improvements

What We Offer

We offer a people-focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing and work/life balance. Our defined benefit pension plan, robust Blue Cross health and dental coverage, and Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provide comprehensive support for you and your family. You'll also have access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to work with innovative, emerging companies in Nova Scotia. All to help you build a fulfilling career while maintaining a balanced life.
Explore more: investnovascotia.ca

We Value Diversity

Invest Nova Scotia is committed to embracing diversity and fostering a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from Black and African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, veterans, persons living with disabilities, and women. If you identify as part of one of these groups, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume.

If you require accommodation at any point during the hiring process, please let us know.

This role is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Closing Date: May 18, 2026

Competition #: 26-INS-04

Please send your resume and cover letter as a single PDF via e-mail to [email protected], including the competition number in the subject line. In your cover letter, be sure to explain how your experience and skills align with this role.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Final candidates will undergo pre-employment screening as part of the hiring process.