Help Shape the Future of Organic in Canada

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, and strategic Marketing & Business Development Director to lead our marketing, communications, membership growth, sponsorship development, and industry engagement initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is passionate about building partnerships, growing revenue, strengthening brand awareness, and advancing the organic sector across Canada. Working closely with the Executive Director and a collaborative team, you will play a key role in driving COTA's strategic priorities and expanding our influence with retailers, foodservice operators, government stakeholders, industry partners, and members.

About the Canada Organic Trade Association

The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is the national voice for organic businesses in Canada. We connect, advocate for, and promote the Canadian organic sector while advancing opportunities for market growth, industry collaboration, and consumer awareness.

The Details

Location: Ottawa, ON (Hybrid)

Salary: $85,000-95,000 annually, commensurate with experience,

• performance bonus opportunity

Reports to: Executive Director

What You'll Do

As Marketing & Business Development Director, you will:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and business development strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify new opportunities for revenue growth, partnerships, sponsorships, and grants.
• Analyze industry trends, market developments, and member needs to inform organizational growth strategies.

Membership & Revenue Growth

• Oversee membership recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
• Develop compelling value propositions and marketing materials to support member and sponsor acquisition.
• Build relationships with prospective and current members, sponsors, funders, and strategic partners.
• Support revenue generation goals through sponsorships, events, educational programming, and partnership development.

Marketing & Communications

• Lead the annual marketing and communications planning process.
• Oversee brand strategy and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Direct digital marketing efforts, including website management, email marketing, social media, and advertising campaigns.
• Lead media relations and public relations activities.

Industry & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead retailer and foodservice engagement initiatives, including programs such as Organic Month, Organic Campus, and the Organic School Food Program.
• Represent COTA at conferences, trade shows, government meetings, and industry events.
• Foster relationships with industry stakeholders, government representatives, retailers, and strategic partners.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight to team members responsible for revenue generation and program delivery.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics and key performance indicators alongside the Executive Director.
• Manage external marketing and communications consultants and service providers as required.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in marketing, business, communications, public affairs, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in marketing, business development, membership organizations, associations, non-profits, or related sectors.
• Experience leading strategic marketing and communications initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in revenue generation, sponsorship development, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of digital marketing and communications channels.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities, in both official languages (ideally French bilingual).
• Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify market opportunities and measure results.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Assets

• Knowledge of Canada's organic sector, food industry, agriculture, sustainability, or public policy environments.
• Experience working with retailers and foodservice sector.
• Experience with grant writing and funding development.
• Bilingualism (English/French).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $85,000-95,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Performance bonus opportunity of up to 15%
• Employer-paid group benefits
• Optional RRSP matching program
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility
• Opportunities for professional growth and national industry leadership
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of Canada's organic sector

Working Conditions

• Full-time position (37.5 hours per week)
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Occasional evening and weekend work required
• Some travel for conferences, events, meetings, and industry engagement

Apply Today

If you are a strategic marketer, relationship builder, and business development professional who is passionate about growing Canada's organic sector, we encourage you to apply.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Start Date: September 1, 2026 (Ideally)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid)

Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.