Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2i7sfv

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and community growth?

Join Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism; a mission-driven organization where innovation, collaboration, and impact come together to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy.

The Economic Development Officer, Startup YMM plays a pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurship and business growth in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. Reporting to the Director, Business Retention and Expansion, this position leads the operations and strategic development of Startup YMM, the region’s business incubator and accelerator.

This role blends hands-on program delivery with strategic ecosystem building. The successful candidate will work directly with entrepreneurs, startups, and community partners to remove barriers, build capacity, and support business creation, scale-up, and long-term sustainability.

Please Note: This is a full-time 1-year temporary position with the expectation of continuation.

Key Responsibilities

Startup YMM Operations & Program Delivery

- Oversee the day-to-day operations of Startup YMM, ensuring effective delivery of incubator and accelerator programs and services.
- Manage client intake, consultations, and ongoing support, connecting entrepreneurs with relevant resources, tools, and referrals.
- Identify opportunities to optimize and automate processes to improve efficiency and participant experience.
- Develop and maintain resource materials, toolkits, and guides to support entrepreneurs and program delivery.
- Work with internal teams to market and promote Startup YMM programs, events, and success stories across digital and community channels.

Entrepreneurship, Expansion & Business Growth Support

- Engage directly with startups, small businesses, and innovators to identify growth opportunities, challenges, and barriers.
- Provide tailored guidance to support business planning, market expansion, funding readiness, and operational growth.
- Design and deliver programming that enhances business capacity, innovation, and investment readiness.
- Conduct market and industry research to identify entrepreneurial trends, opportunities, and gaps in the region.
- Represent FMWBEDT at events, committees, and working groups to advance entrepreneurship and economic development objectives.

Strategic Collaboration & Community Partnerships

- Build and maintain robust relationships with business leaders, investors, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous and rural partners, and all levels of government.




- Collaborate with regional and community partners to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and align initiatives with regional economic priorities.

Program & Project Leadership

- Lead the research, design, delivery, and evaluation of entrepreneurship programs, workshops, and events.
- Develop project plans, track milestones, and report on key performance indicators to ensure accountability and impact.
- Research best practices, funding opportunities, and emerging trends to inform continuous program improvement.
- Support the preparation of funding proposals, grant applications, and related research to advance Startup YMM’s sustainability and growth.
- Prepare reports, dashboards, and performance summaries on program outcomes and metrics.
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies, financial controls, and reporting standards

Skills & Qualifications

- Strong professional presence with the ability to represent FMWBEDT and the region with integrity, credibility, and discretion.
- Deep understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, and small-to-medium enterprise development.
- Knowledge of funding options, investment readiness, and business support networks for startups and scaleups.
- Proven project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, supported by data-driven decision-making.
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly, think creatively, and exercise sound judgment in complex or evolving situations.
- Commitment to service excellence, inclusion, and community impact.

Education & Experience

- Degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field.
- Minimum five (5) years of related experience in economic development or comparable environment.
- Formal coursework specific to Economic Development, or Economic Development Designation is a strong asset.
- Previous experience working with indigenous organizations and stakeholders is preferred.
- An established local network of business, municipal, or public relations would be an asset.

Working conditions





- The role requires a professional, respectful, and collaborative approach.
- This position operates in a fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions.
- A high level of discretion is required due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
- The physical demands are consistent with standard office work, requiring prolonged periods of sitting and regular use of a computer keyboard, monitor, and other office equipment.
- Valid Class 5 Operators Licence or equivalent with the ability to provide a clean abstract.
- A valid passport (or ability to obtain or renew) and the ability to travel is mandatory.
- The position may require work outside standard business hours to attend meetings, events, or support program delivery, including occasional extended hours.

Why Work With Us

At Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic, Development, & Tourism, your work directly supports local entrepreneurs and the future of our regional economy. Through Startup YMM, you will help founders turn ideas into viable businesses, support innovation, and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

You will join a collaborative and purpose-driven team that values creativity, accountability, and community impact. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives, build strong partnerships, and make a visible difference for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

If you are motivated by helping others succeed and want to play a hands-on role in shaping the region’s startup ecosystem, this is a unique and rewarding opportunity.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through Indeed or directly by email to [email protected]. To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, we kindly ask that all applications be submitted electronically.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism organization. While we appreciate the time and effort taken to apply, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted at this stage.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

- Are you local to Fort McMurray?
- Please list relevant education and training

Experience:

- economic development or comparable environment: 5 years (preferred)
- ndigenous organizations and stakeholders: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Class 5 Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2i7sfv

📌 Economic Development Officer, Startup YMM (Fort McMurray)
🏢 Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism
📍 Fort McMurray