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: Export Development Executive
The Export Development Executive (EDE) is responsible for working with Invest Nova Scotia’s exporting and export-curious clients to help them develop and pursue market diversification and growth strategies. The EDE assists in enhancing the market preparedness of Nova Scotia companies through research, counselling, information, and referral to partner organizations. A key part of this role is delivering Nova Scotia’s suite of export development programs and services and coordinating trade missions, activities, and events.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will help drive Nova Scotia’s export growth and support companies as they expand into global markets by working with current and potential exporters, helping them navigate opportunities and challenges in international markets. You’ll manage a range of export development activities, including trade missions, trade shows, incoming buyer programs, workshops, and special events, while identifying and recruiting both local companies and foreign buyers who may benefit from these initiatives. You will build relationships with Canadian Embassies, Consulates, and High Commissions, as well as promote trade programs to businesses, industry groups, government partners, and international stakeholders. You’ll also prepare and deliver export‑readiness seminars across the province in collaboration with regional partners and business organizations.
What We’re Looking For
- The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, or a related discipline with a focus on international trade, and at least five years of practical export development experience.
- A Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation or working toward a CITP designation is considered an asset. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
- Experience in the food and beverage sector would be considered a definite asset.
You also bring:
- Strong knowledge of trade policies, procedures, and relevant legislation
- Experience planning and managing trade missions, workshops, events, and their logistics
- Solid project management skills to oversee trade initiatives from concept to completion
- Intermediate proficiency with CRM tools and Microsoft 365
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation abilities
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects at various stages
- Effective conflict‑management skills for working with internal and external stakeholders
- Resilience to handle ambiguity, travel demands, and irregular schedules
- Sound independent judgment and cultural awareness for working in international environments
- Creativity to develop export strategies, solve market‑expansion challenges, design new trade initiatives, and identify funding or partnership opportunities
Additional Qualifications
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and be available for frequent international travel without restrictions, including outside normal business hours.
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-05
Classification: This is a bargaining unit position with an Invest Nova Scotia 7 rate of pay: $79,507- $95,248 based on the March 31, 2024, collective agreement rates. Preference will be given to qualified Invest Nova Scotia NSGEU bargaining unit candidates.
Please send your resume and cover letter as a single PDF via e-mail to careers@investnovascotia.ca, 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.