Open Door Group (ODG), a mission-driven non-profit organization serving communities in Alberta and BC, is seeking a Self-Employment Specialist to join the Business Works Central Alberta (BWCA) team. This role supports individuals pursuing self-employment by guiding them through business concept development, planning, launch, and early implementation.
Wage: $32.18 to $39.33 per hour
Status: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours of Work: 36 hours per week
Location: Hybrid remote work opportunity. The primary work location for this position will be a home office but will have secondary work locations of the Open Door locations in Red Deer, Calgary, or Edmonton, depending on which community the successful candidate is located.
Anticipated Start Date: August 24, 2026
About the Role
The Self-Employment Specialist is a member of the Client Services Team and plays a key role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to develop viable business concepts and plans. This position provides coaching and guidance throughout all stages of the BWCA program, from intake and assessment through business launch and post-program follow-up.
You will work closely with the Program Manager and community partners to help ensure clients receive practical, informed support and feel prepared to present their business plans to a review panel. The role includes client recruitment, administration, business coaching, and community engagement to support successful self-employment outcomes.
What You Will Do
You will guide clients through the self-employment journey, from initial concept development to business launch and early sustainability. This includes:
-
Delivering virtual orientations and entrepreneurial skills workshops
-
Debriefing assessment results and evaluating business concepts for feasibility and readiness
-
Coaching clients on research, business planning, financial forecasting, marketing strategies, and regulatory requirements
-
Reviewing business plans and preparing summaries for review panels
-
Supporting clients to explore alternative pathways when business concepts are not viable
Following business approval, you will provide mentorship and implementation support, including sustainability planning, effective use of program funds, and compliance considerations such as income and tax requirements. You will connect clients with mentors, alumni, and community partners, and provide structured follow-up support after program completion.
Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position. Full posting and job description are available at: Careers at Open Door Group
Why Open Door Group?
Champion of Great Workplaces
ODG proudly holds the title of one of Canada's Certified Great Places to Work, fostering a culture of compassion and authenticity. Join a team that values your unique contribution and believes in the boundless potential of every individual.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
As a Certified Living Wage Employer, ODG is committed to offering more than just a job.
Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility. ODG is committed to transparent, equitable, and competitive pay structures, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance.
Enjoy a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefits package and an RRSP matching program. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance Program to support you. Invest in your future with our professional development fund. Pursue courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career.
Community Impact
Be part of an organization that goes beyond the conventional, providing tailored employment services to build strong workforce ecosystems and thriving communities. Your work will directly contribute to the social and economic well-being of the community.
What you bring to the position
If you meet most of the qualifications and are passionate about this work, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that career paths are not always linear. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered.
Education
-
Diploma in Commerce, Business Management, Marketing, Financial Planning, or a related field
-
3 years business coaching experience, preferably with new entrepreneurs and diverse clientele
-
An equivalent combination of education, entrepreneurial experience, business coaching, or community-based experience will be considered
Competencies / Skills
Required:
-
Experience writing and reviewing business plans
-
Experience coaching or supporting entrepreneurs or individuals pursuing self-employment
-
Working knowledge of small business development, marketing, financial forecasting, and operations
-
Experience facilitating group sessions, including virtual delivery
-
Effective written and verbal communication skills appropriate for client engagement
-
Organizational and documentation skills
-
Proficiency with MS Office and virtual platforms such as Zoom or Teams
Assets:
-
Experience supporting individuals facing barriers to employment or self-employment
-
Experience preparing or interpreting financial statements such as cash flow, income statements, and balance sheets
-
Knowledge of local business and employment resources or the ability to build strong community partnerships
Open Door Group values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. We are looking for qualified individuals who represent, at all job levels, the diversity of the people we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people of all genders and sexual orientations, racialized individuals, people with disabilities, individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and faith traditions.
We strive to ensure an accessible experience for candidates. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us toll-free at 1 866 377 3670 and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at [email protected].
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team!
