Summer Student, Business Development

ABOUT MDR STRATEGY GROUP

MDR Strategy Group is a consulting firm that helps organizations strengthen how they serve and protect Canadian communities.

We work primarily with governments, non-profits, regulatory bodies and organizations across Canada and internationally, and our services focus on strategic communications, leadership, and governance.

Established in 2017, we are driven by purpose and passionate about meaningful work that creates positive impact.

THE ROLE

We are hiring a Summer Student, Business Development to support our firm's growth through business development and client engagement activities.

This role is ideal for a highly motivated university or recent post-secondary graduate interested in consulting, business development, strategic communications, organizational leadership, public affairs, and public-interest work.

The successful candidate will work closely with MDR's Director, Strategic Partnerships and leadership team to support lead generation, client outreach, proposal development, research, and strategic growth initiatives.

We are seeking a highly capable, professional, and exceptionally strong writer who is eager to contribute meaningfully within a fast-paced consulting environment.

This role is restricted to university or community college students currently enrolled in a program, or graduates within the past two years. No exceptions.

TERM

This is a full-time temporary summer position expected to commence ASAP and conclude around August 31, 2026.

LOCATION

This role is based in-person at MDR Strategy Group's Bedford, Nova Scotia office. Candidates must be available to work in-office five days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to the Director, Strategic Partnerships, the Summer Student, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships will:
• Support the development and maintenance of the firm's client relationship management and lead generation systems.
• Assist with identifying and researching prospective clients and market opportunities.
• Support business development initiatives.
• Reach out to prospective clients.
• Participate in introductory sales meetings and discovery sessions with prospective clients.
• Assist with proposal writing, editing, formatting, and submission coordination.
• Conduct organizational, sectoral, and market research to support business
• development efforts.
• Prepare briefing notes, background documents, meeting summaries, and follow-up materials.
• Assist with tracking business development activities, opportunities, and lead pipelines.
• Collaborate with diverse internal teams across communications, strategy, and operations.
• Support special strategic projects and firm initiatives as required.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must be studying or have completed studies in Business/Commerce, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, International Development Studies, or other relevant discipline
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Highly developed analytical and research abilities.
• Strong computing and digital proficiency.
• Results-oriented, self-directed, and highly organized.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Professional and confident interacting with senior leaders and clients.
• Self-starting, proactive, and capable of working both independently and within collaborative teams.
• High-level EQ, professionalism, and maturity.
• Ability to easily understand and navigate online technologies and digital systems.
• Hardworking, determined, and driven by potential.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (EDI)

• Sensitive and confident working in an EDI-empowered organization.
• Demonstrated interest in public-interest, governance, social impact, or community-focused work.
• Comfortable working with diverse teams, perspectives, and communities.

CONDITIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

• Applicants must be located in Nova Scotia (no exceptions) and be eligible to work in Canada. Proof of eligibility will be required.
• Candidates must be available to work full-time in-person at MDR's Bedford office for the duration of the position.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal communication skills.

TO APPLY

• Interested candidates should submit their resume including a cover letter explaining their background and interest in the role to [email protected]
• Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.
• This position is restricted to university or community college students currently enrolled in a program, or graduates within the past two years. Only candidates who meet these qualifications will be considered.
• Deadline to apply is Monday, June 1, 2026

TUITION SUPPORT

MDR Strategy Group will support a successful candidate returning to post-secondary studies following the placement with a $1,500 tuition bonus for the candidate's next academic school year.