First Nations Business and Economic Development

Job Title: Business and Economic Development Manager
Employment Type: Contract
Organization: Gwawaenuk Tribe

• Location: BC Hybrid: Port Hardy / Remote. Qualified candidates must reside on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, BC.
• Application Deadline: Until position is filled
• Salary: $80,000-$130,000 (based on experience and qualifications)
• Hours: 0.8 Full-Time Equivalent (up to 30/hours week)

Position Overview:

The Gwawaenuk Tribe, in collaboration with Kwa-Wa-Aineuk Timber, is seeking an experienced Business and Economic Development Manager to lead, grow, and manage our business initiatives. The successful candidate will develop new business opportunities, oversee staff, and engage in network fundraising efforts.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess most, if not all, of the following qualifications:

• Resident of Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.
• At least 5 years of experience working with First Nations communities or organizations.
• Proven track record of more than 5 years of experience in successfully developing and managing small businesses and a staff of more than ten people, and/or possess a post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Economic Development, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a Master of Business Administration.
• Experience managing coastal businesses related to lands and resource management, circular economies, net zero strategies, carbon markets, and a willingness to stay apprised of new green and coastal business opportunities.
• Resource development experience, including government and non-government grant writing and reporting.
• Experience developing human resources policies that meet legal compliance, overseeing training programs, supporting employee development, enforcing disciplinary actions, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, written, and virtual communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and proficiency in information tracking and management.
• Strong multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder negotiations skills.
• Supports First Nations Rights, Title, and economic self-determination.
• Commitment to uphold and integrate the Tribe's inherent rights, culture, traditions, and customary laws into all aspects of business and economic development decision making.
• Commitment to protect and preserve the Tribe's ecological and cultural areas, ensuring that these values guide every business initiative undertaken.
• Commitment to prioritize training and education initiatives for Tribe members to enhance their opportunities to grow within Gwawaenuk businesses.
• Ability to travel and work with staff in remote business sites, and to work with Tribe Finance and Administrative staff in Port Hardy when required.
• Flexible working style, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively (including through virtual meetings and workshops).
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and management of Gwawaenuk Tribe’s businesses, with approximately 75% of time dedicated to business management, growth, and human resources, with the remainder of time dedicated to economic development initiatives.
• Secure funding to support program operations and personnel
• Oversee all aspects of business management, including staffing, contract development, licensing and insurance requirements, regulatory compliance, asset management, maintenance, and acquisitions.
• Complete reporting requirements as applicable.
• Provide direction and support to Gwawaenuk businesses and collaborate with members to support member-owned enterprises.
• Oversee new hires for each business.
• Promote programs and training that support entrepreneurship, business growth, and sustainable economic development within the Tribe.
• Prepare and manage budgets, work plans, and funding proposals to support economic development and business operations.
• Advocate for Gwawaenuk’s economic interests in regional, provincial, and national forums, ensuring the representation and advancement of Tribe priorities.
• Conduct economic feasibility studies, market research, and business analyses to support community economic development initiatives.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, grants, partnerships, and joint ventures to support economic development projects and business ventures.

Additional Information:

Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume that outlines their qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities to: Hiring@gwawaenuktribe.ca

Preference will be given to qualified candidates of Indigenous ancestry.

We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates who provide the requested information and meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Gwawaenuk Tribe team.

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