Develop, implement and evaluate the Nation's economic vision, strategy and priorities

Establish goals, objectives and performance indicators and report on progress and outcomes

Monitor economic trends, funding programs and policy developments relevant to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ interests

Review studies and identified opportunities and establish a prioritized economic development pipeline

Lead research, feasibility studies, due diligence and business-case development

Advance opportunities toward investment-ready and commercially viable projects

Coordinate land and infrastructure readiness with relevant departments

Support laws, regulations, policies and permitting processes that enable investment

Identify financing, grants and investment sources and prepare funding proposals and business cases

Coordinate economic development initiatives across government departments and with Treaty implementation

Develop relationships with industry, investors, financial institutions, consultants, communities and governments

Facilitate partnerships and joint ventures and negotiate related agreements

Support citizen entrepreneurship, business development, employment and training pathways

Transition commercially viable opportunities to YFN Enterprises for investment, implementation and operation

Establish and lead a lean Economic Development Department

Prepare and manage the departmental budget with the CFO and administer funding agreements

Support the Economic Development Committee and provide analysis, options and recommendations

Participate in strategic planning as a member of the Senior Management Team

Provide updates and briefings to the CAO, Executive, Legislature and hitac̓u Assembly

Requirements





Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a related field

8–10 years of directly related experience in economic development, business development, or related fields, with 2–3 years at a management level

Experience developing business cases, feasibility studies and due diligence for economic development projects

Experience developing, negotiating and managing partnerships, funding proposals and revenue agreements

Experience developing and managing departmental budgets and program funding

Demonstrated strategic planning and program development experience

Experience working with First Nations governments and arm's-length Indigenous economic development or holding companies (preferred)

Familiarity with Indigenous nation-building approaches to economic development (preferred)

Knowledge of the economic landscape of the west coast of Vancouver Island (preferred)

Experience supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and employment initiatives (preferred)

Strategic and analytical thinking with solid business acumen and sound judgement

Ability to move opportunities from concept through feasibility, due diligence and business case to investment readiness

Strong negotiation, partnership-building and relationship-management skills





Ability to work effectively within arm's-length governance structures and respect the boundary between government and commercial operations

Financial literacy, funding proposal and business case development skills

Ability to build, manage and mentor a small professional team

Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution

Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding

Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, culture, and protocols

Commitment to advancing economic opportunities that benefit Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens

Understanding of the intergenerational impacts affecting Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens and employees

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in economic development, including strategic planning, partnership negotiation, and funding proposal development. Proven ability to lead teams and manage departmental budgets while fostering relationships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Economic Development

Business Case Development

Partnership Negotiation

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Hard Skills

Feasibility Studies

Due Diligence

Funding Proposal Development

Financial Literacy

Program Development

Soft Skills

Negotiation Skills

Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Cultural Sensitivity

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Commerce

Bachelor's Degree in Economics

Industry Keywords

Indigenous Economic Development

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Interests

Investment Readiness

Economic Trends

First Nations Governments

📌 Director, Economic Development (Chemainus)
🏢 Jobtailor
📍 Chemainus